Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The Metema-Gallabat border crossing between Ethiopia and Sudan has reopened as of 21 October 2024, following a closure that began in early September due to security issues, according to reports from Amhara Media Corporation. The shutdown commenced on 2 September after the Fano militia took control of the Ethiopian town of Metema, leading authorities in Sudan’s Al-Qadarif state to shut down the Gallabat side of the crossing. Amhara Media Corporation highlighted that the reopening was the outcome of “several weeks of dialogue” between Ethiopian and Sudanese officials, with active participation from local stakeholders. It also noted the creation of “a…

An airstrike in Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah state, left at least 31 civilians dead after targeting a mosque, according to local activists. The attack came amid rising tensions and clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the region. The strike occurred shortly after evening prayers at the Sheikh El Jeili mosque in the western extension neighborhood, with barrel bombs reportedly used in the attack. The Wad Madani Resistance Committees released a statement confirming 31 casualties, 15 of whom have been identified, while many body parts remain unrecognizable. This escalation…

The Ethiopian government has handed down prison sentences to 60 members of the al-Shabab militant organization, with terms ranging from 2.5 years to 18 years. These individuals were captured during confrontations with Ethiopian military forces. The militants were detained two years ago after crossing the border from Somalia into Ethiopia, where they clashed with local forces from the Somali regional state. Ethiopian Federal Police reported that the group intended to establish a base within the Somali region, taking advantage of existing security weaknesses in the area. Among those convicted were two senior al-Shabab leaders, who received life sentences. The rest…

Tanzania National Parks, under the leadership of Conservation Commissioner Musa Kuji, has been celebrated as Africa’s premier tourism destination, thanks to the government’s unwavering commitment to the sector. During a recent gathering with tourism stakeholders, Kuji highlighted the country’s achievement of receiving four prestigious international travel awards. He credited the widespread acclaim to the impactful documentary “Tanzania: The Royal Tour,” which features President Samia Suluhu Hassan and has significantly raised Tanzania’s profile in the global tourism arena. He praised President Samia’s forward-thinking leadership, noting that her efforts have fundamentally altered perceptions of Tanzania as a vital travel destination. “These awards…

At around 04:00 in the Malha region of North Darfur, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) mistakenly shot down a cargo plane, believing it was a bomber operated by the Sudanese military. The RSF fighters celebrated what they thought was a successful strike against an Antonov aircraft used in air raids, unaware that the plane was actually part of a UAE-backed supply mission intended to support their own forces. Ali Rizkallah, a key RSF commander in the region, appeared in a video at the crash site, claiming they had used “guided missiles” to destroy an “Egyptian Antonov,” echoing recent allegations made…

In a pivotal development ahead of the anticipated elections, Somaliland has officially received the ballot papers for the polls scheduled on November 13, 2024. The announcement was made by Mr. Musa Hassan Yusuf, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), during a press briefing at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa. The arrival of these ballot papers marks a significant advancement in the democratic journey of Somaliland. Chairman Musa Hassan emphasized the NEC’s dedication to conducting elections that are free, fair, and transparent. He stated, “The receipt of the ballot papers is a testament to the democratic processes in Somaliland and…

A Turning Point in the Nation’s History On October 21, 1969, Somalia witnessed a pivotal moment in its history when a military coup, led by Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, toppled the democratically elected government of President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke. This event marked the beginning of a long and tumultuous era characterized by military rule, political repression, and social upheaval. Background: Political Turmoil in Somalia The roots of the coup can be traced back to a period of increasing political instability in Somalia. Following independence from Italian and British colonial rule in 1960, the nation struggled to establish a stable…

The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) declared on October 20, 2024, that it would no longer engage in the ongoing Ethiopian National Dialogue process, citing concerns over the process being “non-inclusive” and lacking in “openness.” In their official announcement, the ONLF strongly criticized the ruling Somali region’s party for allegedly undermining the dialogue by “unilaterally choosing participants,” which they argue breaches the earlier agreements with political factions and “ignores diverse perspectives.” The ONLF believes that this “exclusive method” contradicts the main objective of the dialogue, which is designed to “gather all relevant parties to address deep-seated conflicts.” The group also…

Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, has urged organizations offering food aid to procure supplies from within the country rather than relying on foreign donations. Speaking at a meeting in Dar es Salaam, Bashe emphasized the government’s desire to support local farmers, ensuring that relief efforts contribute to Tanzania’s agricultural sector. Concerns have arisen over social media reports stating that fortified foods like rice, pinto beans, and sunflower oil, sourced from the United States, were distributed to schools in Dodoma and Mara. This initiative, backed by the US Department of Agriculture, aimed to provide nutritious meals to over 300 schools…

Devastating floods triggered by heavy rains have affected over 1 million people in South Sudan, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The flooding has displaced approximately 271,000 individuals across 42 of the country’s 78 counties, with Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Unity states among the hardest hit regions. OCHA warned that the situation could worsen, with up to 3.3 million people at risk between September and December as many areas face the threat of becoming impassable. Currently, 15 vital supply routes have been cut off due to heavy rainfall and floods, severely limiting…

In a joint humanitarian mission, the Somalia Embassy in Yemen, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), successfully facilitated the return of 157 Somali refugees from Aden to Somalia. The group, consisting of men, women, and children, had been living in Yemen under difficult conditions, facing various hardships. The repatriation, organized to alleviate the severe challenges faced by these refugees, was carefully managed as the group boarded a vessel departing from Aden’s port. Somali Embassy officials closely supervised the entire operation to ensure the safe return of their citizens. This coordinated effort between the Somalia Embassy…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti on Sunday as part of his regional tour of countries contributing troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Upon landing, President Mohamud and his delegation were greeted by Djibouti’s Prime Minister, Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, along with other senior officials at the airport. During his stay, President Mohamud is scheduled to meet with Djibouti’s President, Ismael Omar Guelleh, to discuss deepening bilateral ties and addressing key issues such as security and economic cooperation. Particular focus will be given to the ATMIS mission, which is critical to maintaining stability in Somalia.…

On Sunday, Sudan’s army announced that a senior commander from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had defected, taking some of his troops with him. This marks the first high-profile defection since the intense fighting between the two sides began over 18 months ago. The RSF, which now controls a significant part of the country amidst its conflict with the military, did not release an immediate response. The United Nations has described the situation in Sudan as one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. Supporters of the military shared photos online that allegedly show Abuagla Keikal, a former army officer who…

Former Somali Finance Minister Abdirahman Duale Bayle from Awdal region, along with several prominent political figures, has officially joined Somaliland’s opposition party, Waddani, just weeks ahead of the November elections. Bayle, who previously supported the idea of ‘Greater Somalia,’ has now shifted his focus to Somaliland after years of service in the Somali federal government. “We have chosen to align ourselves with this party and urge the people of Somaliland to vote for Waddani. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is the leader who can truly guide this nation,” said Bayle during a public announcement. Bayle and his colleagues highlighted Waddani’s potential…

Sudan Liberation Movement leader and Darfur Governor, Minni Minawi, has emphasized the importance of forming a unified national army to ensure peace and democracy once the current conflict concludes. During a Saturday meeting in Paris, Minawi asserted that a single national military is essential for long-term stability in Sudan. Minawi, who participated in the war on the side of the army, clarified that his involvement was not for political or personal gain, but a necessity after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated violence against civilians and destroyed villages and camps. He called for the “One army, one people” slogan to…

The Tanzanian government is ramping up efforts to create a welcoming environment for both local and international investors in the tourism industry, aiming for significant growth and increased tourist numbers. Deputy Transport Minister, David Kihenzile, made the announcement at the Tanzania Society of Tourism Agents (TASOTA) Annual General Meeting in Dar es Salaam. Kihenzile emphasized the sector’s recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had caused visitor numbers to drop below one million. However, the latest figures show nearly two million tourists, with a government target of five million by 2025. “Our natural beauty, rich culture, and extraordinary…