Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lenacapavir, a bi-annual injectable treatment for HIV/AIDS, which will be available by mid-2025 after successful phase 3 trials. This advancement, expected to revolutionize HIV treatment, offers a significant alternative to daily medication. In an interview with Capital FM, Dr. Jennifer Galbraith, Director of the HIV and TB program for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Kenya, emphasized ongoing negotiations between the U.S. Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy and Gilead, the drug manufacturer, to ensure sufficient supply and affordability. “The Bureau is working to ensure reasonable…

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is set to visit Türkiye on 1 November 2024, in one of his first international trips since taking office. His visit highlights the deepening relations between Senegal and Türkiye, focusing on bilateral agreements, ongoing projects, and expanding cooperation across various sectors. In recent years, Senegal and Türkiye have signed several significant agreements, notably in trade, infrastructure, education, and defense. One of the key developments was the 2016 Agreement on Mutual Trade and Economic Cooperation, which aimed to boost economic ties by enhancing trade volumes and investment opportunities between both countries. Additionally, Türkiye has played a…

A new report from a global association of mobile operators, GSMA, reveals that Kenya’s digital economy is expected to contribute $4.4 billion (Sh662 billion) to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the next four years. Released on Tuesday, the report highlights that Kenya’s digital transformation, driven by strategic policy changes, will accelerate growth in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and trade. In addition to economic growth, the report anticipates that the digital sector will generate 300,000 new jobs and boost tax revenue by $1 billion (Sh150 billion) by 2028. The Kenya Kwanza government has identified the digital…

The Somali Defense Ministry announced that the army, with support from local and international partners, conducted a series of operations targeting the al-Shabaab militant group, resulting in the deaths of over 95 insurgents on Monday. The Somali National Army (SNA) carried out these operations across Middle Shabelle, Galgadud, and Mudug in the north-central region of Somalia. First Lieutenant Sheikh Abukar Mohamed, a spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed during a media briefing in Mogadishu on Monday evening that 45 militants were eliminated and three villages liberated in Middle Shabelle during the offensive. In a separate military action in Galgadud, part of…

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary suspension of avocado exports by sea for specific varieties in a bid to maintain quality and safeguard Kenya’s global market position. In coordination with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), AFA declared that the export ban applies to Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo varieties for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. This move is aimed at reducing the disruption of avocado crop cycles caused by premature harvesting. “The closure of harvesting and sea export for Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo avocados will begin on October 25, 2024,” said AFA Director General Dr. Bruno…

A Sudanese army commander was reportedly killed on Tuesday during an ambush by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near Tambul in Al Jazirah state, according to military officials. Brigadier General Ahmed Shaa Al-Din’s death heightens tensions as violence escalates between the army and RSF in the region. The conflict intensified following the defection of RSF commander Abu Aqla Kikl to the army, prompting the RSF to launch retaliatory attacks in areas previously controlled by Kikl. Sources indicate that Al-Din, who managed the transfer of Kikl to the armed forces, was conducting an operation close to Tambul when his unit encountered…

Two students from the Technical University of Mombasa have developed a groundbreaking bomb detection robot, designed to enhance security in high-risk areas such as Lamu. The robot, which is remotely controlled, can detect and neutralize explosive devices, making it a valuable tool for military convoys and patrols. The robot car, which operates without a human driver, uses advanced technology to detect explosives using special rays. If the robot fails to detect a hidden improvised explosive device (IED), it can act as a sacrificial vehicle, absorbing the explosion to save lives. The minds behind this innovation are Bramwel Ongori, 21, and…

A cargo plane, believed to belong to the Sudanese army, crashed early Monday in the Malha area of North Darfur state, resulting in the deaths of its five-member crew—three Sudanese and two Russian nationals. The cause of the crash remains unclear, with conflicting reports suggesting either technical failure or enemy fire. Military sources indicated that the Russian-made Ilyushin cargo plane was on a mission delivering military equipment and medicine to the army’s headquarters in El Fasher. The crash occurred on its return trip. While the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed responsibility, stating they shot down the aircraft, other reports suggest…

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has successfully apprehended three members of Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu, marking a significant achievement in the ongoing effort to secure the capital. The operation, which was meticulously planned, led to the capture of individuals involved in various acts of insecurity. NISA also presented photographs of the detainees, revealing their connections to a network operating within the city. Additionally, two Bajaj motorcycles and a Fekon motorcycle, used for their activities, were seized. This arrest demonstrates NISA’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of Mogadishu’s residents. The federal government has intensified its security operations…

Logistics organizations from Ethiopia and Djibouti have held a meeting in Addis Ababa to discuss enhancing their collaboration to improve trade between the two nations. Ethiopia, being the most populous landlocked country, heavily relies on Djibouti for access to international markets. Anteneh Alemu, the CEO of Pave Logistics and Trading PLC and Vice President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarder and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the Association of Djiboutian Freight Forwarders (ATD) to boost the efficiency of the logistics industry. During the meeting on October 17, EFFSAA engaged in discussions with ATD representatives, including…

Somali President Visits Kenya to Discuss Security Cooperation Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Kenya on Monday as part of his regional tour to meet with nations contributing troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). During his stay, President Mohamud is set to engage in discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto, aiming to enhance bilateral relations and assist Somalia in its transition to complete self-defense responsibilities. This visit follows meetings earlier in the week with leaders from Uganda, Burundi, and Djibouti, where they addressed the gradual withdrawal of ATMIS forces from Somalia. ATMIS is scheduled to…

Kenyan Troops Complete Mission, Return from Somalia Deployment A contingent of soldiers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who served in Somalia as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has returned to Kenya. Their arrival over the weekend was confirmed by KDF in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 22. They were greeted by Brigadier Jackson Lesaiyo, Commander of Embakasi Garrison. This repatriation aligns with a strategic plan for a phased drawdown under ATMIS, focusing on the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The KDF noted that these troops were based at the Kuday…

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) is nearing the final stage of accrediting the National Institute of Transport (NIT) to offer pilot training, marking a major step forward for the country’s aviation industry. During the recent international logistics and transportation conference, TCAA Director General Salim Msangi confirmed that the NIT has already passed four out of the five inspection phases required for accreditation. The institute, which now possesses two training aircraft, is expected to meet the final certification criteria soon. Msangi highlighted the rigorous nature of the accreditation process, stating that aviation training institutions must adhere to strict global standards…

Conflict Erupts in Debark as Tensions Escalate in AmharaA weekend of violence has disrupted the previously peaceful environment of Debark town in the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara region. Eyewitnesses reported that clashes began on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and continued into the night of Sunday, October 20, 2024. In a conversation with local Ethiopian media, a Debark resident noted that such conflicts are not uncommon in the region. “These sporadic skirmishes have been ongoing,” he remarked, although he did not provide details regarding the extent of casualties or property damage caused by the recent clashes. Another anonymous local…

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have asserted their control over the town of Kalbus, located near Sudan’s border with Chad, though conflicting reports from military sources suggest the battle is still ongoing. Kalbus, approximately 130 kilometers from El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, has been under RSF dominance since November 2023. The RSF posted videos on their official Telegram channel, showcasing their presence in key areas of Kalbus, including the local government offices, following intense clashes with the Joint Force allied to the Sudanese army. Some Joint Force fighters reportedly fled across the border into Chad. Witnesses from…

Niger has taken a significant step by signing an important mining agreement with Türkiye, aimed at developing its rich natural resources and enhancing its potential in this sector. This memorandum of understanding lays the groundwork for a new partnership with Türkiye, focusing on strengthening Niger’s mining industry and increasing international collaboration. Niger’s Minister of Mines, Abarchi Ousmane, met with Türkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in Istanbul to finalize the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Mining Sector.” This agreement includes provisions for knowledge sharing, official-level discussions, and the development of joint projects to support the growth of Niger’s mining…