I cover over a dozen countries across the east and parts of central and northeast Africa, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. My work focuses on the major political and economic developments shaping this dynamic and rapidly growing region. My reporting spans everything from elections to the impact of climate change, armed conflict, terrorism and human rights. I also closely follow and cover China’s growing influence in the region and how that intersects with competition from superpowers including the United States. I am deeply interested in covering the culture, society and arts of the region, and exploring how young people are shaping their lives here.
Before joining The Times in 2019, I was the East Africa correspondent for Quartz, where I wrote about a wide variety of issues across the region with a special focus on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation. I was also a Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists fellow in 2018, during which I spent three months covering both the United Nations in New York as well as the U.S. midterm elections.
My decade-long experience in journalism has mostly been in East Africa, where I wrote for Kenyan, regional and international media outlets. I have also been a fellow with United Press International, where I covered major events including the referendum that led in 2011 to the birth of South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation.
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, but was partly raised in Mogadishu, Somalia. I speak Somali, Arabic and Swahili, languages that are spoken by hundreds of millions of people in this region. I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in journalism from the United States International University-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. I also have a master’s of arts degree with a concentration in politics from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Like all Times journalists, I am committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. During assignments, I always identify myself as a reporter for The Times. I try to talk to as many people as possible to ascertain facts and to truly understand a story while staying alert to the pervasive misinformation and disinformation campaigns online. And because I report on a lot of tragedies and violence, I am always careful about how I approach and interview vulnerable people.
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A day after at least 23 people were killed in demonstrations against a tax increase, President William Ruto withdrew the law that he said was necessary to avoid defaulting on the country’s debt.
By Abdi Latif Dahir
Plus, a stinging primary defeat for progressives.
By Tracy Mumford, Abdi Latif Dahir, Ian Stewart and Jessica Metzger
At least five people were killed in clashes with the police that erupted after lawmakers approved tax increases that critics said would drive up the cost of living for millions.
By Abdi Latif Dahir and Declan Walsh
Auma Obama, a sociologist and community activist, was being interviewed live on CNN when clouds of tear gas lobbed by the police overwhelmed her.
By Abdi Latif Dahir
This was featured in live coverage.
By Abdi Latif Dahir
This was featured in live coverage.
By Abdi Latif Dahir
The arrival of 400 Kenyan officers came on a day of deadly violence in Kenya. The international force was sent to try to restore order in the gang-plagued Caribbean nation.
By Frances Robles and Abdi Latif Dahir
Demonstrators were met with tear gas, and live fire rang out as they marched on Parliament in an attempt to stop the vote. The bill now goes to President William Ruto, who campaigned on helping the poor but has backed the tax increases and said they are necessary.
By Abdi Latif Dahir
France is facing deep anticolonial resentment across Africa, but has found a partner in Rwanda, which is embracing French influence despite years of acrimony.
By Abdi Latif Dahir and Guillem Sartorio
The government is trying to pass a finance bill in Parliament that would involve increasing taxes. Critics say it will raise the cost of living for Kenyans who are already struggling economically.
By Abdi Latif Dahir