Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Wad Madani, a vital city in Sudan, holds immense strategic importance due to its geographical location, its role in the agricultural economy, and its connection to critical transportation routes. Situated approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, Wad Madani serves as a key crossroads for several important supply routes. These roads connect various regions within Sudan, including the Blue Nile, White Nile, and Sennar states, making the city an essential hub for transportation and logistics. The city is particularly known for its fertile land, which makes it a significant agricultural center in Sudan. Its potential for farming…

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti), plan a press conference in Nairobi on Monday, intensifying scrutiny over Kenya’s controversial ties with the paramilitary group. This follows Hemetti’s last visit to Kenya, during which Sudan recalled its ambassador in protest of Nairobi’s alleged support for the RSF. Kenya has faced growing criticism for its perceived role in regional conflicts. Observers accuse the country of being “on the wrong side of history,” citing its alleged support for apartheid in South Africa, complicity in genocide in Sudan through backing the RSF, and links to atrocities in the Democratic…

Puntland State has launched a major offensive targeting Daesh militants entrenched in the Almiskaad mountains of Somalia’s Bari region. Over 7,000 heavily armed soldiers are engaged in the operation, named “Hilaac” (lightning), aimed at eradicating the militants, including their leader Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin. Puntland Minister of Information Mohamed Aidiid announced that significant progress has been made, with forces dismantling several Daesh hideouts and capturing key supplies, including weapons and food stockpiles. A drone used by Daesh for surveillance was also shot down. Military officers reported clearing over 70 kilometers of mountainous terrain and neutralizing logistical hubs that sustained the group.…

Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, known for her outspoken criticism of the government, was abducted in Nairobi by armed men on Sunday but released hours later. She confirmed her release in a video to her followers, appearing visibly distressed but expressing relief, saying, “I have been saved.” The incident has sparked concerns about cross-border operations targeting dissenting voices. The president of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo, revealed that legal efforts were instrumental in securing Tsehai’s release, warning against Kenya being used for such acts. Tsehai, a prominent advocate for land rights and freedom of expression, has been critical…

Somalia has declared its candidacy for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) for the 2025–2028 term, emphasizing its commitment to regional and continental priorities. In its announcement, Somalia highlighted the need for equitable representation, noting its absence from the AU PSC since its establishment in 2004. It argued that its inclusion would ensure fairness within the organization. The nation also pointed to the alignment between its future role on the United Nations Security Council (2025–2026) and the AU, which could help advance African interests globally. Somalia further underscored its historical contributions to Pan-Africanism and…

Azerbaijan has called on Eritrean authorities to release three detained Azerbaijani-flagged vessels and their 18 crew members, held since November 7, 2024. The ships reportedly entered Eritrean waters due to adverse weather while en route to Abu Dhabi through the Suez Canal. The detained vessels, CMS Pahlian, CMS İgid, and CMS-3, are operated by Caspian Marine Services B.V.’s Azerbaijani branch. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ayxan Hajizada stated that Eritrean officials cited incomplete documentation as the reason for the detention. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Azerbaijan sending formal notes through its embassies in Ethiopia and Russia. Authorities aim to secure the…

Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved a new law enabling the government to recover assets linked to undeclared income. Initially presented in June 2024, the legislation underwent extensive review by the Legal and Justice Standing Committee before receiving final approval on January 9, 2025. The law introduces a robust framework to reclaim assets tied to criminal activities, targeting both tangible and intangible properties, including bank credits, stocks, bonds, and other economic holdings. Retroactive measures allow the government to seize assets acquired within the past decade, provided their unexplained value exceeds 10 million birr. A key feature of the legislation…

Several foreign Daesh fighters have reportedly surrendered to authorities in Puntland, Somalia, according to the region’s Information Minister, Mahmoud Aided Dirir. The minister confirmed that the surrender process is underway, with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent aiding in their repatriation to their home countries. However, specific details about the number of fighters, their nationalities, and a timeline for their return remain undisclosed. Dirir emphasized that Puntland’s legal approach ensures all individuals involved in criminal activities, whether Somali or foreign, will face equal justice. He also dismissed rumors that foreign fighters would…

Proposed amendments to Sudan’s constitutional document could grant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council, extensive powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister. According to Sudan Tribune, the changes also suggest expanding the Sovereign Council from five to nine members, with three seats for Juba Peace Agreement signatories and six appointed by Al-Burhan. The amendments, supported by military-aligned political factions, aim to remove provisions related to the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, the Juba parties would retain their representation but lose control over ministerial portfolios.…

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has embarked on a strategic tour of Africa, visiting Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria. The trip underscores China’s consistent engagement with the continent, a stark contrast to sporadic visits by Western leaders. Wang’s African tour coincides with the Republic of Congo’s role as co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Analysts anticipate that China will use upcoming FOCAC discussions to strengthen ties, unveil new initiatives, and align its plans with Africa’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on sustainable development. Beijing has pledged $51 billion in fresh financial aid to bolster infrastructure, trade,…

The Sudanese army, supported by allied fighters, has reclaimed the town of Haj Abdallah in Al Jazirah state and is advancing toward Wad Madani, the state capital, amid intensified clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Military sources confirmed the capture of Haj Abdallah, located approximately 58 kilometers from Wad Madani, alongside nearby villages such as Mahalla, about 13 kilometers west of the capital. The army is now targeting Al Shakkaba Al Noor, a village roughly 20 kilometers from Wad Madani, where RSF fighters are stationed. A coordinated effort from army units advancing from Sennar and Al Manaqil facilitated the…

South Sudan has intensified efforts to incorporate the disputed Abyei region into its territory, citing the outcome of a controversial referendum held over a decade ago. First Vice President Riek Machar recently received the referendum report, signaling a policy shift from the government’s earlier stance. On January 4, Machar accepted the referendum findings from a delegation led by Abyei Area Chief Administrator Dr. Chol Deng Alak. The report will be presented to the executive and parliament for deliberation. This move contrasts with Juba’s 2013 rejection of the referendum’s results, where one of Abyei’s main ethnic groups overwhelmingly supported integration into…

The United States has confirmed the death of Mohamed Mire, also known as Abu Abdirahman, a senior Al-Shabaab leader and former finance head. Mire was killed in a targeted airstrike conducted near Quyno Barrow, Somalia, on December 24, 2024, along with another militant. Mire held significant roles within Al-Shabaab for over 15 years, including serving as the group’s interior minister and a key strategist in its governance and military operations. His activities allegedly encompassed financing and planning major attacks in Kenya, such as the 2013 Westgate Mall siege in Nairobi and the 2019 DusitD2 complex assault, both of which resulted…

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will visit Kenya for a state visit from March 18 to 20, 2025. The visit, following an invitation from President William Ruto, will mark their first official trip to the East African nation. The royal visit aims to strengthen the enduring ties and cooperation between the Netherlands and Kenya, with a focus on exploring new partnerships and enhancing existing relations. Kenya, an influential country in the global sphere, shares close economic ties with the Netherlands, both serving as key hubs in their respective regions. The Netherlands and Kenya maintain a productive collaboration…

Puntland authorities have ruled out granting amnesty to foreign Daesh fighters hiding in the Al Miskat mountains, while offering Somali Daesh members a final opportunity to surrender. The decision follows a recent attack on a military base in Dharjaalle, where 12 foreign militants launched a deadly assault. General Abdirahman of the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) stated, “Foreign terrorists from various countries will not receive amnesty.” This stance reinforces Puntland’s commitment to combating external militant influence within its borders. In response to the attack, Puntland security forces initiated an operation targeting ISIS strongholds in the Al Miskat mountains. Officials confirmed…

Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders, led by Tanzania, are working to address Mozambique’s escalating unrest following disputed elections on October 9. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, chair of the SADC organ on politics, defense, and security cooperation, recently convened an emergency virtual meeting to discuss regional support strategies. Zambia and Malawi, as part of the SADC troika, participated in the discussions. The leaders proposed measures to assist Mozambique in restoring peace and stability. The meeting also reviewed updates from Eswatini, reporting nearly 1,000 Mozambican refugees entering the kingdom in the past two months, with most sheltered at the overwhelmed Malindza…