Laatste nieuws in region
Macron Claims France Is Not Africa's 21st Century Predator at Kenya Summit
Paris, 11 May 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron denied France acts as a predator in Africa during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on 11 May 2026. Speaking to over 30 African leaders, Macron contrasted France’s approach with what he termed China’s ‘predatory dependency model’ regarding critical minerals. The summit, held for the first time in an English-speaking African nation, showcased France’s attempt to redefine its post-colonial relationship with the continent as a partnership of equals rather than dominance.
Nairobi's Busiest Transport Route Shuts Down for Four Months Starting Next Week
Nairobi, 11 May 2026
Thousands of daily commuters face major disruption as Eldoret Road closes from 6am on 18th May until 18th September 2026 for bridge construction over Nairobi River. The closure affects one of the capital’s most vital transport arteries connecting Eastlands areas including Eastleigh, Pangani, and Buruburu.
US Steps In to Mediate Somalia's Electoral Crisis as Presidential Term Expires in Days
Mogadishu, 11 May 2026
With President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate ending on 15 May, the United States will mediate crucial talks between Somalia’s government and opposition on 13 May at Mogadishu airport. The intervention highlights international fears that political deadlock could reverse years of state-building efforts and undermine the fight against Al-Shabaab, as security forces deploy across the capital to prevent opposition rallies.
Somalia's Shilling Becomes Worthless as Traders Reject National Currency
Mogadishu, 11 May 2026
Somalia’s economy faces collapse as traders nationwide refuse to accept the national shilling, forcing families into poverty overnight. Since April 2026, businesses from Mogadishu to rural areas have rejected the tattered banknotes, with a small bag of powdered milk more than doubling in price. The crisis stems from Somalia’s inability to print new currency since 1991, leaving citizens with deteriorating notes that even buses won’t accept. Exchange trader Muse Omar Jama described the devastating impact: ‘It’s like we went bankrupt overnight.’ The government has declared rejecting shillings a crime, but with 6.5 million facing severe hunger and mobile money systems beyond reach for the poorest, families watch their life savings become meaningless paper.
Sub-Saharan Africa Drives Global Arms Race Despite Continental Decline
Lagos, 11 May 2026
While Africa’s overall arms imports plummeted 41%, ten Sub-Saharan nations are bucking the trend with massive weapons purchases totalling hundreds of millions. Nigeria leads with 16% of regional imports, followed by Senegal investing nearly $300 million and Mali channelling $272 million toward Russian partnerships. This militarisation occurs amid a dangerous regional instability corridor stretching from Libya through Chad to South Sudan, where collapsed oil revenues have left security forces unpaid for nearly a year, creating conditions potentially worse than previous civil wars.
Kenya Seeks Continental Support for Supreme Court Judge's International Criminal Court Bid
Nairobi, 11 May 2026
President William Ruto is orchestrating a diplomatic campaign across Africa to secure support for Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s candidacy for the International Criminal Court bench. The veteran Supreme Court judge, who helped draft Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and championed women’s rights legislation, faces elections in December 2026 for one of six vacant ICC positions. Ruto has already engaged presidents from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire, strategically timing his lobbying efforts around this week’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where over 50 African heads of state are gathering. If successful, Ndung’u would represent Africa’s interests on the 18-member tribunal that prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Kenya Commits £12 Million to Cut Nairobi Commute Times from Two Hours to 30 Minutes
Nairobi, 11 May 2026
The Kenyan government’s £12 million railway investment will transform daily commuting for over 10,000 passengers along the Riruta-Ngong corridor, slashing journey times by 75%. This allocation brings the total project cost to £82 million and forms part of a broader £28 billion transport modernisation programme that includes the ambitious Nairobi Railway City development.
Kenya Hosts Historic Africa Summit as France Seeks New Continental Partnerships
Nairobi, 10 May 2026
Kenya becomes the first English-speaking African nation to host France’s Africa Forward Summit, marking a strategic shift in French diplomacy. Presidents Ruto and Macron signed 11 cooperation agreements worth €83 million, including railway modernisation and digital infrastructure projects. The summit represents France’s effort to expand beyond traditional Francophone allies following recent setbacks in West Africa’s Sahel region.
Dense Fog Forces Kenya Airways to Divert Regional Flights from Nairobi
Nairobi, 10 May 2026
Two Kenya Airways flights from Malawi and Zimbabwe were redirected to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport on Sunday morning after thick fog severely reduced visibility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Both aircraft safely returned to Nairobi once weather conditions improved, but the incident highlights recurring challenges during Kenya’s cold season when fog frequently disrupts operations at East Africa’s busiest aviation hub between April and July.
Kenya Showcases Renovated State House as President Ruto Hosts Sierra Leone Leader
Nairobi, 10 May 2026
President William Ruto welcomed Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio to Kenya’s newly refurbished State House on Sunday, demonstrating the nation’s enhanced diplomatic infrastructure ahead of the landmark Africa Forward Summit beginning Monday.