Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Sudan’s representative to the United Nations, Al-Harith Idris, informed the Security Council that the country will only agree to hand over individuals indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) after establishing a permanent legal framework, citing the ongoing political transition. The ICC has indicted Sudan’s former president, Omar al-Bashir, and others, including his former aides and ex-rebel leader Abdullah Banda, for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Darfur conflict. Idris emphasized Sudan’s cooperation with the ICC but argued that any action on handing over suspects requires a stable legal system, not a temporary one under the current…

Somalia and Tanzania have formalized three agreements to enhance security cooperation, cultural development, and prisoner exchange. The accords were signed on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam by Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Tanzanian officials. The agreements focus on strengthening security collaboration, facilitating the repatriation of Somali nationals imprisoned in Tanzania, and promoting Swahili language development. This aligns with Somalia’s recent integration into the East African Community (EAC), where Swahili is widely spoken. Somali officials present at the signing included Minister of Water and Energy Abdullahi Bidhan, Ambassador to Tanzania Ilyas Ali Hassan, and Deputy Director of…

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged African nations to reduce their reliance on foreign aid, particularly in funding essential programs like healthcare, and instead focus on utilizing local resources for sustainable development. Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa, Uhuru described the recent U.S. decision to cut foreign aid as a wake-up call for Africa to become self-sufficient. He stressed that depending on external assistance is not sustainable and called on African leaders to take responsibility for their own development. “Why are we crying over aid cuts when it is not our government, not our…

The ruling parties of Somalia and Ethiopia have sought the expertise of Türkiye’s AK Party to strengthen their political, electoral, and developmental processes. This move comes after Türkiye played a pivotal role in resolving the Ethiopia-Somalia Somaliland crisis, underscoring its growing influence in East Africa. A high-ranking delegation from Somalia’s ruling Somali Peace and Development Party, led by General Secretary Abdurrahman Muhammed Hussein(Abdurrahman Odowaa), visited the AK Party headquarters in Ankara. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed, focusing on areas such as political cooperation, energy, and student exchange programs. The agreement aims to foster closer ties and…

Human rights advocates have raised alarms over the ongoing mass detentions in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, urging immediate international intervention. Thousands of people, including judicial officials, academics, and civilians, have been held without charge since the Ethiopian government launched mass arrests in September 2024. Critics have condemned the prolonged detentions as a violation of human rights, warning that Ethiopia’s government continues to suppress civic freedoms. Reports indicate that while some detainees were released in January 2025, thousands remain in custody without due process. Rights groups stress that the international community must pressure Ethiopian authorities to release those held arbitrarily or bring…

An initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity over the next six years has secured over $8 billion in new funding from global financial institutions, strengthening efforts to bridge the continent’s energy gap. Mission 300, launched by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in April, aims to provide electricity access to half of those currently without power in Africa. The project, estimated to cost $90 billion, faces financial constraints due to high debt burdens and limited government revenues across the region. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the financial hurdles at the Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania,…

A small aircraft carrying oil workers crashed in South Sudan’s Unity State on Wednesday morning, killing 20 people, according to officials. The aircraft, which was en route to Juba, went down shortly after takeoff from the Unity oilfield airport. Unity State Information Minister Gatwech Bipal confirmed that the plane was transporting employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a consortium that includes China National Petroleum Corporation and the state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation. Among the victims were two Chinese nationals and one Indian. Initial reports stated that 18 people had died, but Bipal later confirmed that two of the injured…

The Sudanese army has secured full control over Khartoum Bahri, leaving only a few remaining pockets of resistance in the city’s southwest. Military officials confirmed ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of civilians to their homes. Over the past two days, the army has also advanced in eastern Khartoum and East Nile, tightening its grip on key areas. This follows the recent breakthrough in lifting the siege on the General Command headquarters in central Khartoum and other strategic sites. Meanwhile, the army launched airstrikes targeting Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. In a…

Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, is increasingly at the center of geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Despite its small size and limited resources, Djibouti plays a pivotal role in global trade and military operations due to its position near the Gulf of Aden, one of the busiest maritime routes in the world. The United States and China, along with several other nations, have established military bases in Djibouti, each seeking to secure maritime traffic in the region. However, recent developments, particularly Djibouti’s refusal to allow the U.S. to launch military operations against the Houthis…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed the country’s dedication to boosting its energy capacity, describing it as a cornerstone for modernization and economic growth, during his speech at the Africa Energy Summit on Tuesday. President Mohamud emphasized the Horn of Africa’s abundant renewable energy potential, especially in solar and wind resources, which he called crucial for sustainable and eco-friendly energy production. “The progress Somalia seeks to achieve depends on affordable and accessible energy. Right now, 50% of our population lacks sufficient electricity. As such, we are prioritizing investments in the energy sector to foster industrial growth, modernize infrastructure, and enhance…

Montero Mining and Exploration has reached a $27 million settlement with Tanzania over the Wigu Hill rare earth project, resolving a long-standing dispute. The company had initially sought higher compensation through international arbitration. The conflict began in 2018 when Tanzania revoked Montero’s retention licence following changes to its mining laws. Montero argued that the move amounted to expropriation and filed a claim in 2021 with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), initially seeking C$90 million in damages. The settlement will be paid in three instalments, with Montero expecting the final two payments within five weeks. However, after…

Efforts to unite Sudanese political factions under a broad national front have stalled after talks in Nairobi concluded without an agreement. Disagreements over civil society representation, secularism, and power-sharing hindered progress. The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), which initiated the discussions, insisted that civil society participants remain independent of political parties. This stance was met with mixed reactions, as some groups feared political manipulation. Meanwhile, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) reaffirmed its demand for a secular state or self-determination for the Nuba Mountains, a proposal opposed by certain factions. Despite the lack of a formal charter, participants acknowledged the importance…

Somali federal forces and local fighters have Allegedly killed over 40 Alshabab militants in heavy clashes across the Hiiraan region, officials confirmed. The operations targeted key locations, including Beera Yabaal, Addow Gurey, and areas along the Shabelle River, aiming to disrupt militant regrouping efforts. Defense Ministry spokesperson Abukar Mohamed stated that the offensive secured all contested areas, with ongoing efforts to eliminate remaining threats. According to Hiiraan Online militants suffered additional injuries, but government forces maintained control after intense battles. The clashes erupted as Alshabab fighters attempted to reorganize between Buula Burte and Halgan. Somali troops and allied militias launched…

Communities around Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, are grappling with sharply declining fish production. From 2020 to 2024, fish yields dropped by nearly 20%, a concerning trend for a lake that provides 40% of Tanzania’s fish catches. This downturn threatens livelihoods in a region where fishing sustains millions. Climate change, overfishing, and population pressures are contributing to the crisis. Rising temperatures and disrupted water circulation are reducing habitable zones for fish, with some studies indicating a 38% shrinkage since the 1940s. In May 2024, Tanzania enforced a three-month fishing ban to boost fish stocks. While officials claim some…

The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have expanded their peacekeeping responsibilities in Somalia under the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which commenced on January 1, 2025. Uganda now oversees two additional sectors, formerly managed by Burundian forces, as part of the mission’s five-year plan. UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye expressed optimism about the expanded duties, highlighting the military’s readiness and professionalism. “This added responsibility reflects the exceptional work we have done so far,” he stated. Uganda, which initially deployed over 12,000 troops to Somalia, has scaled back its presence to approximately 3,000 soldiers. However, the UPDF is…

Ethiopia’s revised agricultural policy faces significant hurdles, with low mechanization, poor seed distribution, and outdated farming practices continuing to challenge productivity. During the Ministry of Agriculture’s recent six-month performance review, it was revealed that only 41% of the planned 2,500 tractors were delivered to farmers. Of the total land cultivated during the Meher season, just a quarter was tilled using tractors. Although tax exemptions exist for irrigation and agricultural equipment, many farmers cannot afford to purchase tractors outright, prompting calls for innovative financing solutions. Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente (PhD) emphasized the importance of local assembly partnerships to enhance private-sector…