Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The WAJ reporter based in Africa, focusing on Eastern Africa & African continent in large.

Amid escalating tensions, political instability in the country and the risk of renewed clashes and civil war between South Sudanese parties, the German Embassy in the capital Juba, has been temporarily closed. Political Instability in South Sudan led to the Closer In a statement Germany announced the closure of its diplomatic mission in South Sudan including the Embassy due to the rising political instability and security concerns across the country. The country is “On the brink of civil war” warned Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister urguing the parties and leaders to de-escalate the tensions. The decision was made by…

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A DHC-5D Buffalo aircraft which was operated by Trident, an Aviation Ltd. company in Somalia, departed from Dhobley Airport and crashed into the ground on its way to Aden Abdulle International Airport, the plane reportedly crashed some km away from Mogadishu, in the outskirts of the capital city. An aircraft registered as 5Y-RBA flight number faced tragic incident and met its end approximately 24 kilometers away from Mogadishu last night. Unfortunately, 5 person in the plane was killed in this incident. The plane was flying from the Dobley a city near Kenyan boarder to Mogadishu airport when the accident happened.…

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Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, stated in an interview with Israel’s public broadcaster KAN that the region is open to discussions on various matters but emphasized that any future dialogue must begin with formal recognition. Adan made it clear that Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia more than three decades ago, has not been officially recognized by any UN member state, including Somalia. This lack of recognition has shaped the region’s stance on foreign relations and diplomatic engagements. In response to reports that U.S. and Israeli officials had approached three East African governments about potentially relocating displaced Gazan…

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Tanzanians gathered in large numbers yesterday in Chato, Geita region, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the passing of former President John Pombe Magufuli, who died on March 17, 2021. The memorial service was attended by his widow, Mama Janeth Magufuli, family members, government officials, and the public. Held at Rulenge, Ngara Catholic Diocese, St. John Maria Muzeyi Parish, the ceremony was led by Bishop Severine Niwemugizi. Several high-ranking officials, including Home Affairs Minister Innocent Bashungwa and Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigela, were present to pay tribute to Magufuli’s legacy. Magufuli, born in 1959, served as Tanzania’s fifth president from…

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People in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, are increasingly worried about the possibility of renewed violence as political disputes escalate. Many residents are preparing for the worst by stocking up on essentials, withdrawing savings, or leaving for Addis Ababa. The peace deal signed in 2022, which ended the devastating war, is now under strain due to power struggles between the interim administration and Tigray’s political leadership. Disagreements over territory lost during the war and allegations of external interference have deepened divisions. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s relations with Eritrea remain tense, with accusations of border violations and human rights abuses adding…

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During an official visit to Kenya, African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina was honored with the CGH by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on March 17, 2025. The award recognizes his leadership in driving economic development across Africa and strengthening Kenya’s progress in key sectors. Ruto praised Adesina for spearheading initiatives that have enhanced electricity access, food security, infrastructure, and regional integration. He highlighted AfDB’s role in unlocking Kenya’s potential and improving lives across the continent. The CGH is among Kenya’s three highest-ranking honors, typically reserved for sitting presidents and distinguished religious or military figures. Other notable…

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The deployment of Akıncı drones marks a significant boost to Somalia’s counterinsurgency efforts, as these advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) offer superior firepower and operational capabilities compared to the widely used TB2 drones. Unlike the TB2, which carries up to four mini munitions and is primarily used for counterterrorism and surveillance, the Akıncı drone has a payload capacity of 1,500 kg. This allows it to deploy heavy and long-range weapons such as SOM cruise missiles, Gökdoğan and Bozok missiles, and MK-82 bombs. Additionally, the Akıncı is designed for electronic warfare and network-centric operations, making it a vital asset for…

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The East African Trade Association (EATA) has urged President William Ruto to engage Sudanese authorities and negotiate a temporary allowance for the clearance of tea shipments currently in transit. This follows Sudan’s decision to suspend all imports from Kenya, citing diplomatic tensions over Kenya’s engagement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The trade association warned that the abrupt ban has left large quantities of tea stuck in Mombasa warehouses, on ships at sea, and at Sudanese ports, putting farmers and exporters at financial risk. With Kenya controlling the majority of tea traded through Mombasa, EATA cautioned that the suspension could…

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Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified artillery shelling on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, leading to multiple civilian casualties and widespread destruction. At the same time, the army intercepted drones targeting Atbara in River Nile state, military sources said. El Obeid has been under RSF shelling for over a week following the Sudanese army’s February 23 breakthrough, which ended a nearly two-year RSF siege on the city. Witnesses reported that RSF forces fired long-range artillery at residential areas on Friday, with western neighborhoods like Al-Sahwa and Al-Hijra suffering heavy damage. Medical sources confirmed that one woman was…

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Ethiopia’s Tulu Kapi gold project is set for development as Kefi Gold and Copper secures a $240 million financing deal. The investment marks a significant milestone, enabling the commencement of major construction activities at the site in western Ethiopia. The financing package has received approvals from international banks involved in the co-lending arrangement, with Ethiopia’s endorsement of the second participating bank in its final stages. Internal board reviews and other necessary procedures are progressing, including the payment of fees and the issuance of work orders to contractors. Kefi expects to finalize definitive agreements by March 31, with efforts to raise…

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Pan-African telecommunications provider Paratus Group has announced its expansion into Tanzania through a joint venture (JV) with Green Telecom, a Tanzanian-based telecom solutions provider. This move comes just four months after the launch of Paratus Kenya, reinforcing the company’s growing presence in East Africa and its broader sub-equatorial expansion strategy. Strengthening Connectivity in Tanzania Paratus Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Cox, emphasized the significance of this expansion for both the company and Tanzanian businesses in need of high-quality connectivity services. “Having secured the necessary regulatory licenses, we are delighted to be partnering with Green Telecom and to launch Paratus Tanzania.…

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Escalating violence in South Sudan’s Nasir and Ulang counties is forcing thousands to flee, raising urgent humanitarian concerns in neighboring countries. The number of South Sudanese refugees crossing into Ethiopia has surged dramatically as conflict intensifies in the northern regions of Nasir and Ulang. The worsening situation has displaced tens of thousands within South Sudan and is now driving a growing influx of refugees into neighboring countries. Since mid-February 2025, an estimated 50,000 people have been displaced in Nasir, with another 34,000 uprooted from Ulang. The crisis has escalated rapidly, with the number of refugees crossing into Ethiopia’s Gambella region…

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1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria)Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, commands a fortune of $11.5 billion. His expansive business empire, spanning cement, sugar, and oil refining, plays a pivotal role in Africa’s industrialization. The $19 billion Dangote Refinery is set to reduce Africa’s dependency on imported petroleum, solidifying his position as a key economic driver. 2. Johann Rupert (South Africa)With a net worth of $11.1 billion, Johann Rupert leads Africa’s luxury goods sector as chairman of Richemont. His leadership in high-end fashion and watchmaking brands has elevated Africa’s presence in the global luxury market. Rupert also plays a significant role in South…

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Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Abu Bakr al-Bushra, announced on Tuesday that the country’s grain production has risen by 63% in 2024, reaching 6.6 million tons. This marks a significant recovery from the previous year when grain output stood at 4 million tons. Sudan requires between 5.5 and 6 million tons of grains annually to meet its food needs, with different regions relying on specific crops. Central areas mainly consume sorghum, the north depends on wheat, and millet is the staple in western regions. Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan, al-Bushra attributed the production increase to favorable…

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Thousands of people gathered in southern Ethiopia for the historic Gada ceremony, a traditional leadership transition that occurs every eight years among the Borana community. The week-long event, held at Arda Jila Badhasa near Arero, marked the transfer of power to a new Abbaa Gadaa, the customary leader. The ceremony is a major cultural event, showcasing traditional attire and rituals. Women play a key role, marching in processions while carrying wooden batons called “siinqee,” which symbolize their power in conflict resolution. Although they cannot hold leadership positions, women contribute significantly by constructing accommodations and preparing food for attendees. The Gada…

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At least six people, including traditional elders, were killed on Tuesday morning when the Alshabab militant group attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia. The assault began with a car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen storming the hotel, leading to intense clashes with security forces. Initial reports confirmed four deaths, but witnesses later stated the toll had risen to ten. Among the victims were Elder Raho Raaxa Jeket, Elder Mohamed Osman Ileyna, Adan Mohamed Alasow Indhabur, and an officer named Galaangashe. The attack targeted a gathering of politicians, security officials, and elders discussing an offensive against the group in central…

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