Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) has begun his inaugural official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signifying strengthened relations between the two sides. The President traveled on a private jet provided by the UAE, highlighting the importance placed on this diplomatic engagement. Accompanying him are senior officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and the Presidency, as well as intelligence and economic advisors. The visit underscores existing UAE investments in Somaliland, such as the Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor, pivotal projects enhancing trade links between Somaliland and Ethiopia, UAE is also targeting the management of Berbera…

A key adviser to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resigned on Friday, citing his opposition to the RSF’s violent actions against civilians, particularly in North Darfur and Al-Jazirah state. Ayub Osman Nahar condemned the RSF for its use of artillery and drones against civilian targets, including the destruction of villages. The resignation occurred as the Sudanese army made notable strides in its battle with the RSF, breaking a siege on the General Command headquarters and regaining control of a vital oil refinery. The Sudanese army reported that it had successfully linked forces from northern Khartoum with units inside the General…

Sudanese armed forces, supported by allied fighters, successfully repelled a large-scale assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, inflicting significant losses on the paramilitary group. The RSF launched the attack from multiple directions after their 48-hour ultimatum demanding government troops withdraw from the city expired. The defending forces, comprising the Sudanese army, police, and other groups under the Joint Force banner, engaged RSF fighters who advanced with numerous military vehicles from areas such as Golo in the southwest and Milit in the north. Eyewitnesses reported airstrikes by the Sudanese army targeting RSF…

Government forces in Somalia, joined by local militias, confronted Al-Shabaab fighters in Masagawa town, Galgaduud region, on Saturday morning. The attack began with an explosive-laden vehicle detonated inside the town, leading to heavy clashes between the two sides. Although the number of casualties is not confirmed, initial reports suggest the incident caused several deaths and injuries. Somali authorities stated that their troops successfully pushed back the attackers. “Our forces and local defenders in Masagawa have repelled the assault and inflicted losses on the militants,” a statement noted. Al-Shabaab has yet to release any remarks regarding the events.

Ethiopia is set to demand the return of sacred artefacts looted by British forces during the 1868 Battle of Magdala. The campaign, led by the Ethiopian Heritage Authority and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, aims to reclaim religious and cultural treasures held in British institutions and the Royal Collection. The artefacts, including illuminated manuscripts and holy Tabots, were seized after British troops defeated Emperor Tewodros II. Items such as The Life of Mary and The Miracles of the Virgin Mary manuscripts, alongside Tewodros II’s gold filigree slippers, remain in the Royal Collection. Sacred Tabots, deeply revered in Ethiopian Orthodoxy, are held…

Somalia is set to house a nearly finished rocket launch facility built by Türkiye, according to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and revenue for the East African nation. The facility’s location remains undisclosed, but Somalia’s equatorial position and access to the Indian Ocean make it an ideal site for space launches, reducing energy needs and ensuring debris falls into unpopulated areas. The development, which began in December 2024, is part of Türkiye’s 10-year space program launched in 2021 to strengthen its global space ambitions through satellite technology and spaceport infrastructure. Türkiye…

Kenya’s parliament has officially disbanded the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), effectively pausing the country’s nuclear energy plans. Along with dissolving the agency, legislators revoked its one-billion Kenyan shilling budget, marking a significant victory for anti-nuclear activists. Phyllis Omido, a Right Livelihood Laureate, has led a three-year campaign advocating for renewable energy and opposing nuclear projects. Her efforts focused on protecting the constitutional right to a clean environment, particularly in Uyombo, Kilifi County. Omido criticized NuPEA for insufficient environmental assessments and mobilized the local community to reject nuclear energy development near the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, East Africa’s last coastal…

At least 11 people, including children and a local priest, were reportedly killed during an attack in Sheba Kebele, Quarit District, West Gojam Zone, Amhara Region. The incident occurred on Monday, January 20, 2025, as government security forces allegedly targeted civilians. Eyewitnesses stated that the victims were engaged in farming activities, such as threshing teff and collecting fodder, when they were attacked. The military had reportedly been stationed in the area for weeks and was moving toward Adet and Washera towns on the day of the attack. Residents emphasized there was no conflict with armed groups at the time. The…

Nearly 140 dolphins were discovered along the coastline between Bosaso and Mareero in Somalia’s Puntland region. Many were found dead, while others were in critical condition. The Puntland Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced an urgent investigation into the incident, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries. Authorities have urged residents to refrain from consuming the dead dolphins. Preliminary assessments suggest several possible causes, including changes in seawater conditions affecting food availability, disturbances from water pollution or marine noise, or fishing-related harm such as net entanglement. Additionally, migration patterns of prey fish or diseases affecting marine life were identified…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia during a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo. He emphasized that Somalia’s stability and security are vital to Egypt’s national security and pledged continued collaboration to foster progress. During their discussions, both leaders agreed on the need to bolster peace and security in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to global stability. They proposed a follow-up tripartite summit with Eritrea to build on the outcomes of the 2024 Asmara summit, which marked a turning point in regional relations. The meeting also focused on strengthening…

Amid the harsh realities of displacement in Somalia, 20-year-old teacher Umulkheir Moallim is transforming lives by providing education to children affected by conflict and climate change. Her journey from loss to leadership reflects the resilience and determination of her community. Forced to flee her rural home in Bay region two years ago due to severe drought, Umulkheir and her family settled in Dinsor. Experiencing the hardships of displacement firsthand, she chose to make a difference by teaching. Today, she nurtures young minds in a makeshift school built in a displacement camp. The Yaqshid School, established by humanitarian organizations, offers hope…

The Tigray Interim Administration has condemned a recent call from senior Tigray forces for the dissolution and restructuring of the interim government, labeling it a “clear coup.” The administration warned that this action threatens the Pretoria Agreement and regional stability. In a statement issued on Thursday, the administration, led by Getachew Reda, described the call as an overstep of military authority and a deviation from its original mission. The statement emphasized that any support for dismantling the interim government is unacceptable, warning that it would lead to lawlessness and instability. The Tigray forces, in a statement released on January 23,…

Senior figures within Tigray Forces have declared their intent to dismantle and reorganize the region’s interim administration, citing inefficiency and failure to fulfill its responsibilities. Following meetings in Mekelle on January 23, 2025, the leaders criticized the Tigray Interim Administration, formed under the Pretoria Agreement, for alleged external influence and betrayal of public interests. They accused some officials of exceeding their mandate and compromising the region’s goals. The interim administration, headed by Getachew Reda, has yet to respond to the allegations or the demands for leadership reform. The announcement highlights an ongoing divide within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF),…

Yohannes Alemayehu, a prominent leader and spokesperson for Gojjam Fano, was confirmed dead following a clash near Washera. He had been a key figure in Fano insurgents Yohannes Alemayehu, a leader and spokesperson of Gojjam Fano, was killed in action during a battle near Washera on the night of January 20-21. The Gojjam Fano group confirmed his death through a social media update, marking a significant loss for the group. Alemayehu served as the chairperson of the Amhara Fano Second Teferra Division and was known for his speeches to Media. He had been involved in several battles in Gojjam, including…

Eritrea Caught in Global Powers’ Geopolitical Tug-of-WarEritrea has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, drawing criticism for its ties with Iran, Russia, and China, while also facing pressure from the United States and Israel. This complex interplay has left the small Horn of Africa nation entangled in global rivalries that prioritize foreign agendas over the well-being of its people and region. The detention of Azerbaijani ships on November 7, 2024, highlights the extent to which Eritrea is being exploited as a pawn in larger power games. Iran’s influence in Eritrea, reflected in its use of Eritrean waters for military…

Tiryaki Agro Food Industry and Trade Inc., one of Türkiye’s leading agricultural exporters, has signed a significant agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance its operations in Africa. This partnership focuses on supporting Tiryaki Agro’s expansion efforts, including the development of a port storage facility in Djibouti, which will play a crucial role in improving food trade in the region. The port storage facility will streamline logistics for vital food products, such as wheat and grains, and is expected to reduce waiting times for ships, thus increasing food trade between Djibouti and neighboring countries. This project also aims…