Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The WAJ reporter based in Africa, focusing on Eastern Africa & African continent in large.

The Sudanese public prosecutor is attempting to secure Interpol Red Notices for the arrest of several political figures, including former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. However, the coalition of Sudanese civilian organizations, known as Taqaddom, is pushing back, labeling the charges politically motivated and accusing former members of Omar al-Bashir’s regime of misusing the legal system. Sudan’s Attorney General, Al-Fateh Tayfour, announced on state television that his office has requested Red Notices against 16 individuals believed to have ties to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which have been fighting the Sudanese military since April. He also mentioned that 346 individuals involved…

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During the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), African countries made a unified call for reforming the UN Security Council to secure a permanent seat for Africa. Leaders emphasized the need for fair representation, calling for global governance that reflects current geopolitical realities. Kenya’s President William Ruto highlighted historical injustices and stressed that Africa’s exclusion from the permanent members of the Security Council is unjust, given the continent’s contributions to global peacekeeping and economic stability. “Africa must no longer be marginalized in global decision-making,” he declared. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed these sentiments, advocating for comprehensive UN reform. He…

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Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, has expressed serious concern over recent arms transfers to Somalia, warning that they may “further exacerbate the fragile security” in the region. During a meeting with UN Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo in New York, Minister Taye cautioned that the “supply of ammunition by external forces would further destabilize the region and could end up in the hands of terrorists.” According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussion took place on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. These remarks come in response to reports of a large convoy of military supplies from…

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After working steadily for over a year, Elmi Bile Mohamed feels confident and optimistic about a bright future for himself and his family.As a community mobilizer in Mogadishu for an international organization, Elmi is now raising awareness about the very stigma and discrimination that once severely impacted his life. He is proud to support his family and maintain his dignity in public. “My status has improved since starting this job. The difference between then and now is evident. I am able to provide for my family, especially my mother and father. I used to live with a Somali family, but…

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At a NAM ministerial conference in New York City, coinciding with the 79th UN General Assembly, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Hussein Awad Ali requested that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) be recognized as a “rebel militia.” He stated, “The RSF should be classified as a rebel militia, in line with decisions made by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.” Ali asserted that the Sudanese army is fulfilling its duty to defend the nation while accusing the RSF of committing atrocities with support from regional partners. The conference addressed “Protecting civilians…

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Honoring the Heroes of Liberation On September 24, Guinea-Bissau proudly celebrates its Independence Day, a day that not only marks freedom from Portuguese colonial rule in 1973 but also pays tribute to the brave leaders and fighters who made this victory possible. The struggle for independence was spearheaded by prominent figures such as Amílcar Cabral, a revolutionary leader whose vision and dedication inspired countless others to join the fight. Cabral, along with other key figures like Luís Cabral and the members of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), played crucial roles in mobilizing the…

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Leaders of Tanzania’s major opposition party, Chadema, Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, were detained during a series of protests in the country’s commercial hub, Dar es Salaam. The demonstrations were sparked by growing discontent over government policies and calls for democratic reforms. According to reports, security forces swiftly moved to disperse the protests, leading to the arrest of numerous party members and supporters. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the police used tear gas and other crowd control measures to break up the gatherings, resulting in chaotic scenes in the streets. Late on Monday, it was announced via the Chadema party’s account…

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Plans are underway to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between Kenya and Algeria to enhance trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Algeria is a crucial and strategic partner for Kenya in various sectors, including education, defense, and agriculture, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. He stated that the JCC offers a valuable forum for developing a cooperative framework for strategic collaboration. “The JCC is scheduled to be held in Kenya to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Our two countries must continue to work together for the common good of our peoples,” Mudavadi said…

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The transfer of heavy weaponry from Egypt to Somalia has alarmed Somaliland’s government, which warns that this move threatens the region’s already fragile security. “We are deeply concerned by the transfer of these weapons, especially since the Mogadishu administration lacks the capacity to effectively manage or secure such a large military cache,” stated Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an official statement. Somaliland emphasized that introducing weapons into the volatile Horn of Africa increases the risk of an arms race, as various groups may seek to bolster their own defense stockpiles. The government also expressed particular concern that these arms…

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In a move to strengthen alliances amid growing regional tensions with Ethiopia, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have been heightened by the status of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. Despite its lack of international recognition, Somaliland’s strategic location near the Gulf of Aden has drawn interest from neighboring countries, escalating the dispute with Somalia, which considers it part of its sovereign territory. During the meeting, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty…

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Health officials reported that on Monday, shells fired by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck a busy market north of Omdurman, killing at least 15 civilians, including women and children, and injuring 61 others. This latest attack marks a violent escalation in the ongoing conflict that has ravaged Sudan’s capital region for months. Residents and humanitarian organizations have condemned the RSF’s repeated attacks on the Sabreen market area in recent days. On Monday, the market and surrounding neighborhoods were shelled, leaving bodies scattered among the debris of shops and stalls. “The Sabreen market in Karari, which was crowded with…

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The security forces in the Tigray region are now under the direction of Getachew Reda, the head of the territory’s interim administration. Following a cabinet meeting on September 21, 2024, the interim administration declared that the security forces in the region will continue to function as part of the temporary government structure. The statement emphasized that these forces are “carrying out their missions legally and systematically, guided by relevant studies and consultations, under the leadership of the president of the interim administration and the cabinet.” It was also noted that the security forces “maintain a neutral stance regarding any agendas…

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Port and military officials reported on Monday that an Egyptian warship has delivered a substantial cache of weapons, including artillery and anti-aircraft guns, to Somalia. This marks the second significant shipment in recent months and is likely to escalate tensions between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Somalia. Strengthening Egypt-Somalia Ties Amid Regional Tensions This latest arms shipment comes as Egypt and Somalia have been deepening their military and diplomatic ties this year, driven by shared concerns over Ethiopia’s regional actions. In August, the two nations signed a cooperative security agreement, leading to increased Egyptian military support for Somalia, including multiple planeloads of…

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In a groundbreaking move, Ethiopia has initiated its first livestock export by rail, transporting cattle from Adama in the Oromia regional state to Djibouti. This marks a significant shift in Ethiopia’s logistics strategy, aimed at enhancing the country’s livestock trade efficiency and expanding its export capabilities. The Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway Share Company’s CEO, Takele Uma, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that it “will optimize the utilization of open wagons, which were traditionally used only for importing goods.” This new approach seeks to balance import and export flows, leveraging existing infrastructure more effectively. Streamlining Logistics and Reducing Costs The use…

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President William Ruto called on the United Nations to move beyond boardroom discussions and take decisive action to tackle the effects of climate change on a global scale. He expressed pride in Kenya’s successful hosting of the first African Climate Summit and highlighted the country’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees as a practical measure to combat climate change. During his opening speech at the UN General Assembly’s Summit of the Future in New York on Sunday night, President Ruto softened his earlier criticisms of wealthy nations for failing to adequately address the debt crisis, inequality, and climate change.…

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On Monday, police in Tanzania detained prominent opposition figures as the government sought to prevent a large-scale demonstration in the nation’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. The Chadema party had announced plans for the protest in defiance of an official ban, citing allegations that security personnel had kidnapped and killed several of its members. According to Chadema, riot police were deployed strategically throughout the city to disperse potential crowds. Both the party’s chairman, Freeman Mbowe, and his deputy, Tundu Lissu, were taken into custody. In a video posted online by the party, Mbowe addressed supporters shortly before his arrest. “Demonstration…

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