Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Semaya Kumba urged Turkish public and private enterprises to explore investment opportunities in South Sudan, speaking on Wednesday in Juba during celebrations for the 101st Republic Day of Türkiye. He emphasized South Sudan’s need for investment across several sectors, including agriculture, tourism, fisheries, mining, education, banking, and infrastructure development. “We invite Turkish state and private enterprises to contribute to South Sudan’s growth by investing in diverse areas like agriculture, tourism, mining, education, and more,” said Kumba. He further highlighted South Sudan’s dedication to addressing national needs and urged Türkiye’s continued support, saying,…

The UN Security Council passed a resolution enabling the transition of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the UN Country Team (UNCT) over a two-year period, following a request by Somalia’s government. All 15 Council members supported the UK-led resolution, which establishes a temporary mission, UN Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), to oversee the transition from UNSOM to national authorities starting Nov. 1. This shift is expected to conclude by Oct. 31, 2026. The UK’s UN envoy, Barbara Woodward, highlighted the resolution as pivotal for Somalia, commending UNSOM’s contributions since 2013 in areas like peace-building, policy guidance, and…

The first group of international election observers has arrived in self-declared Somaliland, marking a significant move toward transparent elections in the Horn of Africa. Led by former UK Ambassador Tim Cole, this initial team of five has begun assessing the nation’s electoral framework and legal guidelines. Invited by Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC), these observers aim to provide impartial oversight throughout the election process, engaging various groups, including women’s organizations, to foster inclusive representation. Observers adhere to strict independence rules, ensuring unbiased analysis across the pre-election, election day, and post-election phases. Tim Cole’s first visit to Somaliland underscores the international…

On October 27, clashes erupted between Ethiopian government forces and Fano militias across multiple zones in the Amhara region, leading to civilian casualties and injuries, according to accounts from residents who spoke with local media. Violence spanned the South Wollo, East Gojjam, and Awi zones, where armed confrontations resulted in the loss of life, injuries, and disruptions to essential services. In South Wollo’s Ambassel district, a resident from Robit town described an intense day of violence, recounting a prolonged morning exchange of gunfire that left numerous casualties. “We heard continuous gunfire, and after the fighting, vehicles transported those dead and…

A coalition of Sudanese and international civil society groups issued an urgent call on Wednesday for the international community to prioritize civilian safety amid Sudan’s intensifying conflict. In their joint statement, the organizations expressed concern that current international efforts are too focused on humanitarian aid logistics rather than on the immediate security needs of Sudanese civilians caught in the conflict. “Ensuring civilian protection should be central to all intervention efforts in Sudan,” the statement emphasized. “Humanitarian assistance has little impact if civilians are not secured.” The coalition urged stronger measures to uphold International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and requested concrete actions…

In a notable series of visits, the heads of both the CIA and MI6 have traveled to East Africa, raising speculation on pressing security concerns across the region. CIA Director William Burns visited Kenya on October 28, where he held discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto and the country’s intelligence chief, Noordin Haji. Burns then continued his tour in Somalia on October 29, meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Abdullahi Sanbalolshe, Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). This marks Burns’ second visit to Mogadishu within a year, following a similar trip in January 2024, where…

The civil war in Côte d’Ivoire, which erupted in 2002, has marked a turbulent era in the country’s recent history, reflecting deep-seated political, ethnic, and economic divisions. Here’s a comprehensive look at the conflict and the major agreements that aimed to restore peace. Conflict Origins and Escalation The roots of Côte d’Ivoire’s civil war trace back to long-standing political tensions, particularly following the death of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny in 1993. His death left a power vacuum that led to political instability and exacerbated ethnic divisions, setting the stage for conflict. By 2002, tensions had boiled over, and an attempted coup…

President Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland affirmed that Somaliland will uphold the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with Ethiopia, disregarding any external opposition. Speaking to the BBC, Bihi stated that the MoU remains intact, with finalization eagerly anticipated. Bihi criticized Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of rallying against the Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement and engaging with Ethiopia’s rivals, particularly Egypt. The MoU, signed in January 2024, grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s ports in exchange for political recognition, though it remains in early stages of implementation. Bihi highlighted rising regional tensions and alleged that Egypt, through a military pact with…

Belarusian authorities reported Sunday that 15 refugees, including Somali nationals, were found severely injured near the Belarus-Poland border, alleging Polish forces had attacked them and forcibly returned them to Belarusian territory. According to Belarus’ State Border Committee, the injuries observed—bruises, rubber bullet wounds, and dog bites—indicated a violent encounter before the group was pushed back. Belarusian officials claim that Polish border forces have intensified their tactics, using excessive force to prevent refugees from entering Poland. A Belarusian representative stated, “This is not an isolated incident,” and highlighted a rise in such cases, with reports of other migrant deaths in recent…

In Mogadishu’s Bakaro market, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has apprehended a member of Al-Shabaab amid a surge in targeted killings of businessmen linked to the installation of CCTV cameras. According to NISA’s statement, the capture followed intelligence regarding suspicious activities by the suspect within the market, where there is heightened concern over planned assassinations of traders who have complied with the government’s directive to install surveillance systems in their businesses. “NISA agents successfully detained an Al-Shabaab operative who intended to instigate violence in Bakaro market,” the agency’s statement indicated. The intelligence agency disclosed that the arrested individual…

Kenya’s ambition to promote Lamu Port as a key transit hub is facing significant challenges due to Ethiopia’s growing reliance on the Port of Djibouti and a recent agreement with Somaliland. This development has complicated Kenya’s efforts to fully leverage the Lamu Port as part of the Sh1.2 trillion Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor initiative, involving collaboration among the three nations. Ethiopia has secured complete access to Djibouti’s port, which is currently vital for approximately 95 percent of its international trade. Additionally, Ethiopia has made strides in utilizing the port in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, having acquired a 19…

Alibaba announced on Wednesday its plans to establish its first African training center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in partnership with the Digital Transformation Ethiopia Association (DTEA). Scheduled to open next year, the center will focus on fostering local digital talent through training programs designed for the Ethiopian community. At the launching event, Dan Liu, Senior Advisor for Alibaba Global Initiatives (AGI), highlighted Ethiopia’s youthful population and robust government support, positioning the country as a promising hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Liu emphasized the importance of a “digital mindset” for Ethiopian entrepreneurs in a rapidly digitalizing global economy. “We are excited…

An advocacy organization issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that Sudan is on the verge of a catastrophic tribal conflict. The Advocacy Group for Peace in Sudan (AGPS) attributed the growing violence to escalating ethnic tensions and a perilous narrative of revenge. The AGPS reported a recent uptick in assaults by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on communities in eastern Al-Jazirah state, leading to civilian deaths and widespread displacement. Additionally, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have intensified their airstrikes targeting civilian neighborhoods in Darfur, Kordofan, and Al-Jazirah, causing significant casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. “Both factions have alarmingly…

The future of African asylum seekers and economic migrants in the United States hangs in the balance as the upcoming presidential election approaches. The political landscape could significantly impact their safety and opportunities for a better life. Dr. Yves Kaduli, a 38-year-old asylum seeker from the Democratic Republic of Congo, voices the concerns of many in similar situations. “We deserve safety,” he asserts, reflecting on his harrowing journey to escape violence and persecution. In a candid conversation, Dr. Kaduli shares his story, emphasizing the stark realities faced by those fleeing conflict. Dr. Kaduli fled eastern DR Congo in 2014, where…

Somalia has declared a senior Ethiopian diplomat persona non grata, citing actions that are deemed “incompatible” with his diplomatic status and violations of Somalia’s sovereignty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that Ali Mohamed Adan, Counselor II at the Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu, has been given 72 hours to leave the country. This expulsion highlights the escalating strain in the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, characterized by territorial disputes, changing alliances, and Somalia’s increasing assertiveness in managing its internal affairs. The Ministry’s statement accused Adan of participating in activities outside the bounds of diplomacy. It referenced the Vienna…

In a powerful gathering, young leaders from 47 African nations have made a resolute commitment to reshape the continent’s food systems through agroecology, advocating for food sovereignty that prioritizes the needs of the people. This landmark event, known as the “Summit of Solutions,” ignited crucial conversations about how agroecology—an approach that harmonizes ecological principles with agricultural practices—can serve as a cornerstone for restoring Africa’s food sovereignty. The youth expressed their collective concern that the current food systems are failing both their generation and the continent at large. Their message was not just one of dissatisfaction; it was a rallying cry…