Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The European Union has prolonged its security operations in Somalia, extending the mandates of Operation Atalanta, the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia, and the EU Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP Somalia) until February 28, 2027. The decision aims to reinforce regional security and maritime stability amid evolving threats. Operation Atalanta will continue counter-piracy efforts and target illegal activities along Somalia’s coast, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. It will enhance coordination with Operation Aspides, which protects commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Additionally, the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa will be renamed the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean…

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has left Juba for a three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen economic ties and attract foreign investment. According to presidential press secretary Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, Kiir will engage with Emirati investors focusing on agriculture, mining, and healthcare. The discussions aim to advance existing partnerships and explore new investment opportunities. This visit builds on previous engagements between South Sudan and the UAE, with Juba seeking to reduce its reliance on oil by attracting foreign investment into key economic sectors. The UAE has shown growing interest in South Sudan’s natural resources…

A devastating artillery attack struck a vegetable market in Omdurman, Sudan, killing at least 56 people and injuring 158 others. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, has been attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the Health Ministry. Government spokesperson Khalid al-Aleisir denounced the strike, stating that women and children were among the casualties. He described the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law and part of a continued pattern of violence. Witnesses reported that the shelling originated from western Omdurman, an area under RSF control, and was accompanied by drone strikes. Residents recounted that artillery…

Recent US airstrikes in Somalia’s Puntland region have eliminated high-ranking Daesh operatives, according to local authorities. The strikes took place in the Golis mountains, an area where the group has established a foothold. The Puntland Defence Forces, engaged in operations against Daesh since December, confirmed that the strikes resulted in the deaths of significant figures within the group. The regional government described US support as “invaluable” in the ongoing campaign. Somalia’s federal government stated that the operation in the Bari region was jointly coordinated with US forces and targeted senior Daesh leaders. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was briefed on…

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep concern on Friday regarding reports of summary executions of civilians allegedly carried out by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)-aligned fighters and militias in Khartoum North. According to the UN Human Rights Office, at least 18 individuals, including one woman, were killed in seven separate incidents after SAF regained control of the area on 25 January. Many of the victims were reportedly from Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan regions. Disturbing footage from 30 January 2025 further highlighted the situation, showing men in SAF uniforms and members of the Al Baraa Bin Malik…

Authorities are investigating the presence of an unidentified drone spotted over Mogadishu’s airspace near the Somali Presidency on Friday night, triggering a swift response from security forces. The drone, which reportedly circled the area twice, was met with heavy gunfire as guards feared it carried explosives. Security personnel stationed at Villa Somalia opened fire using heavy weaponry, forcing the drone to retreat. The intense gunfire was heard across multiple neighborhoods, causing panic among residents. The incident has heightened concerns over potential security breaches, particularly amid growing fears that militant groups could be deploying drone technology for attacks. So far, the…

Egypt and Kenya have strengthened their collaboration in space technology, focusing on satellite development, localization, and capacity building to advance Africa’s space sector. During an official visit, a high-level Kenyan delegation, led by Brigadier Hilary Kipkosgei, CEO of the Kenya Space Agency, met with Professor Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency. The discussions centered on deepening cooperation in satellite technology and fostering expertise to support Africa’s long-term space goals. The meeting, held at the Egyptian Space Agency headquarters, highlighted Egypt’s role as the host of the African Space Agency, positioning it as a hub for regional space…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on the United States to sustain and expand its military assistance to Somalia, warning that withdrawing support could undermine efforts to eliminate the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he emphasized that U.S. involvement remains essential to Somalia’s stability and global security. Since taking office for his second term, Mohamud has prioritized the fight against al-Shabab, a group that has waged an insurgency in Somalia for nearly two decades. He highlighted the progress made in reclaiming territory but acknowledged the challenges posed by limited resources and…

At least 71 people, including 69 children, have died from malnutrition in Omdurman’s Ombada locality, as rising cases strain limited medical resources, volunteers reported on Friday. Over 1,100 malnutrition cases have been documented in three sectors of the area. Recent military advances have allowed the army to seize large portions of Ombada, positioning its forces closer to RSF strongholds in Libya Market and Dar al-Salam. A local emergency response official revealed that, in addition to malnutrition, 1,082 cases of malaria, 522 cases of night blindness, 372 cases of diarrhea, and 65 cases of dengue fever have been recorded this month.…

Somali government troops, alongside local militia, have eliminated multiple Al-Shabaab fighters, including foreign operatives, during a series of clashes in the Hiiraan region, a senior official confirmed on Saturday. Ali Jeyte Osman, the Somali President’s Special Envoy for Community Defense Forces, reported that the joint forces secured major victories in battles near Beera Yabaal and Jicibow, under the Buula Burte district. Among those killed were foreign militants, Osman stated, emphasizing that the Somali people would not tolerate their presence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating the group entirely. “Al-Shabaab has two options: flee or surrender. We will not rest…

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has acknowledged recent setbacks as the national army advances in Khartoum and other areas. Despite losing key positions, he urged his forces to focus on upcoming battles rather than dwell on lost territory. In a recorded statement, Hemedti dismissed concerns over the army’s recapture of critical locations, including military headquarters in Khartoum, Bahri, Jili, and Wad Madani. He expressed confidence that RSF forces could reclaim these areas. The army’s recent gains include breaking an RSF siege on its central command and retaking much of Bahri and North Kordofan’s Umm Ruwaba.…

Africa’s real estate market is experiencing robust growth, driven by urbanization and the rise of a growing middle class, leading to increased demand for both residential and commercial properties. Recent data shows the sector is growing annually by 5-7 percent, signaling substantial progress. Advances in technology and the adoption of sustainable construction methods are expected to continue driving expansion, making the African real estate market an attractive prospect for investors. The sector encompasses a variety of projects, from residential developments to large commercial complexes, illustrating its capacity to reshape urban landscapes and enhance living conditions. The ongoing trend of urban…

A cholera outbreak in Chunya District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania, has resulted in 12 deaths and affected 680 individuals since October. Dr. Zuberi Mzige, the district medical officer, provided an update during the third-quarter district council meeting, highlighting that the outbreak unfolded in two phases. The first wave, starting in October, saw over 600 cases and 10 deaths, while the second phase at the end of December led to 80 new cases and two additional fatalities. The most affected area is Kiwanja ward, which has inadequate sanitation and a high concentration of mines. The majority of the infected individuals are miners…

Kenya’s inflation rate remained below the central bank’s target range for the eighth consecutive month in January. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, consumer prices increased by 3.3% in January, up from 3% in December, surpassing the median forecast of 2.8% from economists surveyed by Bloomberg. This trend suggests that the Central Bank of Kenya may consider lowering interest rates in its upcoming meeting next week. The stable inflation performance, staying within manageable levels, provides the central bank with the flexibility to adjust monetary policy to further support economic growth. With inflation not posing an immediate threat to…

The Garissa High Court has nullified the 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) census results for Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa counties, citing significant irregularities. Justice John Onyiego ruled that KNBS failed to maintain data integrity, resulting in inaccurate population figures. The court’s decision affects several sub-counties, including Mandera North, Mandera West, and Wajir East. It is seen as a victory for North Eastern leaders, who argued that the census did not accurately reflect the region’s population, leading to unfair resource distribution. KNBS has been directed to conduct a fresh mini-census within one year, with a deadline of January 28,…

The Tagadum coalition, a key Sudanese anti-war group, has split over disagreements regarding the formation of a parallel government in areas controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The division arose after a proposal to establish such a government in RSF-held regions gained support from some factions, while others remained opposed. Tagadum has maintained a neutral stance since the conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF. However, internal tensions escalated when Al-Hadi Idris, the coalition’s deputy chairman, expressed support for the formation of a parallel government. This move prompted a formal disengagement from…