Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Ethiopia has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals seeking to enter the northern Tigray region, as concerns grow over rising political tensions and uncertainty following a fragile post-conflict recovery. The measure, confirmed by local officials on Tuesday, effectively halts international visits to a region that had only recently reopened to foreign tourists following the end of a devastating civil war in 2022. “I can confirm that foreigners are banned from travelling to Tigray, but we still do not know the reason behind the decision,” said Wondimu Asamnew, an associate of Tigray’s regional leader Debretsion Gebremichael. The federal government has…

Tanzania has emerged as the most peaceful country in East Africa according to the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI), securing the 65th position globally out of 163 countries and territories evaluated. This marks a notable improvement from its 2023 ranking and reflects the country’s growing reputation for internal stability. Compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the Global Peace Index measures levels of peace using indicators such as societal safety, internal and external conflict levels, and militarisation. With a peace score of 1.987, Tanzania leads within the East African Community (EAC), outperforming regional peers including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi,…

In Kenya’s remote northern highlands, a painful chapter continues to haunt women who say they were victims of sexual violence committed by British soldiers stationed in the country over the past several decades. Despite repeated calls for justice, survivors say their cries have long gone unanswered. For many women in Laikipia and Samburu counties, the presence of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) has left deep emotional and physical scars. Allegations range from rape and assault to murder, committed by soldiers during their training deployments—yet no convictions have been recorded. Ntilaren Supuko, now 60, recalls a night in 1985…

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the political and security establishment, Kenya’s top intelligence official has confirmed that a foreign armed group is occupying parts of Kenyan territory near the Ethiopia border. Appearing before Parliament on Monday, Noordin Haji, Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), revealed that the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)—an armed rebel group from Ethiopia—is no longer merely conducting cross-border raids but has entrenched itself within Kenyan territory. “In Ethiopia, the Oromo Liberation Army is occupying our land… we cannot ignore this anymore,” Haji said, addressing the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee of the…

Ethiopia is on track to achieve a record 6.5 million tonnes of wheat production in the 2025-26 marketing year, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year, according to recent projections by agricultural analysts. The growth is attributed to expanded use of irrigated farmland, improved agricultural inputs, and enhanced yields, as part of a broader government initiative to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports. Despite continued growth in domestic demand for wheat and wheat-based products, wheat imports are expected to decline by 24% to 1.3 million tonnes during the same period. Analysts note that while consumption is rising,…

Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has raised alarm over a series of drone attacks targeting the strategic eastern city of Port Sudan, warning that the assaults threaten the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and regional stability. In a statement released Monday, the ministry directly blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for orchestrating the attacks, while indirectly accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of sponsoring the operation. The ministry alleged that the UAE provided drones, weapons, and foreign mercenaries to assist RSF in launching strikes against critical civilian and military infrastructure. According to the ministry, recent attacks have struck…

In a joint counterterrorism effort, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS militants approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Bosaso, in the Bari region. The operation, confirmed by Somali authorities, was carried out to support Puntland Security Forces in their ongoing campaign to dismantle militant strongholds in northeastern Somalia. The strike forms part of a wider strategy to weaken the operational capabilities of ISIS-affiliated groups operating in the region. While casualty figures have not been released, Somali officials stated that damage assessments are ongoing, and the full impact of the strike…

A major international student competition focused on nuclear technology innovation is set to take place in Rwanda this May, as part of a global initiative to advance science education and foster international collaboration in the nuclear field. The Global HackAtom challenge will bring together student teams from across Rwanda on May 29–30 at the University of Rwanda in Kigali. Participants will tackle real-world challenges in the nuclear sector, demonstrating their technical expertise and creativity through practical case studies. The top team will earn the honor of representing Rwanda at the international finals in Russia this September. The event is being…

Khartoum has instructed oil companies to begin shutting down the key pipeline transporting South Sudanese crude oil for export, citing a series of drone strikes blamed on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups. The decision, reportedly communicated in an official directive dated May 9, comes amid growing concern over the security of Sudan’s vital oil infrastructure. According to officials, one of the latest attacks targeted pump station No. 5 operated by PETCO in the Al-Hudi area, causing what authorities described as significant damage. Another strike a day earlier allegedly hit a diesel storage facility used by Bashayer Pipeline…

As Ethiopia prepares for its next national elections in 2026, growing concerns over press freedom are casting a shadow over the country’s media landscape. Reports of arbitrary detentions, newsroom raids, and legal crackdowns are creating what media workers describe as a “climate of fear.” In recent weeks, several journalists and media outlets have come under direct pressure. Staff from a prominent independent publication were reportedly detained and questioned after authorities raided their offices, seizing laptops and phones. The incident has yet to be officially explained, deepening concerns over transparency and accountability. Another journalist was detained while reporting on the grievances…

Kenya, a jewel of East Africa, offers a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure. From iconic wildlife safaris to immersive cultural encounters and coastal retreats, the country promises a first-time journey filled with awe, discovery, and unforgettable moments. Here are ten essential experiences every visitor should have when exploring Kenya for the first time. Often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October is a breathtaking spectacle. Over a million animals cross the plains and rivers of the Masai Mara, creating one of nature’s…

Africa’s vast and evolving railway network remains one of the continent’s most vital infrastructures, linking cities, ports, mines, and neighboring countries. As transportation systems modernize and expand, these railways are playing an increasingly important role in regional integration and economic development. This report highlights the top ten African nations with the longest railway lines and offers insights into how these systems are shaping trade, industry, and mobility across the continent. South Africa holds the most extensive railway network in Africa and ranks 12th globally. Operated largely by Transnet Freight Rail, the network includes the world-renowned Sishen-Saldanha line, which transports iron…

The Sudanese military, supported by allied groups, has regained control of the town of Al-Khuwayyi in West Kordofan after intense combat with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to a statement issued Sunday. The RSF had previously announced its capture of Al-Khuwayyi on May 3, just one day after it seized El Nahud, a significant town in the same region. Al-Khuwayyi lies roughly 110 kilometers west of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. A commander aligned with the military told local media that army units, joint forces, intelligence operatives, and community-based militias had taken full control of the…

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has confirmed the successful of 121 citizens from Myanmar, where they had been held under harsh and inhumane conditions after falling victim to human trafficking schemes. In a statement released Friday, the ministry said 41 individuals arrived home on Thursday, followed by 80 more on Friday. The operation was carried out in coordination with Ethiopia’s Embassy in India, which oversees relations with Southeast Asia. “These Ethiopians were rescued from extremely difficult circumstances, having been misled by false job promises and trafficked into Myanmar,” the statement read. The government reiterated its commitment to repatriating…

As violence resurges in parts of South Sudan, women leaders are raising their voices to demand a greater role in peacebuilding and national decision-making processes. They argue that excluding women from key political discussions continues to fuel a cycle of conflict that leaves women and children to suffer the most. Speaking at a forum on Thursday, Vicky Nyanut Mawien, a South Sudanese legislator, criticized the lack of female involvement in matters of war and peace. “Time and again, women wake up to find their lives overturned by wars they had no part in planning,” she said. “We are left to…

In a major development for the Amhara region’s armed resistance, four prominent Fano factions have announced their unification under a single umbrella organization named the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF). The declaration follows a series of intensive consultations and a covenant signing in Quara, a historically significant site associated with Emperor Tewodros II. The merging groups include: Gojjam Fano led by Zemene Kassie Wollo Fano under Mihret Wodajo Gondar Fano Unity headed by Habte Woldie Shewa Fano led by Desalegn Siasebeshewa In their inaugural public statement released Friday, AFNF declared its mission as defending the Amhara people from what it…