Author: Abdihakim Kalale

On Monday, Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed his willingness to mediate in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, contingent on the approval of the warring factions. Speaking during a meeting with the United Nations Envoy for Sudan at State House in Entebbe, President Museveni stated, “I am prepared to mediate in the conflict, provided both parties are open to my involvement.” He reaffirmed his dedication to contributing to peace restoration efforts in Sudan, identifying the promotion of identity politics as the underlying cause of the conflict. Museveni emphasized the need for the warring sides to agree to a ceasefire and…

Sudan’s acting prime minister has instructed all government officials to halt direct communication with foreign embassies and diplomatic missions, requiring that all interactions be funneled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or appointed representatives. Acting Minister of Culture and Information, Graham Abdelkader, who also serves as the government’s spokesperson, announced that this directive seeks to regulate communications between Sudanese authorities and foreign entities, which include former government personnel and tribal leaders. To manage local governance interactions, the Ministry of Federal Governance will coordinate communications with tribal and local administration heads, working in close consultation with the Foreign Ministry. “This directive…

Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, is set to face an impeachment motion, accused of backing anti-government protests in June and being involved in various corruption scandals and other irregularities. Gachagua addressed the accusations for the first time on Monday, stating that he will appear before parliament on Tuesday to defend himself. In a nationally televised address, Gachagua strongly criticized the legislator responsible for drafting the impeachment motion, calling it “baseless and sensational.” This marked his first detailed public response to the accusations. The deputy president is scheduled to present his defense in parliament, where he plans to argue his case…

Ethiopia’s legislative body has appointed Taye Astike Selassie as the new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, the nation’s first female head of state. Taye, who has held the position of foreign minister since February, will now assume this largely symbolic role, with executive power remaining in the hands of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Sahle-Work, who was appointed in 2018 with strong support from Abiy, was seen as a trailblazer for gender equality in Ethiopian politics. However, sources indicate that relations between the two have soured in recent years. On Saturday, Sahle-Work shared a cryptic message on the social media platform X,…

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), under the leadership of Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), has initiated a dramatic reshuffle by dismissing five officials from the interim administration of Tigray, including President Getachew Reda. This announcement was made on October 7, 2024, raising concerns about potential conflict with federal authorities. The TPLF indicated that it would inform the federal government about the appointment of a new leader to replace Getachew. However, the federal government has only recognized Getachew Reda’s interim administration, meaning this dismissal could escalate tensions and potentially lead to armed conflict between federal forces and the faction led by Debretsion.…

The West Gojjam zone in the Amhara region is currently engulfed in escalating armed confrontations, prominently featuring the use of heavy artillery. According to local residents and various sources, these conflicts began early last week and have persisted up to now. One resident from Finote Selam town, who wished to remain unnamed, shared a chilling account of the situation: “For the last several days, we have been subjected to continuous barrages of heavy artillery fire.” The source indicated that hostilities reportedly diminished after Fano forces retreated from Finote Selam, the administrative center of the West Gojjam Zone, on October 5,…

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to meet with TPLF Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael today, according to reliable sources. The meeting comes on the heels of recent statements from two factions within the TPLF. On Monday, Debretsion’s faction dismissed Tigray’s interim president, Getachew Reda, along with 12 cabinet members and other officials from the interim government. In response, Getachew’s faction has refused to resign and announced intentions to take legal action against the leaders of Debretsion’s group. In a statement issued late last night, the Tigray Security Forces (TSF) cautioned both factions, emphasizing that they would not permit any disorder…

At a recent press conference, Anthony Chamanga, the chief development manager of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), revealed that horticultural farmers are on the brink of significant export gains as the UK market opens up to Tanzanian products. The UK, known for being one of the most lucrative markets globally, has granted approval for eight Tanzanian horticultural export companies, presenting an exciting opportunity for local growers. The growing appetite for fresh produce among the health-conscious UK middle class has positioned fruits and vegetables as top contenders in imported food categories. Mbelwa Kairuki, Tanzania’s high commissioner to the UK, played a…

The Kenyan athletics community is in mourning following a disturbing wave of unexplained deaths among prominent athletes within a single week. This tragic series of events has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding these fatalities. Clement Kemboi The latest athlete to tragically pass away is Clement Kemboi, the 2015 African Games champion in the 3000m steeplechase. His untimely death has left fans and fellow athletes alike reeling in shock. Kipyegon Bett Another significant loss is that of Kipyegon Bett, a talented runner who secured a bronze medal in the 800m at the 2017 World Championships in London. Bett died at…

The Sudanese military has commenced a significant ground offensive to regain control of Khartoum as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) begin withdrawing from the East Nile region. Reports suggest that both sides are massing their troops in northern Khartoum, preparing for an intense battle over the city’s control. Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, the RSF has held most of Khartoum Bahri and central Khartoum. Elite RSF units, armed with advanced weaponry, established a strong presence in the East Nile early in the conflict. However, recent eyewitness accounts have indicated a noticeable decrease in RSF activity in the…

The Kenyan athletics community is grappling with profound grief following a troubling series of unexplained deaths of prominent athletes in just one week. The latest athlete to tragically pass away is Clement Kemboi, the 2015 African Games champion in the 3000m steeplechase. Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner Peter Mulinge confirmed the devastating news, stating that Kemboi’s body was discovered hanging from a tree at St. Patrick Boys High School grounds in Koisungur village, Iten, on Monday morning. “The local chief alerted us about a body found suspended from a tree,” Mulinge reported. Upon inspection by police, it was determined that Kemboi’s…

Getachew Reda’s faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) convened a series of strategic meetings in Mekele on Monday, aimed at “saving the TPLF.” According to VOA Amharic, Getachew stated that “these meetings allow us to clearly define our differences and make decisions that benefit the region.” Notably, senior TPLF leaders who were absent during the 14th Congress, organized by Debretsion’s faction last month, are now participating in Getachew’s meeting. Recently, the Debretsion faction announced the expulsion of Getachew Reda and 15 other senior officials from the party, declaring that they can no longer represent the TPLF in any…

Ethiopia Elects New President as Taye Atske Selassie Replaces Sahle Work Zewde In a significant political shift, Taye Atske Selassie was today elected by Ethiopia’s Parliament to serve as the country’s new President, marking the end of Sahle Work Zewde’s six-year term, which was set to expire this month. Sahle Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female President, assumed the role on October 25, 2018. Her presidency, which was largely ceremonial, saw her navigate a complex political landscape. In a recent tweet, she hinted at growing frustration with the constraints of her position, revealing that she had felt compelled to remain silent…

Kuwait’s Union of Domestic Workers Offices, led by Khaled Al-Dakhnan, has called for a temporary suspension of visas for Ethiopian domestic workers until ongoing salary disputes are settled. Al-Dakhnan highlighted that Ethiopian workers in Kuwait currently receive higher wages compared to those in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, prompting the union to advocate for a review of wage policies to ensure parity. “We encourage the recruitment of workers from different countries, but it is crucial to coordinate with the appropriate authorities and recruitment agencies,” Al-Dakhnan stated, stressing the importance of adjusting salaries to safeguard Kuwaiti employers’ interests. He also…

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Awash Fentale district on the evening of October 6, 2024, causing significant structural damage and ground fractures in surrounding areas, according to reports from Samara University. The tremor, which was recorded at 8:10 PM and felt as far as Addis Ababa, caused residents to evacuate buildings as a safety measure. The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) confirmed that the quake led to damage to buildings and large cracks in the earth, particularly in Sabure Kebele. Samara University’s Geology Department has been conducting fieldwork in the region, assessing the extent of the destruction. The department emphasized that…

Nyekweri, once a thriving indigenous forest adjacent to the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, is now disappearing at an alarming rate. Initially spanning an impressive 500km², over half of Nyekweri has been lost in the last two decades, primarily due to encroachment by local communities. Home to elephants, the striking Schalow’s turaco, the elusive tree hyrax, and the endangered giant pangolin, Nyekweri serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. Despite this, ongoing deforestation driven by the needs of local landowners continues to shrink this ecologically significant habitat. Charcoal Production and Land Subdivision Illegal charcoal production is a leading cause of…