Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The Amhara Region Judges’ Association strongly criticized the persistent detention of judges in the conflict-ridden Amhara region, revealing that more than 35 judges have been “unlawfully detained and later released” within the past year. Currently, eight judges remain in detention, according to a statement issued on October 18, 2024. The Association raised concerns over the increasing number of judicial detentions, with some instances reportedly resulting in fatalities. They described these arrests as “dangerous” to the independence of the judiciary, emphasizing that this situation compromises judicial integrity and hampers the ability of judges to perform their duties impartially. This condemnation comes…

During his address to the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed encouraged investors from BRICS nations to take advantage of Ethiopia’s economic potential. He stressed that the BRICS group, representing nearly half of the global population, has a key role in driving equitable and sustainable economic growth. Ethiopia officially joined the BRICS bloc in January 2024, becoming one of the six new members set to join in 2024. This move enhances Ethiopia’s ties with the rapidly growing economies of BRICS nations. By joining the bloc, Ethiopia aims to strengthen its international trade and attract foreign direct investment,…

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that the expansion of Tanga Port is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing Tanzania’s ability to accommodate larger ships, increase vessel traffic, and significantly boost cargo handling capabilities. The upgrades have already resulted in over a 100% increase in both ship arrivals and port revenue. “This project is already yielding positive results with substantial operational growth,” President Samia noted on her official X handle. She emphasized the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure nationwide to ensure Tanzania maximizes its natural resource benefits. Donald Gaile, the Acting Manager of Tanga Port, explained that the expansion project…

Capabilities Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa announced on Thursday the government’s dedication to advancing the five-year strategic plan for 2024/25 – 2029/30 focused on space exploration, which aims to facilitate satellite launches in Tanzania. Addressing attendees at the 8th Annual ICT Conference held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology has initiated a research project designed to support satellite launch capabilities. This project is being supervised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Representing…

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Suvarna is scheduled to dock in Dar es Salaam today, where it will remain until October 21, 2024. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen defense collaboration and mutual understanding between Tanzania and India. This marks the second visit of an Indian naval vessel to Tanzania this year, following a series of joint exercises with the Tanzanian Navy. During its stay, INS Suvarna will host a deck reception and will provide an Integrated Weapon Training Simulator (IWTS) to the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) for installation at the Infantry School located in Arusha.…

Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has issued a decree banning the use of public resources, civil servants, and military personnel in election campaigns ahead of the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for November 13. The decree, announced Friday night, instructs officials to ensure that political parties receive equal access to government resources and media during the election period. It specifically tasks the Minister of Information with guaranteeing balanced coverage of all political parties and the Minister of Internal Affairs with maintaining order and ensuring candidates’ safety. “It is strictly forbidden for public resources or personnel, including the armed forces, to be…

President William Ruto’s nomination of Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy hit a legal roadblock on Friday after the Kenyan High Court delayed his appointment, pending a hearing on the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The court’s intervention came after lawmakers had already approved Kindiki’s appointment, prolonging the political uncertainty that has gripped Kenya following widespread protests earlier this year over controversial tax increases. In a ruling, the court stated that Kindiki’s assumption of office, along with the Senate’s decision to impeach Gachagua, is suspended until October 24, when a bench of judges will review the case. Additionally,…

Somalia has embarked on a transformative residential project in the Kaaraan district of Mogadishu, aiming to construct 50,000 homes under the Xeebta-Luulka project, which translates to “Pearl Beach.” This initiative, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marks a significant step toward alleviating housing shortages while also contributing to the country’s broader economic recovery. The residential development is not just about providing housing but creating a comprehensive urban community. The project will integrate homes with essential services such as schools, health centers, mosques, and recreational facilities. Funded by Somali entrepreneurs, the project aims to stimulate job creation and boost the local…

Sudanese military forces launched a large-scale offensive from the Al-Faw front in eastern Sudan, Gederaf state, to regain control of Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah state. The attack is part of ongoing efforts to push back the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which took control of the area last year. The campaign follows the deployment of army and Darfur armed movement units along strategic locations near Wad Madani, with the army currently holding the Al Manaqil area. The offensive coincided with the arrival of Assistant Commander Shams al-Din Kabbashi at the Al-Faw front, where military operations escalated. The army,…

The Sudanese Journalists Union has expressed strong condemnation towards the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following the recent seizure of the residence of Ashraf Omer Ibrahim, a respected journalist based in Nyala, South Darfur. This incident marks yet another episode in a disturbing trend of assaults on civilians and efforts to suppress dissent. Ibrahim, who serves as a correspondent for South Darfur Radio and Television and is also a presenter on the Al-Zarqa satellite channel, is believed to have been targeted due to his perceived allegiance to the Sudanese army and the former National Congress Party, which governed before the current…

Parliament Approves Kindiki as Deputy President Amid Gachagua Impeachment Dispute Professor Kithure Kindiki has officially been appointed as Kenya’s new Deputy President following approval from parliament on Friday. The appointment came just hours after the Senate voted to impeach his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, over multiple charges, sparking a political reshuffle within President William Ruto’s administration. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed receiving a message from President Ruto nominating Kindiki, who has been serving as Interior Minister, to fill the now-vacant office of the Deputy President. Parliament swiftly approved the nomination. The impeachment of Gachagua was based on five of eleven…

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has officially handed over control of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali military forces, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing transition of security responsibilities in the country. Located near the strategic port city of Kismayo, Kuday has been under the management of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) since 2015, operating as part of ATMIS’s efforts to stabilize the region. The base has played a vital role in securing the port and surrounding areas against militant threats. With ATMIS set to complete its withdrawal from Somalia by the end of…

The Oromia region has been grappling with intense conflict for the past six years, with violence erupting between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and government forces. Despite attempts at peace through two rounds of negotiations, the conflict continues to severely impact local populations, especially in the Guji and West Guji zones, where communities face relentless violence and displacement. Severe human rights abuses are widespread in the region, ranging from extrajudicial killings to sexual violence, mass detentions, and property destruction. The crisis worsened in early 2023, when the government’s decision to reorganize administrative boundaries by creating the East Borana zone out…

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Announces Key Cabinet Appointments, Reshuffles Diplomacy LeadershipIn a significant cabinet reshuffle, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed Dr. Gedion Timothewos as the new Foreign Minister, signaling a strategic shift in the nation’s diplomatic efforts amid heightened regional and global tensions. The reshuffle also saw the promotion of Hanna Arayaselassie to Minister of Justice and Selamawit Kassa to Minister of Tourism, marking key changes in Ethiopia’s governance structure. Dr. Gedion Timothewos: From Justice to Diplomacy Dr. Gedion Timothewos, previously Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice and a prominent constitutional law expert, steps into the role of Foreign Minister. Known…

Intense clashes broke out between Somali government troops and al-Shabab fighters late Wednesday night in the Lukugoraw area, located around 20 kilometers from Hudur district in the Bakool region. Local sources reported that the fighting erupted after al-Shabab launched a surprise assault on a military camp, using car bombs in an attempt to breach the base’s defenses. The ensuing battle lasted approximately one hour, with heavy gunfire exchanged between the two sides. In a statement, the Somali government confirmed that its forces had successfully repelled the attack, destroying a vehicle filled with explosives that the militants had planned to use…

In a candid interview with The Ethiopian Reporter, Gebru Asrat, former member of the TPLF and long-time president of the Tigray region, provided an insightful analysis of the challenges facing the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Reflecting on the party’s current state, Gebru acknowledged that the TPLF can no longer govern Tigray as it once did, given the increasing calls for change. He compared the current situation in Tigray to the broader unrest in Ethiopia that culminated in the political transformation of 2018. When asked about internal factions, Gebru mentioned that the faction led by Getachew has advocated for reforms,…