Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is bidding for a controversial third term in Sunday’s election, after a decade in power marked by heavy reliance on Russian security support and bold – but risky – economic experiments. Touadéra, 68, pushed through a 2023 constitutional referendum removing presidential term limits, clearing the way for his re-election bid. Analysts say he is strongly favored to win, backed by the advantages of incumbency, state resources, and the mobilization of public officials. Since taking office in 2016, Touadéra has leaned heavily on external military backing to stabilize a country long scarred by conflict.…

Uganda’s government has imposed new restrictions on the importation of Starlink satellite internet equipment just weeks before national elections, raising fresh fears within the opposition that the authorities may again shut down internet access during the voting period. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking to extend his nearly 40-year rule in the January 15 election, where he will once again face opposition leader Bobi Wine, 43. During the 2021 polls, the government cut internet access for several days, a move widely criticized by rights groups and opposition parties. The new restrictions came to light through a leaked memo dated December…

Egypt began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Mohamed Salah. The Group B clash was played on 22 December at the Grande Stade in Agadir, Morocco. Egypt dominated the early exchanges, pressing Zimbabwe intensely and creating several clear scoring chances within the opening 10 minutes. However, it was Zimbabwe who struck first against the run of play. In the 20th minute, Emmanuel Jalai delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which Prince Dube controlled well before finishing into the bottom corner to give Zimbabwe…

US Conducting Surveillance Flights Over Nigeria After Trump’s Intervention Warning The United States has begun conducting regular surveillance flights over Nigeria as part of an expanded security cooperation effort following recent threats by President Donald Trump to intervene over attacks targeting Christian communities. Flight tracking records and U.S. officials indicate that contractor-operated aircraft have been flying over Nigeria since late November, typically departing from Ghana before returning to Accra. The missions are believed to focus on intelligence gathering related to militant activities and the search for an American pilot kidnapped in neighboring Niger earlier this year. The aircraft, operated by…

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations got under way on Sunday with hosts Morocco edging Comoros 2–0 in a competitive opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The victory marked a successful start for Morocco’s campaign to capture their second continental title and followed widespread enthusiasm as the tournament was officially launched amid rainy conditions in the Moroccan capital. Nervy start before breakthrough Morocco struggled to find rhythm in the first half despite early pressure. The Atlas Lions were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute after Comoros defender Iyad Mohamed fouled Brahim Diaz in the box.…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has insisted that Egypt has not issued threats against Ethiopia despite ongoing tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while renewing Cairo’s call for a legally binding agreement on the project. Speaking during a meeting with African ministers, AU Commission representatives, and leaders of regional organizations attending the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Ministerial Conference in Egypt, El-Sisi said Egypt continues to prioritize political dialogue and peaceful solutions in handling disputes. “Despite our differences with Ethiopia, Egypt has never resorted to threats. Our approach is based on dialogue, stability, and non-interference,” El-Sisi was quoted as saying.…

More than 107,000 civilians have fled Sudan’s North Darfur state as renewed fighting and insecurity intensified around the city of El-Fasher, the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Sunday. In a statement, the agency reported that at least 107,294 people — representing over 24,000 families — were displaced between Oct. 26 and Dec. 8, following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of El-Fasher and escalating violence in nearby areas. According to IOM assessments, around 72% of those displaced remain within North Darfur, particularly in its northern and western localities, while approximately 19% have moved to other states, including Central…

As Morocco prepares to welcome Africa to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the hosts are entering the tournament with expectations unlike any other nation on the continent. Nearly five decades have passed since the Atlas Lions last lifted the coveted trophy in 1976, and many in the country believe this tournament could finally mark the end of that long wait. Morocco arrives not only with a talented squad but also with a decade-long national football project shaped by massive investment, strategic planning and a clear ambition: to become Africa’s dominant football nation. A Generation Built to Win Morocco’s current…

The agreement, signed between Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and Türkiye’s leading institution OYAK, establishes a framework to regulate fishing activities in Somali waters and strengthen institutional capacity in the sector. Abdinasir Hussein Farah, a maritime transport and management engineering expert, said the deal represents an important step toward harnessing Somalia’s marine wealth in a sustainable and organized manner. He noted that beyond financial gains, the agreement has the potential to support institutional reform and strengthen governance in the fisheries sector. “The agreement aims to increase revenues from marine resources and ensure these resources are managed in an…

More than 1,000 civilians were killed when Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of a famine-stricken displacement camp in the Darfur region earlier this year, according to a report released Thursday by the UN Human Rights Office. The report said the RSF overran the Zamzam displacement camp in western Darfur between April 11 and 13, following months of restrictions that blocked food and humanitarian supplies from entering the camp, which housed nearly 500,000 people displaced by the conflict. According to UN findings, RSF fighters carried out direct attacks on civilians during the takeover. At least 319 people were…

Nigeria has filed a complaint with FIFA alleging that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) fielded ineligible players during the African playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that it has submitted documents to world football’s governing body, claiming that several DR Congo players who recently switched international allegiance should not have been cleared to play. DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties in the playoff final last month in Morocco, securing a place in the intercontinental qualification round for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States,…

India and Ethiopia have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first-ever visit to Ethiopia, marked by high-level talks, symbolic gestures, and major investment commitments. Speaking to Ethiopia’s parliament on Wednesday, Modi said the upgrade followed discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and would deepen cooperation in key areas including technology, mining, green energy, and defense. “Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and I took a big step forward yesterday,” Modi told lawmakers. “This will unleash the potential of our economies through cooperation in technology, innovation, and green energy.” Modi highlighted the long-standing cultural…

At least 37 people were killed after flash floods triggered by torrential rainfall swept through Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi, local media reported Monday. State-run 2M television, citing local authorities, said the floods struck on Sunday after intense rainfall inundated homes and shops, particularly in Safi’s old town. Fourteen people were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. Officials said that just one hour of heavy rain was enough to flood large parts of the city, wash away vehicles and cut off several roads in surrounding areas, hampering rescue operations. Emergency services continued search and relief efforts as authorities…

Türkiye has begun construction of a satellite and rocket launch facility along Somalia’s Indian Ocean coastline, a project officials say will advance Ankara’s space ambitions while positioning Somalia as a new participant in the global space sector. The spaceport, backed by Turkish defence and aerospace companies under state authority, is being developed on a coastal site measuring approximately 30 by 30 kilometers. Turkish officials say the facility will provide Türkiye with its first platform for orbital launches and strengthen its capacity to carry out independent space missions. Selçuk Bayraktar, chairman of Turkish defence and aerospace firm Baykar, announced the project…

The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Dec. 21, with the final set to be played in Rabat on Jan. 18, bringing together the continent’s top talent as nations compete for Africa’s most prestigious football trophy. As hosts Morocco chase their first AFCON title since 1976 and Egypt look to reclaim continental glory led by Mohamed Salah, several players are expected to play defining roles in the tournament. Here are six footballers to watch closely at AFCON 2025: Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco – Midfielder) With captain Achraf Hakimi racing against time to regain fitness, much of…

Ethiopia has confirmed a new case of Marburg virus disease, the first reported in 10 days, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 14, the Ministry of Health said Friday. In a statement issued on Dec. 12, the ministry said one additional case was recorded, marking the first confirmation since Dec. 2. The newly confirmed patient is currently under medical follow-up at Jinka General Hospital in the South Ethiopia Region, the ministry said, without providing further details on the individual’s condition. The latest case raises the total number of confirmed Marburg virus infections to 14 since the outbreak was…