Author: Abdihakim Kalale

A total of 31,282,331 Tanzanians, representing 94.83 percent of eligible voters, have been registered to participate in the upcoming civic elections scheduled for November 27, according to a statement released by the government. Mohamed Mchengerwa, the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government, announced that the registration process took place over 10 days, from October 11 to October 20. “This turnout is highly encouraging, with the goal being to register over 32.988 million voters,” Mchengerwa stated. He also revealed that of the 31.28 million registered voters, 15.237 million are men, making up 48.71…

Somalia’s Danab Commando Force successfully killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants and wounded another 12 during a planned operation in the central Galgadud region, according to an announcement by the federal government on Thursday. The raid took place in the Gerile area of Eldher district, where Al-Shabaab fighters were hiding and planning attacks. The Somali government confirmed the mission’s success, stating that “12 militants were killed, and 22 others were injured in an army operation conducted in the forested area near Gerile, located east of Galgaduud.” Over the last two weeks, the Somali National Army (SNA) has conducted multiple operations in Middle…

After five months of relative calm, Somali pirates have returned to threaten international shipping lanes once more. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), operating under Operation ATALANTA, issued an alert after a suspected pirate action group (PAG) departed from Somalia’s northern-central coast. The resurgence of piracy is fueled by instability in the region, turning it again into a haven for maritime crime. According to the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), the group of 13 armed pirates left from Ceel Huur near Hobyo, heading toward the Indian Ocean. “All vessels should proceed with caution and report suspicious activities,”…

The Federal Government of Somalia has successfully repatriated 164 Somali nationals who had been stranded in Libya for several years, enduring severe hardships. High-ranking government officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Information, Petroleum, and Security, along with the Chief of Police and the President’s Office envoy for Immigration and Children’s Rights, greeted the returnees at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu earlier today. Out of the 164 young Somalis, 109 landed in Mogadishu, while the remaining 55 arrived in Hargeisa on Thursday morning. Somali federal officials emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of other Somali nationals…

The Eritrean government has formally requested payment from the Ethiopian government for outstanding dues dating back to 1997/1998, as relations between the two nations have continued to worsen in recent months. In July, Eritrea prohibited Ethiopian Airlines from operating in its territory, signaling further strain. A letter from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority was addressed to Ethiopian Airlines, requesting payment of long-standing dues, which reportedly total around $3.7 million. The letter also referenced a lawsuit filed by the Eritrean government in an Asmara court, seeking damages for Eritrean passengers who experienced issues with missing and damaged luggage in the late…

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has urged swift action to address enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions following its investigation documenting 52 cases between July 2023 and October 2024. These detentions occurred at military sites and undisclosed locations outside Addis Ababa, raising concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Ethiopia. In its report published on October 23, 2024, the EHRC detailed incidents from various regions, including Addis Ababa, Amhara, and Oromia. It revealed how security forces, often using unmarked vehicles, apprehended individuals from their homes or workplaces, sometimes in front of witnesses. The investigation found that out…

Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, has emphasized the importance of the upcoming Tourism and Investment Expo, scheduled for October 25 and 26, in enhancing the island’s reputation as a premier tourism destination. The event aims to strengthen Zanzibar’s appeal, connect industry stakeholders, and showcase investment opportunities in various sectors. During the Zanzibar Traditional Cuisine Show, Soraga expressed optimism about the festival’s potential to attract international participants from countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, along with neighboring African nations. He noted that Zanzibar’s rising status in global tourism reflects growing interest in the island’s unique…

For more than a decade, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been the most lethal weapons used by militants in Somalia, causing heavy losses among both soldiers and civilians. According to data from Action on Armed Violence, a UK-based organization that monitors global armed violence, over 14,000 individuals have been killed or injured by IEDs planted by Al-shabab since 2014, with civilians accounting for 61% of the casualties. Just last year, more than 1,500 Somalis—mostly civilians—were either killed or wounded by IED attacks. Recent incidents include bombings of a Mogadishu café in July, a tea shop in central Somalia in August,…

Affordable diesel is a cornerstone of many African economies, significantly influencing sectors like transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture. Lower diesel prices help reduce operational expenses across these key industries, enabling economic growth and development. In several African nations, diesel continues to be a dominant energy source, particularly in regions where energy infrastructure for cleaner alternatives is still in its infancy. Tanzania stands out with competitive diesel pricing, which has been instrumental in maintaining stability in vital sectors such as agriculture and industry. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) recently reported that diesel prices in Tanzania have remained relatively low,…

In a recent announcement, the Somali government reaffirmed its authority over selecting the Troop Partner Nations (TPNs) that will contribute forces to the upcoming African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 2024. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that troop contributions must prioritize Somalia’s national interests and respect its sovereignty. Additionally, the Somali government criticized Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, calling it a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and counterproductive to regional trust in peacekeeping initiatives. According to the Somali authorities,…

Sudan criticized Western nations on Wednesday for politicizing humanitarian relief efforts and unfairly blaming its government and military for aid blockages. The statement followed an Oct. 18 declaration by multiple countries, including the US, Britain, and members of the European Union, demanding the removal of blockades preventing aid access in Sudan. In response, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry rejected the accusations, claiming no proof exists that its authorities have intentionally obstructed humanitarian operations. The ministry also expressed concern over calls for independent humanitarian work, warning that bypassing government oversight could weaken state authority. On Oct. 19, Sudan announced the opening of…

Sudan’s military forces reclaimed control of Al-Dinder in Sennar state on Wednesday following fierce clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to military sources. Supported by the Joint Force and the General Intelligence Service, the Sudanese army launched a large-scale offensive early Wednesday to recover Al-Dinder, a town that had been under RSF control since July. Military sources reported to local media that the army, using heavy artillery, advanced weaponry, and suicide drones, successfully recaptured the city with support from airstrikes conducted by warplanes. The RSF had previously taken over Al-Dinder and established a local administration within the city.…

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has officially dismissed rumors regarding a plane crash over Somalia, labeling such reports as misleading and unfounded. In a recent statement, the agency clarified that the special aircraft recently acquired by the Federal Government of Somalia are confirmed to be safe, calling the claims baseless. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has been actively addressing various directives and responding to misinformation circulating in the media about its operations and safety measures.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President William Ruto of Kenya have reached a consensus on the critical need for a seamless transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly formed African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The leaders underscored the importance of upholding territorial integrity, securing reliable funding, and safeguarding against the influence of the extremist group El-sebab during this transition. During his two-day diplomatic visit to Kenya, President Mohamud held extensive discussions with President Ruto at State House in Nairobi. Their talks addressed key bilateral and regional issues, with…

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is actively discussing the possibility of reestablishing Sudan’s membership to aid in resolving the country’s ongoing conflict, as stated by Lawrence Korbandy, IGAD’s envoy to Sudan. Sudan voluntarily suspended its membership in January, rejecting the organization’s interference in its domestic matters. However, Korbandy, in a recent interview with Sudanese media, highlighted the critical need for Sudan to rejoin IGAD to prevent the conflict from becoming an international issue and to maintain an African-led approach. “Reinstating Sudan is vital for multiple reasons,” Korbandy explained. “First, as a founding member, Sudan plays a key role within…

Ethiopia’s government has initiated a public share sale for Ethio Telecom, the country’s largest state-owned telecommunications firm, as part of efforts to create a new national stock market. This landmark move will establish the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), the first stock market in Ethiopia since the 1970s. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced last Wednesday that Ethio Telecom, a 130-year-old enterprise, will offer 10% of its shares—amounting to 100 million shares—to the public. Only Ethiopian nationals can invest, with each person allowed to purchase a maximum of 3,333 shares at a price of 300 birr (approximately $2.50 each). The company will…