Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The Sudanese military refuted claims by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of advances in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, affirming the city is under government control. The army also reported ongoing successful offensives against RSF positions. On Tuesday, the Sudanese army rejected reports that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had gained ground in El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital. The Sixth Infantry Division, tasked with security in the city, firmly denied social media rumors that the RSF had bypassed army defenses at key locations like the main market and police headquarters. “The situation in El Fasher is fully…

Banana farming, a crucial livelihood in Tanzania, has long faced challenges from pests, diseases, and low productivity. Now, the TARI-Makuru research center in Kagera is addressing these issues through innovative approaches. The center, under the guidance of Dr. Mpoki Shimwela, has introduced drought-tolerant, disease-resistant banana varieties from the Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA), aiming to improve yields and support farmers’ income. At the World Food Day event in Kagera, co-organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Shimwela highlighted the benefits of these new varieties, which offer higher yields, better pest resistance, and improved fruit quality.…

Ongoing conflict in Sudan has forced over 15 million children out of school, according to a statement by the National Council for Child Welfare. Secretary-General Abdelkader Al-Amin Abuh reported serious abuses by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stating that over 2,500 children have been kidnapped, 3,000 displaced children have died, and more than 8,000 children have been recruited as fighters. Abuh emphasized that children account for nearly 60% of Sudan’s population, underscoring the critical need for protections amid the escalating crisis. The Council is collaborating with various ministries to activate social safety measures and create safe spaces for children. In…

More than a million voters in Somaliland cast their ballots on Wednesday in peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections, drawing interest from both local and international communities. Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye party faces rivals Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Waddani party and Faisal Ali Warabe of UCID. President Bihi, in office since 2017, recently sparked controversy by signing a naval corridor agreement with Ethiopia in the Red Sea, which Somalia criticized as a violation of its sovereignty. Irro, a former Speaker of the House, focused his campaign on unity and security, pledging to reassess Somaliland’s…

Somaliland, despite being internationally unrecognized, has made significant strides in political stability and democratic development since its unilateral declaration of independence in 1991. The upcoming 2024 presidential election marks a pivotal moment in its journey, as the region continues to assert its autonomy amid complex regional dynamics. Here’s a closer look at the historical context, the political landscape, and what to expect in this critical election. The 1991-2001 Period: No Formal Elections, Building the FoundationFrom 1991 to 2001, Somaliland did not hold any formal elections, as the region was focused on rebuilding after the civil war and its unilateral declaration…

Dawit Isaak, a journalist imprisoned in Eritrea without trial for 23 years, has been honored with Sweden’s Edelstam Prize for his dedication to freedom of expression. Isaak, who holds dual Eritrean-Swedish citizenship, was recognized for his courage despite prolonged detention and lack of access to legal representation or family. Isaak was one of the founders of Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, and was arrested in 2001 after publishing letters advocating for democratic reforms. Along with other journalists and political figures, he was detained in a government purge targeting dissent. Isaak’s current whereabouts and health remain unknown, and he has never…

A recent report from the National Crime Research Centre has identified multiple cannabis trafficking routes used to smuggle bhang into Kenya. The routes, classified into three categories—Ethiopian, Tanzanian, and Ugandan—ultimately lead to urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa. The report details 19 trafficking routes, with traffickers employing various tactics to avoid detection, including the use of hidden paths along highways, lakes, and forests. Traffickers frequently adjust their routes and rely on a network of informants to stay ahead of law enforcement. These clandestine routes, referred to as “panya routes,” allow for the stealthy movement of cannabis across Kenya. Police…

The first Russia-Africa ministerial conference, held in Russia’s Sirius Federal Territory on November 9-10, brought together delegations from 54 countries and 45 African ministers. Key discussions centered on increasing the use of national currencies in trade and financial transactions between Russia and African nations. A joint statement released at the conclusion of the meeting emphasized the importance of establishing a high-level dialogue mechanism to tackle terrorism, extremism, and regional security challenges. The statement also highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation between the African Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization to promote regional stability. The conference participants also commended Russia’s…

Somalia is embroiled in a political crisis as the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland clash over electoral reforms. The federal government’s push for a one-person, one-vote system, intended to transition Somalia to direct elections, is opposed by Jubbaland. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud argues that the reform is essential for Somalia’s democratic progress, but Jubbaland views it as an attempt to centralize power in Mogadishu and diminish regional autonomy. The dispute has escalated as Jubbaland has formed its own electoral commission, while the federal government questions the legitimacy of the leadership in Jubbaland, particularly President Ahmed Madobe, and…

The governor of Darfur, Mini Arko Minawi, publicly accused United Nations agencies and aid organizations of collusion with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a news conference on Monday. Joined by Salwa Adam Binia from Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission, Minawi alleged that international groups have overlooked RSF abuses against civilians and supplied aid to the paramilitary group, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Minawi condemned the RSF for blocking critical aid routes, particularly besieging El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and restricting food access, which he characterized as a “genocide.” He further accused RSF forces of deliberately targeting civilians…

Somaliland is set to hold its presidential election tomorrow, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, as over 1 million registered voters prepare to cast their ballots in a race that sees incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi, opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro,” and Faisal Ali Warabe competing for the top office. This election takes place in the midst of growing diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, largely centered around a controversial maritime agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has never been internationally recognized as a sovereign state, yet it maintains a functioning government, military, and…

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelling in North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher, led to at least nine civilian deaths and numerous injuries, while additional reports from Sudan’s Al Jazirah state allege widespread rape and abductions by RSF fighters. The intensified conflict has led to significant civilian displacement and international condemnation of RSF actions. On Monday, shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted residential areas in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, resulting in nine reported deaths and several injuries, according to local witnesses. The escalating violence in El Fasher—historically Darfur’s central hub—has forced many civilians to flee…

The Tigray Interim Administration, led by Getachew Reda, issued a statement accusing a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, of carrying out a “formal coup” against the regional government. The statement alleged that this faction has escalated from merely obstructing governmental functions to attempting to seize control, citing specific incidents in Mekelle city and in the North Western and Central zones of Tigray. The interim administration’s statement condemned what it described as “extensive deception,” claiming Debretsion’s group had reached an agreement with certain military leaders, taking control of the administration’s structure. The administration warned…

A Sudanese army officer played a crucial role in the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) capture of the city of Wad Madani in December 2023. Lieutenant Colonel Mahmoud Al-Numan, by withdrawing troops from a vital bridge, enabled the RSF to take control of the city on December 18. This action corroborates allegations made by Abu Aqla Kikal, a former RSF commander, who now serves with the army. Al-Numan’s withdrawal allowed the RSF to seize the strategically important Al-Halfaya Bridge. Before the event, he had previously removed his battalion from the key position in Al-Kadru without orders. Despite an intelligence report on…

Sudan is grappling with escalating internal and external tensions as the governor of South Darfur, Bashir Marsal, dismissed several tribal leaders for alleged support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Meanwhile, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry is challenging Chad’s denial of supporting the RSF, accusing the neighboring country of facilitating weapons and mercenaries to the group. In a related case, a Sudanese student, Omer Ahmed Abdelhadi Suleiman, sentenced for supporting the RSF, is facing public outcry, with his family demanding his release. South Darfur’s Governor Marsal took decisive action on Friday, removing tribal leaders accused of mobilizing fighters for the RSF. These…

The Central Bank of Sudan has introduced a new 1,000-pound banknote, a move that has sparked widespread apprehension and criticism, particularly in regions controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Officials announced the gradual rollout of the new banknote through official banking channels, along with a phase-out plan for existing 1,000 and 500-pound notes. Citizens can still deposit these older notes into their accounts and use various payment options, according to the central bank. The decision is partly attributed to the significant circulation of older 1,000 and 500-pound notes of “unknown origin,” which has heightened liquidity and destabilized prices. Additionally,…