Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The final steps of preparation for the second phase of the Adama Industrial Park, a project valued at $300 million, are nearly complete, according to Girma Tufu, the park’s Deputy Director, in an interview with state media. This new phase, set to begin later this year, will cover an additional 120 hectares of land. Girma highlighted that the project has secured formal agreements with Chinese investors from Hunan Province to commence construction. “A total investment of $300 million is anticipated for this phase,” the deputy director confirmed. However, Girma noted that one critical step remains before construction can begin: the…

The African Union (AU) is stepping up its efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan, with plans to visit Port Sudan and hold a meeting of its Ad Hoc Presidential Committee for the Peace and Security Council (PSC) later this month. During a meeting on September 25, the PSC expressed deep concerns about the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly in light of recent clashes in El Fasher, North Darfur. The Council condemned attacks on civilians, violations of women and children’s rights, and the obstacles to delivering humanitarian aid. It highlighted…

On October 2nd, Guinea celebrates its Independence Day, marking 66 years since the nation freed itself from French colonial rule in 1958. This historic day is not just a commemoration of independence but also a celebration of the resilience, determination, and unity of the Guinean people who fought for their freedom. The road to independence was not easy, but it was led by visionary figures whose courage and leadership continue to inspire Guineans today. The Legacy of Ahmed Sékou Touré At the heart of Guinea’s independence movement was Ahmed Sékou Touré, the first President of Guinea and one of the…

The Tanzanian government has enhanced its preventive efforts against the Marburg virus, following confirmed cases in neighboring Rwanda. Health authorities have ramped up protective measures, particularly at key entry points and high-risk regions, to safeguard healthcare workers and the public. Chief Medical Officer Tumaini Nagu stated that updated medical guidelines are being implemented to protect healthcare workers, who are often at the highest risk during outbreaks. Recent reports from Rwanda indicated that of the 26 confirmed Marburg cases, six resulted in fatalities, with several healthcare personnel among those infected. In Tanzania, specific measures have been heightened in four regions: Kagera,…

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed they inflicted heavy losses on a large convoy of armed movements in North Darfur. However, the commander of the opposing Joint Force refuted this, asserting that they had defeated the RSF and forced them to retreat. The ongoing battle for El Fasher, under RSF siege since April, saw clashes near Malha. The Joint Force, consisting of army-aligned groups, deployed fighters from as far as Libya to break the siege. In a statement, the RSF claimed that over 450 combatants were killed, and 137 vehicles were captured after they “crushed a mobile force of hundreds…

Disenchanted with the escalating internal strife within Al-Shabaab, a high-ranking leader of the militant group, Qaasim Ahmed Duhul—known as Suulal Ceyn—has surrendered to Somali government forces. His defection is part of a notable trend as more fighters leave Al-Shabaab in recent months, driven by the government’s amnesty and reintegration initiatives. Duhul, who served eight years with Al-Shabaab, surrendered with the assistance of clan officials from Masagawaa to the 28th battalion of the 21st division. Upon his surrender, he revealed to the media that internal conflicts had compelled him to leave the group. “The problems inside Al-Shabaab became unbearable, which led…

Amnesty International has condemned the Ethiopian government’s ongoing mass arrests in the Amhara region, which began on 28 September 2024. Hundreds, including academics and civil servants, have been detained without legal procedures, often without warrants. Witnesses report that some arrests occurred during nighttime raids, with the Ethiopian army and police accused of acting unlawfully. Many detainees have not been brought before courts within the constitutionally required 48 hours, fueling concerns over human rights violations. The Amhara region has seen heightened conflict between the federal government and the Amhara militia group Fano. Fano fighters, initially allied with government forces against the…

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has expressed deep concern regarding the significant increase in ISIS fighters in northern Somalia, with estimates indicating that the group has roughly doubled in size over the past year. General Michael Langley, the head of AFRICOM, shared these alarming insights in an exclusive interview, highlighting the rising threat posed by the terrorist organization. Although Langley did not disclose specific figures regarding the current number of ISIS militants, previous assessments suggested that around 200 fighters were operating in northern Somalia. The increase in their ranks raises concerns about a potential influx of foreign fighters into the region.…

The arms trade landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing significant changes due to geopolitical shifts, with China and Turkiye emerging as influential competitors while traditional suppliers like Russia lose ground. A recent report by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), titled Importing (In)security: The Evolving Arms Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlights China’s ascendance as the primary supplier of military equipment to the region In the past few years, China has established itself as a major player in the Sub-Saharan arms industry, particularly in countries like Ethiopia, which now primarily sources its arms from China and Turkiye. From 2019…

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, recently expressed that Ethiopia has yet to respond to a proposal aimed at resolving ongoing diplomatic tensions with Somalia. In an interview with VOA, Youssouf revealed that Djibouti is waiting for Ethiopia’s decision regarding the management and use of the Tojorah port located in northern Djibouti. This port is proposed as an alternative sea route for landlocked Ethiopia, which relies heavily on neighboring countries for its trade. Youssouf remarked, “The proposal is still up for discussion. By providing Ethiopia with a northern port for economic usage, we hope to ease tensions between Ethiopia and…

On Tuesday, several armed and political groups in Sudan denounced the army for the alleged killing of civilians in Bahri, a city north of Khartoum. The victims were accused of collaborating with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In the recently captured Al-Halfaya district, a viral video allegedly shows individuals in both civilian clothing and military uniforms executing young men. The army had taken control of the area after launching an operation from strongholds north of Omdurman. The National Umma Party condemned the “heinous crime” and urged the army to adhere to international humanitarian laws and ensure accountability. They stated…

Residents of Zamzam camp in North Darfur, Sudan, staged a protest on Sunday, calling for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to lift the siege that has caused severe food and supply shortages. The RSF took control of Dar es Salaam on September 11, blocking the only route to the camp and detaining local businessmen. The blockade has worsened the already dire humanitarian crisis, leading to increased water prices and a critical lack of food, leaving 500,000 displaced people at risk of starvation. Camp spokesperson Mohamed Khamis Doda reported that many lives are at risk due to shortages of essential medicines…

The Africa Corps, formerly known as the Wagner Group, is reportedly offering African governments a “regime survival package” in exchange for access to critical natural resources, raising serious concerns over economic sovereignty and stability in the region. In the Central African Republic, Africa Corps has secured lucrative contracts for gold and diamond mining, masquerading as a security provider. Similarly, in Sudan, the group took advantage of the power vacuum following the 2019 coup to control the illicit gold trade, exacerbating ongoing corruption and conflict. Their influence also extends to Libya and Mali. In Libya, Africa Corps manipulates oil production, while…

The U.N. Security Council unanimously voted on Monday to extend the multinational force in Haiti fighting gang violence, rejecting the country’s request to transition to a U.N. peacekeeping operation. China and Russia successfully removed a resolution paragraph that acknowledged Haiti’s transitional presidential council’s call at the U.N. General Assembly to discuss switching to a U.N. force, according to a final draft obtained by The Associated Press. Edgard Leblanc Fils’ appeal on Thursday marked the first public support for the U.N. peacekeeping operation since the U.S. suggested it in early September to secure additional funding for the Kenya-led mission. Nearly 400…

The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed group fighting the Ethiopian government in the Oromia region, has denied rumors of internal division following allegations that Sagni Nagasa’s central zone command had split from the group. Last week, Sagni claimed that his faction would no longer operate under the OLA, accusing leader Kumsa Diriba (also known as Jaal Marroo) of authoritarianism and stating that the group lacked “bylaws and a constitution.” He argued that Diriba had centralized power and imposed his own vision on the organization, which, according to Sagni, had led to internal disarray. “The armed OLA forces fighting in…

A new front has emerged in Sudan’s 17-month conflict, with the Sudanese army clashing with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in West Darfur, a region near Chad under RSF control. On Monday, heavy fighting erupted in Kalbus. The Joint Force, aligned with the Sudanese army, claimed to have repelled an RSF attack, killing their commander and deputy. Numerous RSF fighters were reported killed, and 14 vehicles damaged. The Sudan Liberation Movement’s Minni Minawi lauded the Joint Forces for “teaching the RSF a lesson they won’t forget.” The conflict is centered around Mount Awm, with both sides using heavy weaponry.…