Author: Abdihakim Kalale

“In Africa, people eat meat only once a year.”This line—often repeated in charity appeals and social commentary—evokes a powerful image of scarcity. But is it true? According to Wall Africa Journal’s (WAJ) investigation based on verifiable data, extensive field reports, and expert analysis, the claim is overly simplistic, misleading, and masks a much more complex reality. Beyond the Stereotype: A Diverse Continent with Divergent Diets According to Statista (2025), Gabon topped Africa’s per capita meat supply in 2020 with 67 kg per person, followed closely by Seychelles (62.4 kg) and South Africa (59.8 kg). Meanwhile, countries like Burundi (3.1 kg)…

More than 1.1 million displaced Sudanese have returned to their homes in recent months, according to new data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), offering a rare glimmer of hope amid the country’s protracted conflict. The IOM report, covering the period from December 18, 2024, to May 28, 2025, states that 1,189,893 individuals have voluntarily returned to 20 localities across Khartoum, Sennar, and Gezira states. These returns followed renewed control by the national army in areas previously held by armed groups. Gezira State absorbed the majority of the returnees—approximately 80%—with key return destinations including East Gezira, Um Al-Qura,…

Muslims across Kenya gathered in large numbers on Friday morning to observe Eid-ul-Adha, a significant religious festival celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. In Nairobi’s Eastleigh, a hub of Muslim life in the capital, worshippers arrived at prayer grounds as early as 6 a.m., filling venues such as Eastleigh High School, Maina Wanjigi Secondary, Masjid Sahaba, and Zawadi Primary School. At Eastleigh High School, the main prayer congregation attracted notable figures including Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, who joined thousands for Salat al-Eid, the traditional Eid prayer. Security was visibly heightened with officers…

An undercover investigation has revealed Kenya’s growing role in the global organ trade, where the desperation of poverty-stricken youth collides with the urgent medical needs of wealthy foreign transplant seekers. In the western town of Eldoret, dozens of young men—healthy but jobless—are reportedly selling their kidneys for as little as £1,800 (approx. Ksh. 330,000), lured by the promise of quick cash amid deepening economic hardship. Meanwhile, foreign patients from Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries are flying into Kenya to receive illegal but life-saving kidney transplants, often paying up to £80,000 (over Ksh. 14 million) for the procedure.…

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 — The African Union Commission has expressed concern over the recent executive proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump, which imposes new travel restrictions on citizens from several countries, including Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. In a statement released this week, the Commission acknowledged the sovereign right of all nations to regulate entry and safeguard national security but urged Washington to exercise that right “in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.” “Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global…

Somalia has entered a new chapter in its security capabilities following the covert delivery of three advanced T129 ATAK helicopters by Turkiye, in a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in the country’s long-running war against the al-Shabab armed group. The ATAK helicopters, developed by Turkiye are among Turkiye’s most sophisticated rotary-wing combat systems. Armed with 20mm autocannons, anti-tank missiles (CİRİT and UMTAS), and advanced night vision and laser targeting systems, the aircraft are capable of conducting high-precision missions in rugged environments—day or night. Though neither the Somali government nor Turkiye has officially announced the delivery, Middle…

The United States has announced sweeping new travel restrictions affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan, under a directive signed by President Donald Trump that will take effect on June 9. The proclamation, a revival and expansion of earlier travel bans introduced during Trump’s first term, cites “national security risks” and “inadequate identity verification systems” as reasons for the renewed measures. The latest order enforces full entry bans for nations including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Yemen, and the three African states of Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. In addition to the outright bans, a…

Kenya’s Muslim community has raised Ksh.5.4 million to support hunger-stricken Palestinians in Gaza ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, in a faith-driven show of compassion and solidarity. The funds, collected under the Gaza-Udhiya Program 2025, will be used to purchase livestock in Egypt for ritual slaughter. The meat will then be frozen and transported into Gaza once aid corridors are open and secure. The initiative is led by Voice of Palestine, a collective of Kenyan Muslim organizations including Jamia Mosque Committee, Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims, National Muslim Leaders Forum, and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya. “This is not just…

In a major step to strengthen its tourism sector and ease travel for international visitors, the Tanzanian government has announced that nationals from 71 countries will now be able to enter the country without a visa. The announcement was made during a parliamentary session in Dodoma by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dustan Kitandula, who emphasized that this move aligns with Tanzania’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration system and attract global travelers. “This policy shift means most tourists can now obtain visas on arrival at Tanzania’s international airports, and for many others, visa requirements will be waived…

In a rare show of continental recognition, American philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has been awarded two of Africa’s highest national honors for his decades-long commitment to improving lives through healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. During his recent tour of Africa, Gates received Nigeria’s Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Ethiopia’s Special Order, the latter being the country’s most prestigious civilian decoration. Both ceremonies highlighted the sustained impact of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on the continent’s development efforts over the past 25 years. In Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the CFR award…

A new international report has placed African countries at the top of the list of the world’s most neglected humanitarian emergencies, raising alarm over shrinking aid budgets and limited international engagement in crises that continue to displace millions across the continent. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), in its latest Most Neglected Crises report, lists nations such as Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Somalia among the ten most invisible and underfunded emergencies globally. Eight of the ten most neglected crises in 2024 were in Africa. The findings come amid a steep decline in foreign aid. In 2024, humanitarian agencies received…

Somalia has received a new shipment of advanced military helicopters from the Republic of Türkiye, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid intensified operations against the al-Shabab militant group. According to Middle East Eye, three T129 ATAK attack helicopters were delivered to Somalia this week, alongside two utility helicopters designated for the Somali Navy. The transfer is part of a bilateral defense agreement signed in February 2024, under which Türkiye committed to supporting the establishment of a functional naval force for Somalia. The helicopters are produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and…

Kenya is increasingly being identified as a major transit route for gold smuggled from conflict-ridden African countries, with watchdog groups warning that the country’s informal mining sector and porous regulatory systems are making it vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks. A newly released report by SwissAid, a global organization focused on natural resource governance, highlights Kenya’s growing role in the unregulated gold trade, particularly gold originating from nations such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, and Sudan — some of which are currently affected by conflict and weak institutional control. Despite reporting only 672 kilograms of…

For the first time in history, the Somali language will be among the official languages used to interpret and broadcast sermons during the Hajj pilgrimage, Somalia’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has confirmed—marking a spiritual milestone for Somali-speaking Muslims around the world. The announcement was made by Minister Mukhtar Robow Ali, who is currently in Mecca to oversee the arrival and arrangements for Somali pilgrims. “This development ensures our people can connect more deeply with the Hajj experience,” said Robow. “Understanding the sermons in their mother tongue will bring greater spiritual awareness.” The inclusion of Somali in the real-time…

A United Nations aid convoy en route to the besieged city of El Fasher in North Darfur was attacked on Monday night, triggering alarm over the worsening security and humanitarian conditions in Sudan’s war-torn western region. According to UNICEF, the convoy—carrying food and medical aid on behalf of both UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP)—was targeted while waiting for clearance in Al-Koma, a town along the supply route to El Fasher. The agency confirmed receiving reports of “multiple casualties,” though the exact number and identities remain unconfirmed. The UN has strongly condemned the assault, calling it a grave violation…

In a major boost for Ethiopia’s renewable energy ambitions, Chinese manufacturing giant Huajian Group has committed $100 million to establish a solar energy production and export hub within the Geda Special Economic Zone. The agreement was officially signed on Monday between Motuma Temesgen, Director General of the Geda Special Economic Zone Authority, and Zhang Huarong, Executive Chairman of Huajian Group. The move is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to attract investment in clean energy and industrial manufacturing. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Motuma highlighted the government’s efforts to create a favorable investment environment, citing ongoing infrastructure developments such as electricity,…