Author: Abdihakim Kalale

During the Africa Defense Ministers’ Conference held in Addis Ababa, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn underscored the critical importance of African nations participating in strategic discussions, as reported by local media. He asserted that harmonizing their policies and establishing common objectives could significantly enhance Africa’s standing in the global arena. Dessalegn called for an African Renaissance, urging the continent to assert its rightful place in global affairs. He pointed out that historical global frameworks have frequently sidelined Africa, casting doubt on the benefits of globalization, especially considering the continent’s substantial dependency on foreign aid and raw material exports. Drawing comparisons…

The election campaigns in Somaliland are picking up steam, with the primary contenders, Kulmiye and Waddani, gearing up for a highly competitive electoral battle. Kulmiye, the current ruling party, and Waddani, the principal opposition, are both actively seeking to secure votes in what is expected to be a tightly contested election. This year, Kulmiye has revamped its campaign strategy by recruiting politicians and artists from abroad to enhance its outreach. The party is focused on maintaining its hold on power by implementing new tactics and establishing a more formidable campaign presence. Opposition’s Push for Change In contrast, Waddani has branded…

Woldia is currently grappling with heightened tensions and restricted movement following a fierce conflict that erupted on Sunday evening, 13 October 2024. The clash, which involved heavy weaponry, began around 8:00 PM and persisted until midnight, according to local residents who spoke to Ethiopian media under the condition of anonymity. One eyewitness recounted, “The sound of heavy gunfire started around 8:00 PM and did not cease until after midnight.” Reports indicate that a mortar attack originated from a nearby military base located close to the Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi Stadium, targeting neighborhoods such as Machere, Jarsa Medhanialem, and Qalim.…

Police in Homa Bay County are actively searching for suspected drug traffickers who escaped a police operation, leaving behind a large consignment of cannabis. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that officers responded swiftly after receiving a tip-off from vigilant locals about a suspicious vehicle parked at a homestead. Upon arrival, a black car sped off towards Homa Bay, while three men fled by jumping over a fence. During a thorough search of the premises, police uncovered eight sacks of cannabis, alongside an abandoned vehicle. The confiscated drugs were taken to Homa Bay Police Station for safekeeping as evidence,…

A recent survey reveals that inadequate formal employment opportunities have pushed many Generation Z individuals in Kenya, and across Africa, to rely heavily on digital jobs, with only a small fraction venturing into entrepreneurship. In Kenya, universities produce around 50,000 graduates each year, according to the Commission for Higher Education. Additionally, approximately 500,000 youth graduate from various tertiary institutions annually, all eager to enter the job market. Moreover, an estimated one million young people join the labor market each year without any skills, having either dropped out of school or completed their education without pursuing further studies. The Federation of…

An outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has resulted in the death of at least 273 head of cattle and has affected 5,024 animals in Lakes State, according to officials. Of these, 3,588 have recovered, while 1,480 remain infected. The disease has reportedly impacted cattle and goats across eight counties within Lakes State. Samuel Gai, the minister of animal resources and fisheries in the state, announced the outbreak and called for intervention from the national government and relevant partners. “I would like to inform the citizens of Lakes State and the national government, particularly the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries,…

Tour operators have introduced a new code of conduct and ethics for safari guides, aimed at enhancing professional standards within the thriving tourism sector. At the launch event held on Monday, Henry Kimambo, the vice-chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), stated that this document provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for safari guides to meet the formal requirements of their profession. “This code serves as a reference framework for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism,” he emphasized, adding that TATO expects all stakeholders, including conservation bodies like the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA),…

The Sudanese military reported that it is closing in on various Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions in the Al-Mugran region of Khartoum, with plans to reach the army’s general command headquarters in eastern Khartoum within days. During a televised briefing to officials in Omdurman, an army spokesperson stated that the military has transitioned to an offensive approach across multiple fronts, enabling it to cross from Omdurman into both Khartoum and Khartoum North (Bahri) as of September 26. The spokesperson highlighted that the army has launched attacks on three fronts within Khartoum state, primarily targeting areas to the north of Bahri.…

In the Somali town of Golweyn, Omar Hassan Warsame was a pivotal figure. His expansive farm, which produced maize and bananas, played a crucial role in supporting the local economy and providing employment. At 65, Omar, along with a team of about a dozen workers, cultivated the land in the Lower Shebelle region, located approximately 110 km (68 miles) southwest of Mogadishu. His efforts helped mitigate the impact of the area’s frequent droughts on local residents. However, on August 10, 2021, tragedy struck when Ugandan peacekeepers from the African Union (AU) arrived at his farm. Despite Omar’s reputation as a…

The international coalition, Advancing Lifesaving Initiatives for Sudanese Peace (ALISP), has called for the indefinite extension of humanitarian access through the Adré border crossing between Sudan and Chad. Following their meeting on October 10, the coalition released a statement urging the need for continuous, unrestricted access to vulnerable Sudanese populations suffering from the ongoing conflict. ALISP emphasized that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) must prioritize the protection of civilians and guarantee safe passage for humanitarian aid. “The Adré crossing has become a lifeline for countless Sudanese civilians,” ALISP said in its statement. “Its…

Somali forces, under the command of the 14th October Battalion, launched an extensive military campaign on Tuesday, targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in 15 villages between Shalaanbood and Janaale in Lower Shabelle. Military officials confirmed the successful neutralization of several militant hideouts. Lieutenant Colonel Nuur Farey, commander of the battalion, emphasized the operation’s objective: to remove Al-Shabaab militants and restore stability in the area. “This is a continuation of our mission to eliminate Al-Shabaab’s influence in these crucial zones,” said Farey, confirming the destruction of key insurgent positions. The offensive covered villages like Kaaytooy, Mushaani, Majabto, and Doonkaa Daafeedow—long contested between Somali…

Kenya’s judicial system has ruled against halting the Senate’s impending vote regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The parliamentary vote to impeach Gachagua last week was based on allegations of fostering ethnic tensions, embezzlement, and undermining the government. This decision sets the stage for the Senate to deliberate on his potential removal from office on Wednesday and Thursday. Numerous legal challenges aimed at blocking the impeachment have been unsuccessful thus far. In one court session, Justice Chacha Mwita referred a matter to the chief justice for the appointment of a panel of judges to render a definitive ruling.…

In the bustling Merkato market of Addis Ababa, a group of dedicated waste collectors known as “korale” work tirelessly, scavenging for discarded items such as jerry cans, old electronics, and other recyclable materials. These individuals restore, repurpose, and recycle the waste they gather, turning what was once trash into valuable products, all while earning a modest income. For Dereje Enigdamekonen, 45, becoming a korale has been a lifeline. After a year in the trade, he makes a living by purchasing reusable waste and reselling it for a profit. “I buy anything that can be reused,” he explains. For every kilogram…

The situation in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, has returned to normal following the deaths of 13 people from a mysterious illness in Adut Adhot Village in August. Local authorities and residents have confirmed that calm has been restored, though the cause of the deadly infection remains under investigation. Following the outbreak in Warguet Payam, the State Ministry of Health collected samples and sent them to Juba for analysis. However, the results of the investigation have been delayed, leaving the cause of the illness still unknown. Despite the lack of clarity, local leaders have assured residents that there…

On October 15, 1987, the world witnessed the tragic and abrupt end of one of Africa’s most iconic leaders—Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary President of Burkina Faso. Sankara, often referred to as the “Che Guevara of Africa,” was assassinated in a coup d’état at the age of 37, alongside 12 of his comrades. His death marked a dark chapter in the history of Burkina Faso, a nation he had ambitiously sought to transform through radical political, social, and economic reforms. Who Was Thomas Sankara? Thomas Sankara was born on December 21, 1949, in Yako, a small town in French Upper Volta…

The African Union (AU) has reopened its liaison office in Port Sudan as part of renewed efforts to address the escalating conflict that has gripped Sudan since April 2023. This move follows an October 9 meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC), where the council reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the violence. The reopening of the office will allow the AU to engage more effectively with Sudanese parties and provide essential technical support in peacebuilding, restoring civilian governance, and addressing humanitarian needs. The PSC emphasized that the liaison office would be instrumental in fostering…