Author: Abdihakim Kalale

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is scheduled to participate in the inaugural International Kiswahili Conference taking place in Havana, Cuba, from November 7 to 10. This announcement was made by Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, during a press conference in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. “The cultural ministries of Tanzania and Cuba have collaborated to organize the First International Kiswahili Conference, which will see President Samia Suluhu Hassan join her Cuban counterpart, Miguel Diaz-Canel,” Ndumbaro stated. Approximately 600 participants are expected to attend the conference, which will include ministers, private sector representatives, organizations dedicated to the Kiswahili language,…

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has reiterated that his only mission is to end Sudan’s ongoing war, dismissing any personal political ambitions. Speaking at Chatham House on civilian priorities for Sudan’s peace, Hamdok made it clear he has no intention of returning as Prime Minister, saying, “Stopping the war is my only goal.” Currently leading the anti-war civilian alliance “Tagadum,” Hamdok shared that he contacted both Sudanese military chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in the early days of the conflict, urging a ceasefire. Tagadum’s primary goals, he explained, are to…

In a decisive move to steer Somalia toward a direct electoral system, prominent leaders such as Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Adala have expressed their full support for the “one person, one vote” model. This initiative represents a departure from Somalia’s long-standing clan-based power-sharing system, aiming to reshape the political landscape through direct democracy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reinforced this commitment, emphasizing that Somalia’s future lies in a party-based, direct voting model, dismissing any return to indirect elections. Following a recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting with federal and…

Shukri Osman Muse has embarked on a groundbreaking journey as Mogadishu’s first female equestrian, defying deep-rooted traditions and proving that gender is no barrier to pursuing her passion. Within three months, she has embraced the challenges of equestrian training in a city with few resources for women in the field. Raised in Somalia’s capital, Shukri had a lifelong fascination with horses but lacked access to facilities or opportunities to learn. “I grew up dreaming of riding, though I’d never seen a horse in real life,” she said. Determined to find a way, she began seeking out training opportunities, eventually finding…

Somalia has advanced economically with a recent IMF staff-level agreement regarding the second review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). This agreement, reached in Istanbul and Washington, D.C., forms part of the IMF’s 2024 Article IV consultation, signaling positive growth alongside cautious optimism. IMF mission chief Laura Jaramillo noted an improved economic outlook, with Somalia’s GDP expected to rise by 4% in both 2024 and 2025. This growth is supported by gains in agriculture and a steady inflow of remittances. While encouraging, Jaramillo cautioned against several risks, particularly climate change, regional security, and global economic shifts, that could disrupt this…

Mogadishu’s displacement camps are struggling with an intensifying educational crisis, as over 6,000 children from displaced and impoverished families in Kahda, Dayniile, and Garasbaaley districts remain unable to attend school. A recent survey by the BAR Teachers’ Association highlights the depth of the issue, pointing to economic hardship and a severe lack of free education options as major obstacles. Farhiyo Mohamed Ali, a mother of eight children, shared her anguish over being unable to afford school fees. “We barely survive each day,” she explained. “We need the Somali community’s support to get free schooling for our children.” Farhiyo, who raises…

In a recent address to parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s steadfast desire to secure access to the Red Sea through non-violent means. He declared, “We do not aim to achieve this through conflict or aggression,” and asserted that Ethiopia is entitled to such access “based on international law and the experiences of other nations.” PM Abiy stated, “Ethiopia’s national interest in accessing the Red Sea is unwavering. The international community must understand that our pursuit of this goal will be through peaceful channels.” He reinforced the idea that Ethiopia will not hesitate to pursue this objective, insisting, “If…

President William Ruto embarked on a trip to Bujumbura on Thursday morning to participate in the 23rd Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government. This summit serves as a pivotal platform for member states to bolster regional cooperation and economic integration. During his visit, Ruto is expected to engage in high-level discussions with leaders from various COMESA member countries. The primary goal of these discussions is to enhance Kenya’s relationships with its regional partners, focusing on key strategic issues such as trade and economic collaboration. The summit, themed “Accelerating Regional Integration…

Kenya is moving towards officially recognizing Diwali as a public holiday by 2025, according to President William Ruto. This decision reflects the country’s acknowledgment of Hinduism as an official religion, making Kenya unique in its approach to religious diversity. The Hindu community in Kenya has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, when Indian laborers and traders were brought by the British to work on the Kenya-Uganda railway. Over the years, this community has established a significant presence, particularly in urban areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, where they have built temples, schools, and cultural…

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives on October 31, 2024, confirming that the government remains in dialogue with “certain members” of armed groups active in the Amhara and Oromia regions, though previous peace efforts have had limited success. Abiy stated, “With support from elders, the government has sought peace discussions,” and reassured that talks are still ongoing with certain armed group representatives. Abiy noted the challenge of critics undermining peace efforts by targeting those participating in government negotiations, saying, “Such actions dissuade those inclined towards peace.” Additionally, he responded to a parliamentarian’s claims that the government…

Kenya has significantly reduced new HIV infections by 83% over the past decade, cutting cases from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa. She highlighted that the number of Kenyans on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has surged, reaching 1.34 million this year. AIDS-related deaths have also seen a notable decline, dropping by 65% since 2013. CS Barasa emphasized Kenya’s commitment to viral suppression, noting that 97% of those on ART have reached this benchmark. Efforts to curb mother-to-child transmission have also shown progress, dropping from 14% in 2013 to 7.3% in 2023, with a…

Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has disclosed a coup attempt aimed at ousting President William Ruto on June 25, 2024. Speaking on Citizen TV, Duale stated that the plan was geared toward regime change but refrained from revealing details on those involved, citing his commitment to confidentiality under his current role. “On June 25th, a serious regime change plan was in motion,” Duale mentioned, hinting at the events that day when demonstrators breached Parliament, leading MPs and staff to evacuate until security forces restored order. In a subsequent statement, the Interior Cabinet Secretary reported that an additional attempt to…

Somalia has reached a historic milestone as political leaders agreed on a framework to conduct the country’s first national one-person, one-vote elections. This decision was finalized after a series of extensive negotiations led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, concluding with a signed agreement on Wednesday. The framework was agreed upon by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, three regional state leaders, and Mogadishu’s governor, charting a path for direct universal suffrage. Local elections are now slated for June 2025, followed by regional and municipal polls. Additionally, parliamentary and presidential elections for the federal member states are set for September 2025.…

Egypt’s foreign ministry strongly criticized what it described as “brutal assaults” by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s eastern Al Jazirah state, condemning the targeting of unarmed civilians, particularly vulnerable groups like children, women, and the elderly. The attacks have reportedly led to mass displacements, pushing thousands from their homes. Reaffirming Cairo’s stance on preserving Sudan’s national institutions, especially its army, Egypt’s statement called for the safeguarding of Sudan’s unity and stability. In its appeal, Egypt reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized implementing the Jeddah Declaration, signed in May 2023 by the RSF and Sudanese army…

The Federal Government of Somalia has ushered in a transformative phase in the nation’s healthcare system with the inauguration of the country’s largest Emergency Care Center at Mogadishu’s Medina General Hospital. At the launch event, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing that initiatives like these will also provide employment opportunities. “This facility will be instrumental in treating and supporting the Somali army and civilians impacted by ongoing conflicts with Al-Shabab,” he stated. The newly opened state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center, which accommodates 200 patients requiring urgent medical attention, is designed to support individuals…

South Sudanese authorities have ramped up cholera containment measures following an outbreak in Renk county, Upper Nile state. This region, a major entry point for refugees escaping conflict in Sudan, has seen 50 suspected cholera cases, with six confirmed, as of October 28, 2024. Cases are reported among refugees, returnees, and local residents. The Ministry of Health mobilized a county-level cholera task force and activated the national incident management system for a coordinated response. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare guidance has been provided to local facilities, and 30 health professionals have been trained in recognizing and testing…