Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Fierce fighting between Daesh militants and Puntland security forces over two days has resulted in more than 20 fatalities and left over 10 others injured. The clashes occurred during an operation targeting militant hideouts in Somalia’s Bari region. According to Puntland security officials, 15 Daesh fighters and seven soldiers were killed in the confrontations on Sunday and Monday. The militants reportedly used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to defend their positions in the Ufeyn area. One such device detonated during a demining operation, killing six soldiers and injuring three others. Puntland forces responded by neutralizing eight Daesh fighters near the Cal…

Can Chadema Break CCM’s Decades-Long Political Dominance? Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, is preparing for the upcoming elections in October amid internal leadership rivalries and a challenging political climate dominated by the ruling CCM party. The party must resolve its internal disputes while pushing for electoral reforms to have a chance at breaking CCM’s decades-long hold on power. Chadema, formally known as the Tanzanian Party for Democracy and Progress, has been at the forefront of opposition politics since its establishment in 1992. Despite consistent efforts, the party has not managed to unseat the CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi), which has governed…

President Trump’s suspension of U.S. foreign assistance may push African nations like Egypt, Kenya, and Somalia to reconsider their reliance on foreign aid and explore self-sustaining alternatives. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending all U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days to review its alignment with U.S. policy. This decision is expected to disrupt aid programs across the world, with African nations such as Egypt, Kenya, and Somalia facing significant challenges due to their heavy dependence on U.S. funding. In Egypt, where the annual U.S. aid exceeds $400 billion, this freeze could disrupt vital…

Ethiopia’s public debt, including both domestic and external obligations, has risen by 25.3% in the past five years, reaching $68.9 billion by the end of June 2024. This figure now accounts for 32.9% of the country’s GDP, reflecting an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Finance’s latest report highlights that exchange rate fluctuations played a significant role in the rise of debt denominated in US dollars. Domestic debt, which makes up 59% of the total debt, increased by 14%, while external debt saw a more modest 2.5% growth. Multilateral institutions, which provide concessional loans, hold around…

Africa, a continent of remarkable diversity, is home to over 3,000 ethnic groups speaking more than 2,000 languages across 54 countries. This immense variety is the cornerstone of Africa’s identity, representing a deep well of history, traditions, customs, and ways of life that have shaped the continent. Each ethnic group adds its unique voice, contributing to a rich and evolving cultural landscape. The sheer number of ethnic groups across Africa is staggering, with communities spread from the deserts of the north to the tropical rainforests and savannahs of the south. From the Berbers in North Africa to the Zulu in…

Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States has drawn global attention, with African nations closely monitoring potential shifts in U.S. policies. During his previous term, Africa saw limited focus, with controversial remarks about the continent sparking criticism. However, experts suggest this new term could present fresh opportunities. Africa boasts vast natural and human resources, including the world’s youngest population, making it a strategic player in global geopolitics. As the U.S. navigates a multi-polar world, with competitors like China and Russia, partnerships with Africa could prove valuable. Programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and…

Despite the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement ending the Tigray conflict, hundreds of thousands of displaced people continue to endure harsh living conditions. Many remain stranded in temporary shelters, unable to return home due to ongoing instability. Birhane Tafere, a 62-year-old displaced from Humera in November 2020, has spent over four years in an IDP camp. Now residing in Abiye Adi, near Mekelle, he describes life as filled with despair and uncertainty, blaming authorities for neglecting their responsibility to facilitate returns. The interim administration of Tigray estimates nearly 1 million displaced individuals are unable to return due to militant control in…

The humanitarian situation in Al-Jazirah State, located 200 kilometers south of Khartoum, has deteriorated following its recent takeover by the Sudanese army. Residents face critical shortages of food, water, and healthcare, with malnutrition posing a severe risk. According to reports, the World Food Program (WFP) has delivered vital aid to Wad Medani, the state capital. Eleven trucks carrying 260 metric tonnes of food and nutrition supplies have arrived, providing assistance to over 20,000 individuals. Humanitarian agencies plan to assess the city’s needs further to guide their response. Clean water access remains a pressing concern, as many water stations are non-operational,…

Thousands of Muslims gathered in Mekelle on January 21, 2025, to protest the refusal of schools in Axum to allow Muslim female students to wear hijabs, despite court rulings and education bureau directives that uphold their right to do so. A mass protest was organized by the Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council at Romanat Square in Mekelle under the slogan: “She will learn while wearing her hijab.” Sheikh Adam Abdulkadir, the president of the council, expressed concerns over the continued denial of educational rights to Muslim girls in Axum, despite legal assurances. The protest followed a series of unsuccessful attempts…

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced ongoing negotiations regarding Azerbaijani ships detained in Eritrean waters. Efforts involve embassies in Ankara, Moscow, and representatives in New York. The Foreign Ministry initiated action after three Azerbaijani-flagged ships—”CMS Pahlevan,” “CMS Yigid,” and “CMS-3″—were detained by Eritrea on November 7, 2024. The vessels entered Eritrean territorial waters due to severe weather during a voyage from the UAE via the Suez Canal. Despite earlier contact with Eritrean port authorities, the entry was deemed unauthorized. Minister Bayramov noted “positive dynamics” in recent discussions, emphasizing coordinated efforts despite Azerbaijan’s lack of a diplomatic presence in Eritrea. The…

President Samia Suluhu Hassan assured the World Health Organization (WHO) of Tanzania’s commitment to combat global health threats, including the ongoing risk of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). Speaking in Dodoma, during a press briefing with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, she outlined efforts to strengthen the country’s health preparedness and response strategies for emerging health challenges. Emphasizing Tanzania’s dedication to both national and international public health, President Samia expressed confidence in the measures taken during the first Marburg outbreak in 2023, such as rapid isolation, case treatment, contact tracing, and community engagement. She highlighted that Tanzania remains safe for…

A coalition of Darfur rebel groups announced on Monday that they had successfully countered a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) assault originating from Libya, inflicting significant losses and seizing military vehicles in a strategic border region. The clash occurred near the borders of Sudan, Libya, and Chad, a resource-rich area critical for logistical operations. Rebel leaders stated that their joint forces, working alongside the Sudanese army and allied factions, intercepted RSF units attempting to reorganize and resupply their besieged fighters in Darfur. According to the rebels, 680 RSF fighters and mercenaries were killed during the ambush. They reported destroying 37 vehicles…

Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) Director General, Redwan Hussien, concluded an East African diplomatic tour, engaging with Kenya’s President William Ruto and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni. The discussions addressed regional security issues, including instability in Sudan and the threat of Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Redwan, conveying a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, praised the constructive roles of Kenya and Uganda in fostering cooperation within the Horn of Africa. “I commend Presidents Museveni and Ruto for their commitment to unity and understanding in the region,” he remarked. President Ruto highlighted the importance of collective action in tackling security threats.…

A landmine explosion on Monday claimed the lives of at least 13 Puntland soldiers and injured over seven others in the Habley area of the Bari region. The incident occurred when a military vehicle transporting troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations was struck by the roadside bomb. Puntland military officials attributed the attack to Daesh militants, who have intensified their presence in the region. Some of the injured later succumbed to their wounds, increasing the death toll. Reports suggest that fatalities exceeded the number of injuries. The attack followed a visit by Puntland officials to Tasji’ just two days prior, where…

Sudanese military leadership has accused South Sudanese nationals of heavily contributing to the ranks of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alleging mercenary involvement over the past two years. Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta, a senior official in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), claimed that South Sudanese mercenaries make up 65% of the RSF. Addressing soldiers in Ed Damazin, he criticized the lack of action by South Sudanese authorities despite repeated notifications about the issue. Al-Atta highlighted the role of specific South Sudanese opposition figures, naming Stephen Buoy, while lamenting the South Sudanese government’s failure to address these allegations. He also…

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, has downplayed the impact of US sanctions imposed on him, asserting that they do not affect his operations or finances. This comes as Burhan takes direct control of military efforts in Omdurman amidst ongoing clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking to reporters, Burhan dismissed the significance of the sanctions, stating he lacks foreign assets or substantial local holdings beyond his salary as an army officer. The sanctions, enacted last Thursday, accuse Burhan of hindering peace talks and permitting tactics that have led to civilian harm and infrastructure destruction, including…