From promise to ridicule, Kenya’s President Ruto’s vow to buy a mega chapati-making machine stirs mockery and concerns over government priorities. 

President William Ruto’s promise to procure a chapati-making machine capable of producing one million chapatis daily for students in Nairobi has unleashed a wave of criticism and satire across Kenya. This pledge, made during a visit to St. Teresa Girls Secondary School, was meant to support Nairobi’s subsidized school meals initiative, yet it has instead spotlighted perceived misalignments in governmental priorities.

A Promise Met with Mockery

Governor Johnson Sakaja’s request for this high-capacity machine aims to bolster the “Dishi na County” school feeding program which benefits over 300,000 children. While the intention might be to enhance food security within schools, the response from the public and critics suggests a disconnect. Many view this move as a trivial response to the more pressing socio-economic issues plaguing the nation.

Satire and Social Media Storm

The nickname “El Chapo,” ingeniously coined by netizens, not only plays on the chapati-making context but also ironically compares President Ruto to the notorious drug lord, underscoring the absurdity seen in this promise. Social media platforms have exploded with memes and videos, some humorously depicting exaggerated scenarios of chapati production, while others lament the government’s oversight of more critical infrastructure needs, such as Nairobi’s inadequate drainage systems ahead of the rainy season.

Public Dissent and Political Discourse

Criticism extends beyond humor; it taps into deeper frustrations about political grandstanding in the face of everyday challenges faced by Kenyans. Online commentators and critics argue that such pledges divert attention from essential projects, such as addressing urban flooding and enhancing healthcare and education systems more holistically.

The Viability of the Chapati Initiative

Questions arise about the logistical and practical feasibility of producing a million chapatis daily. This skepticism reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness of implementing large-scale culinary operations within educational settings without addressing underlying needs for nutritional diversity and sustainable food sourcing.

Reflection on Governance and Priorities

This incident reveals broader implications for governance in Kenya, where sensational promises occasionally overshadow substantive policy-making. It prompts a national reflection on political accountability, with a call from various sectors, including religious leaders, for the government to focus more on concrete and pragmatic solutions rather than populist pledges.

In summary, while the chapati-making machine was intended as a symbol of governmental support for school nutrition, it has instead become a symbol of political disconnect and the fodder for national debate over governmental priorities and the realistic implementation of public promises.

Under the Radar: The Explosive Truth Behind Hormuud Telecom’s LPG Imports.

In the intricate web of international sanctions and clandestine trade, Hormuud Telecom, a giant in Somalia’s telecommunications sector, stands accused of playing a central role in smuggling Iranian LPG into Somalia. This operation not only breaches global sanctions but also jeopardizes the safety of Somali citizens and strains diplomatic relations with the United States.

Hormuud Telecom, known for its vast reach through mobile and internet services, allegedly exploits loopholes and engages in deceptive practices to facilitate the entry of Iranian LPG into the Somali market, claiming these shipments originate from Iraq. Vessel tracking data and denials from the supposed Iraqi source, Basrah Gas Company, tell a different story, exposing a network of deceit and sanctions evasion.

The implications of these actions are profound. Beyond violating international law, the influx of substandard LPG has led to increased safety hazards in Somalia, from cylinder explosions to devastating fires, underscoring a disregard for public safety and regulatory norms. This situation raises serious questions about the integrity of Hormuud Telecom and the oversight capabilities of Somali authorities, who might be either complicit or grossly negligent.

Moreover, the case of Hormuud Telecom underscores a broader issue of geopolitical tension, where Somalia risks becoming a nexus for sanction-defying trade, potentially alienating key international partners like the United States. With Hormuud already under scrutiny for past irregularities and exploiting weak governance structures, this latest scandal could attract severe legal repercussions and international sanctions, further isolating Somalia on the global stage.

Amidst these allegations, the silence and apparent inaction of the Somaliland government stand out. Critics argue that Somaliland’s passive stance may be influenced by business interests linked to Telesom, a rival telecom firm operating extensively in Somaliland but owned by entities based in Mogadishu—entities that are ostensibly hostile to Somaliland’s interests. This perceived conflict of interest suggests a complicated interplay of business and politics, which might be undermining Somaliland’s security and economic autonomy.

As international observers call for accountability and a clampdown on such illicit activities, the spotlight on Hormuud Telecom’s operations intensifies. The outcome of this saga will not only affect Hormuand’s standing but could also redefine the regulatory and diplomatic landscape in Somalia, posing a stark choice between continuing as a haven for dubious dealings or taking decisive steps towards transparency and legal compliance.

Former NISA Deputy Director Abdisalam Guled highlights Al-Shabaab’s evolving threat, urging immediate government action to curb the militant group’s influence.

The recent warnings from Abdisalam Guled, former Deputy Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), underscore a critical juncture in Somalia’s ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab. Guled’s comparisons of Al-Shabaab’s tactics to those employed by the Taliban in Afghanistan reflect a grim acknowledgment: Al-Shabaab is not just a terrorist group; it is an evolving political entity aiming to establish its own rule in Somalia.

Guled’s stark warning highlights Al-Shabaab’s strategy to gain public trust and establish a territorial foothold, particularly in the central and southern regions like Hirshabelle. This approach mirrors historical insurgencies where militant groups transition from mere combatants to governing forces, thus posing a multifaceted threat to national stability and governance.

The call to action from Guled emphasizes the need for the Somali government to assert its capability and willingness to maintain security and sovereignty. This is crucial not only for countering the military advances of Al-Shabaab but also for undermining their efforts to win hearts and minds among the local populace. The Somali government faces the dual task of direct military engagement and the establishment of governance that genuinely reflects and protects the interests of its citizens.

Moreover, the commentary from Mukhtar Robow, the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs and a former Al-Shabaab leader, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Robow’s dismissal of the threat to Mogadishu could be seen as an attempt to project confidence in the government’s current strategies. However, his background with Al-Shabaab offers a unique perspective on the group’s capabilities and ambitions, suggesting that his reassurances should not lead to complacency.

Al-Shabaab’s persistence and adaptability have allowed it to remain a formidable force within Somalia despite numerous military campaigns to dismantle its operations. The group’s continued ability to carry out high-profile attacks in Somalia underscores the ongoing risks and challenges faced by the government and its international partners.

In conclusion, Guled’s warnings serve as a sobering reminder of the ongoing and complex threat posed by Al-Shabaab. For Somalia, addressing this threat effectively requires a balanced approach that combines military action, improved governance, and strategic communications to dismantle the group’s narrative and operational bases. The situation remains precarious, and the path forward fraught with challenges, underscoring the need for a sustained and multifaceted strategy in the fight for stability and governance in Somalia.

Vital PEACE Cable damage in the Red Sea puts East Africa’s connectivity on hold, with repairs expected to drag into mid-April 2025.

The recent disruption of internet services across Somaliland and parts of East Africa, due to a break in the Pakistan & East Africa Connecting Europe (PEACE) Cable in the Red Sea, underscores the fragile nature of the region’s internet infrastructure. This key undersea fibre-optic cable, which connects East Africa with Europe and Asia, experienced a significant rupture, leading to slower internet speeds and compromised streaming quality throughout the affected areas.

In an immediate response to the outage, Somaliland’s telecommunications providers rerouted traffic to backup networks, which restored services to near-normal levels. The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somaliland has announced that complete repairs to the damaged cable are not expected to be completed until mid-April 2025. During this period, the NCA has committed to working closely with internet service providers (ISPs) to monitor service quality and address any technical issues that arise.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of vulnerabilities in Africa’s internet infrastructure, highlighted by similar disruptions in the past due to undersea cable damage in both the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. These recurring issues emphasize the critical need for enhanced redundancy measures to safeguard connectivity in the region.

The NCA has called on telecom operators to maintain transparent communication with regulators and to implement swift mitigation plans to minimize further service degradation. This proactive approach is essential in preventing future disruptions and in strengthening the resilience of internet infrastructure in Africa, ensuring reliable connectivity for its rapidly growing online population.

In response to the dwindling state of the American shipbuilding industry and the growing capabilities of international competitors, President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new White House office aimed at revitalizing U.S. military and commercial shipbuilding. This move reflects urgent concerns over national security and strategic competitiveness, particularly in light of China’s surging ship production rates.

The U.S. shipbuilding industry is experiencing significant decline, operating at reduced capacity with a substantial decrease in the number of ships in the Navy’s fleet. Despite being renowned for its firepower and tonnage, the U.S. Navy now lags behind China in terms of ship numbers. The fiscal policies and budgeting strategies of recent years have resulted in a net loss of ships, with the 2025 budget planning for the decommissioning of more ships than new ones being commissioned. This reduction poses serious implications for national security and military readiness.

The American shipbuilding industry faces several critical challenges, including fluctuating demand influenced by Navy budget cuts, a shrinking supplier network, and a lack of steady contracts which jeopardizes the entire supply chain. Companies like Fairbanks Morse Defense and BAE Systems Ship Repair have expressed concerns over operating under capacity and the risks associated with a diminishing supplier base. The inconsistency in budgeting and project funding, exacerbated by the frequent use of continuing resolutions by Congress, complicates execution and planning within the industry.

The strategic implications of a weakened U.S. shipbuilding capacity extend beyond national security. The ability to project power and maintain supply lines in international waters is crucial in times of conflict. The comparison with China is particularly stark; China not only surpasses the U.S. in the number of military ships but also dominates in commercial shipbuilding, with more than 1,000 ships built annually compared to the U.S.’s five. This disparity highlights the potential strategic vulnerabilities in the event of an international conflict.

Efforts to address these challenges include legislative measures like the Ships for America Act, proposed by Senator Mark Kelly, which aims to increase the U.S. commercial fleet and, by extension, bolster the military shipbuilding supply chain through tax incentives and cargo fees. Additionally, industry leaders are exploring ways to improve worker retention and operational efficiency to combat the workforce shortages and competitive wage issues exacerbated by the broader economic environment.

The creation of a dedicated White House office to oversee and promote shipbuilding is a critical step toward addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the U.S. maritime industry. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, particularly with the rise of China as a dominant maritime power, revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry is not only a matter of economic importance but a strategic imperative essential for maintaining national security and global influence.

The recent roundtable discussion, “Information Bridge: Russia – Africa,” held on March 6, 2025, at the State Duma of the Russian Federation, signifies a major stride in the burgeoning media relations between Russia and Africa. This event, under the stewardship of Alexander M. Babakov and the Afro-Russian Energy Association, congregated a diverse group of influencers, from government officials to media experts and bloggers, all aimed at forging a robust media partnership between the two regions.

Strategic Media Collaborations

The discussions underscored a shared recognition of the digital realm’s power to transcend geographical boundaries and foster deeper mutual understanding. Alexander Babakov’s opening remarks highlighted the indispensable role of state-backed initiatives in shaping these media narratives, proposing a structured approach to ensure the Russian state’s information agenda is prominently implemented across African media platforms.

Maria Zakharova, representing the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out the critical need for enhanced presence and engagement of African media within Russia. She advocated for more systematic interactions, including educational exchanges and press tours, to bridge the informational gap and provide a more nuanced portrayal of Russia in Africa.

Educational and Developmental Initiatives

Irina Abramova from the Russian Academy of Sciences called for educational initiatives to aid journalists in accurately covering African affairs, stressing the importance of broadcasting beyond capital cities to reach more rural and underserved populations. This approach not only educates but also empowers young Africans, fostering a well-informed public capable of engaging with and understanding global issues.

Technological Integration and Infrastructure Support

Artur Kureev highlighted the necessity of consolidating Russian media resources related to Africa to form a unified front. This consolidation would facilitate a coherent media strategy that resonates with the African populace, emphasizing the need for infrastructure development that supports internet accessibility and digital media consumption in Africa.

Accreditation and Direct Engagement

Kinfu Zenebe’s suggestion to facilitate accreditation for African media representatives in Russia could serve as a cornerstone for this new media relationship, ensuring ongoing and direct communication channels between the continents. Such measures would solidify the foundation for a sustained informational exchange, enriching the media landscapes of both regions.

Countering Western Influence

The dialogue also touched upon the strategic use of media to counteract the prevailing Western influence in Africa. Participants discussed leveraging local and new media platforms to project a positive image of Russia and its geopolitical interests. This involves not only countering negative portrayals but also actively engaging in cultural diplomacy to foster a genuine understanding of Russia’s role and contributions in Africa.

Conclusion

The roundtable “Information Bridge: Russia – Africa” serves as a pivotal platform for launching forward-thinking strategies that harness media’s power to influence public opinion and international relations. The collaborative approach discussed aims to transcend traditional media boundaries, offering a blueprint for future engagements not only between Russia and Africa but as a model for global media cooperation. By integrating strategic media initiatives with direct cultural exchanges and educational programs, Russia and Africa can build a sustainable partnership that respects both regions’ sovereignty while promoting a balanced narrative on the global stage.

For Somaliland and its neighbors, the outcomes of this exercise will dictate future diplomatic choices and security strategies…

The Horn of Africa is once again at the epicenter of global attention as Iran, Russia, and China unveil their joint naval exercise, Security Belt-2025, set to take place near the Iranian port of Chabahar in the strategic waters of the Gulf of Oman. This maneuver, underscored by the participation of formidable naval powers, is not merely a demonstration of maritime prowess but a significant geopolitical statement in an increasingly multipolar world.

Chabahar, situated in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, is emblematic of more than just geographic strategy. It represents a critical juncture in the Belt and Road Initiative and serves as a vital counterbalance to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, further bolstered by Chinese investments. The port’s choice as the locus for Security Belt-2025 highlights its growing importance as a hub of trade and military logistics, projecting Iran’s readiness to safeguard vital shipping lanes against perceived Western encroachments.

The backdrop to this exercise is a tapestry of escalating tensions and regional power plays. The United States’ pivot to Asia, coupled with relentless pressure on Iran over its nuclear ambitions and support to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sets a precarious stage. Security Belt-2025 is thus a clear riposte to the West, signifying a deepening of military and strategic ties among the trio, aimed ostensibly at securing energy routes and establishing a counterfoil to NATO’s maritime activities.

The scope of the exercise—featuring advanced missile cruisers, destroyers, and a suite of joint operational tactics from anti-piracy to search and rescue operations—underscores a comprehensive approach to maritime security. This tripartite force aims to showcase its capability not just in defense but in a potential offensive posture that spans from the Strait of Hormuz to the broader Indian Ocean, sending ripples through global naval strategies.

While the immediate goal of Security Belt-2025 is to fortify military cooperation, the broader implications are profound. For regional neighbors and global powers alike, the exercise is a bellwether for Iran, Russia, and China’s readiness to challenge the status quo, potentially reshaping security alignments in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Countries like Saudi Arabia, India, and the UAE, closely watching, must recalibrate their policies in a region where traditional alliances are being tested by the day.

As Security Belt-2025 unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the strategic dialogues it precipitates within international forums and between regional stakeholders. The exercise not only reaffirms Iran, Russia, and China’s commitment to a shared security vision but also poses a strategic dilemma for the United States and its allies, who may see this as a call to reinforce their naval and diplomatic engagements in the region.

In essence, Security Belt-2025 is more than a routine naval drill; it is a geopolitical maneuver crafted to assert influence and signal capability in a world where global power balances are rapidly shifting. For Somaliland and its neighbors, the outcomes of this exercise will dictate future diplomatic choices and security strategies, as they navigate the turbulent waters of the Horn of Africa’s political landscape.

President Donald Trump remains optimistic about his ability to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, despite ongoing heavy bombardments by Russia on Ukrainian territory. In a recent statement, Trump indicated his confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions for peace, even as Russian forces continue their aggressive military campaign across Ukraine.

On Friday, Ukrainian authorities reported over 200 missile and drone strikes overnight, targeting energy infrastructure and causing damage to residential areas across five regions. Despite these attacks, Trump expressed a belief in Putin’s peaceful assertions, noting, “I believe him. I think we’re doing very well with Russia,” while acknowledging the harsh reality of the conflict: “They’re bombing the hell out of Ukraine.”

Trump’s approach to the situation has been marked by a blend of pragmatism and frustration, particularly towards Ukraine. He suggested that the challenges in dealing with Kyiv are greater than those with Moscow, citing Ukraine’s weaker negotiating position: “I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. They don’t have the cards.”

The U.S. president’s comments raised questions about further support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of air defense capabilities. Trump stated that any additional military aid would depend on Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace talks, emphasizing his desire for a resolution: “I have to know that they want to settle. If they don’t want to settle, we’re out of there because we want them to settle.”

Amidst these developments, other U.S. officials have sought to clarify the administration’s stance. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard emphasized that while there has been a pause in sharing intelligence that could facilitate Ukrainian offensives, defensive support remains steadfast: “Any intelligence going toward defending Ukraine against attacks coming into their country would continue.”

This stance is supported by the confirmation from a U.S. defense official that Ukraine continues to have access to crucial defensive tools like Starlink, enhancing its capability to counter Russian assaults.

In response to the ongoing Russian aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defenses, mentioning the deployment of French-made Mirage fighter jets and U.S-made F-16s in repelling the attacks. Zelenskyy remains committed to peace, as evident from his active engagement with Trump’s team: “Intense work with President Trump’s team has been ongoing at various levels — numerous calls,” he posted on social media. “The topic is clear — peace as soon as possible, security as reliably as possible. Ukraine is fully committed to a constructive approach.”

However, Zelenskyy also voiced frustrations with Russia, asserting that the burden of initiating peace lies with Moscow, which needs to cease its military actions and engage in genuine diplomacy.

The unfolding situation underscores the complex dynamics of international diplomacy and conflict, with the U.S. playing a pivotal role in navigating the path to peace. The upcoming meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a ceasefire marks a critical juncture in these efforts, reflecting ongoing attempts to stabilize the region amidst one of the most challenging geopolitical conflicts of recent times.