East Africa

The group behind Nairobi’s recent terror attack recruits young people from many faiths. Officials can’t stop it.

January 25, 2019

While a lot of attention has been paid to the ideological underpinnings of extremist groups like al-Shabab, the new attack in Nairobi shows how increasingly local factors like poverty are driving the growth of extremism in East Africa.

Development

Tanzanian president bluntly attacks contraception, saying high birth rates are good for economy

The Conversation

October 25, 2018

Tanzania was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to embrace family planning. But current president John Magufuli made headlines when he said he does “not see any need for birth control," asserting that population growth is actually an economic boon to the East African nation.

Culture

Ugandan traffic safety campaign uses social media to shame unsafe drivers

Global Press Journal

July 25, 2018

A new traffic safety campaign in Uganda’s capital aims to shame drivers into following traffic laws. And some drivers have changed their behavior.

Development

Amid drought and pests, can GMOs save Uganda's farmers?

GlobalPost

December 29, 2017

An invasion of banana bacterial wilt last decade was predicted to destroy 90 percent of the country’s crops at a cost of $4 billion. The disease was stopped, but only after expensive and protracted interventions by the government.

Conflict

23 women have been murdered in these Ugandan towns since May. Police blame witchcraft.

November 08, 2017

Twenty-three women have been killed since May under mysterious and gruesome circumstances on the fringes of Kampala, the growing capital of rapidly urbanizing Uganda.

Culture

Ethnic tensions threaten to engulf post-election Kenya. This activist sees a way out.

PRI's The World

November 01, 2017

Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi describes a way to pull his nation back from the brink.

Conflict

Kenya's disputed election re-run turns violent

Agence France-Presse

October 26, 2017

At least one person was shot dead Thursday during clashes over Kenya's re-run election, which has been boycotted by the opposition and shunned by many voters, sparking a crisis that has polarised the east African hub.

Conflict

Pentagon looks at stepping up its role in Africa to counter ISIS

Agence France-Presse

October 24, 2017

The United States is considering a stepped-up military presence in Africa to pursue ISIS jihadists looking for new havens after the fall of their "caliphate," American officials say.

Conflict

A big truck bomb strikes outside a hotel in Somalia's capital

Agence France-Presse

October 14, 2017

A truck bomb exploded outside a hotel at a busy junction in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Saturday, causing widespread devastation that left at least 20 dead, with the toll likely to rise.

Environment

Where using plastic bags can land you a $38,000 fine

PRI's The World

August 28, 2017

Producing, selling and using plastic bags is now illegal in Kenya. The East African nation joins 40 other countries worldwide in banning, partially banning or taxing single use plastic bags.

Refugees Flock to Libyan-Tunisian Border

The Takeaway

February 28, 2011

Drought in East Africa Causes Crisis

Living on Earth

January 27, 2006

For three seasons in a row, the rains in parts of East Africa have failed to come, resulting in a drought more severe than many can remember. Cattle have been particularly hard hit in areas where many of the pastoralist people depend on beef as their main

Tree Planting for Carbon Raises Questions

Living on Earth

March 12, 2010

More than a decade ago nations agreed that richer countries should pay poorer countries for "clean development" that reduces carbon emissions. The first tree carbon project in Africa under this agreement is now underway. But the trees aren't native, and t

Music Heard on Air

PRI's The World

June 10, 2011

Tunes spun on The World between our reports for June 10, 2011. Artists featured are: John McCormack, Just A Band, AfroCubism, Pell Mell, Oki Dub Ainu Band, Senge, Oran Etkin.

East Africa

The group behind Nairobi’s recent terror attack recruits young people from many faiths. Officials can’t stop it.

Tanzanian president bluntly attacks contraception, saying high birth rates are good for economy

Ugandan traffic safety campaign uses social media to shame unsafe drivers

Amid drought and pests, can GMOs save Uganda's farmers?

23 women have been murdered in these Ugandan towns since May. Police blame witchcraft.

Ethnic tensions threaten to engulf post-election Kenya. This activist sees a way out.

Kenya's disputed election re-run turns violent

Pentagon looks at stepping up its role in Africa to counter ISIS

A big truck bomb strikes outside a hotel in Somalia's capital

Where using plastic bags can land you a $38,000 fine

Pages

Refugees Flock to Libyan-Tunisian Border

Drought in East Africa Causes Crisis

Tree Planting for Carbon Raises Questions

El Ski-No

Who Defends Accused War Criminals?

The Heroes on the Street: Food Vendors

Round Table: Obama Administration's Middle East Policies

President Obama to Address Muslim World

Top of the Hour: Obama's Middle East Speech, Morning Headlines

Music Heard on Air