Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has strongly rejected recent Israeli remarks promoting the idea of a “Greater Israel,” during a visit to the Rafah border crossing alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. Speaking at a press conference, Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt will not accept the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. He reaffirmed Cairo’s long-standing stance on the Palestinian issue, stating: “Our position is firm and unchanging. We reject all attempts to erase or undermine the Palestinian cause.” His comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly described himself as deeply committed to the vision of a Greater Israel —…

Authorities in Nigeria are searching for more than 40 people feared missing after a boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized in Sokoto State, in the country’s northwest. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that the vessel was transporting over 50 people to Goronyo Market when it overturned. Rescue teams were quickly deployed, and about 10 passengers have so far been pulled to safety. Officials said the cause of the disaster is under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the boat may have been overloaded, a frequent problem in riverine areas of Sokoto. Such accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially…

Reports from North Darfur’s capital indicate that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of carrying out summary executions of civilians amid heavy fighting for control of El Fasher. Local sources said at least 12 unarmed men were killed in the Shaqra area, west of the city, after RSF fighters claimed they were involved in smuggling. In addition, artillery bombardments over the weekend struck residential neighborhoods and the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people, killing more than 30 people, according to grassroots resistance committees. Witnesses further accused RSF fighters of entering the camp, executing residents, and abducting others. Footage…

Tanzania and Burundi have officially broken ground on a landmark railway project that will link Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi, marking the first cross-border standard gauge railway (SGR) in East Africa. The project, estimated at over $2.15 billion, was launched on August 16 in Musongati, where Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye presided over the ceremony. The railway will stretch 240 kilometers and is expected to be completed within five years. Prime Minister Majaliwa highlighted the transformative potential of the project, noting that travel and cargo times will be drastically reduced. “Today,…

Sudan has finalized a major defense contract with Pakistan worth more than $1.5 billion, underscoring deepening military ties between the two countries. The agreement was reached following a high-level Sudanese military delegation’s visit to Pakistan, led by Lieutenant General Pilot Al-Tahir Mohamed Al-Awad Al-Amin, Commander of the Sudanese Air Force. The delegation included senior officials from Sudan’s Air Defense Command and the Military Industry Corporation. During meetings with Pakistan’s Minister of Defence, the Chief of Air Staff, and other top officials, the two sides concluded an extensive package covering aircraft, drones, armored vehicles, and air defense systems. The deal includes:•…

A letter from US Senator Ted Cruz urging President Donald Trump to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence has drawn sharp responses from Somalia and China, underscoring the growing geopolitical contest in the Horn of Africa. Senator Cruz’s Proposal In his letter dated August 14, Cruz described Somaliland as a “critical security and diplomatic partner” for the United States, highlighting its role in counterterrorism, military cooperation, and economic engagement. He argued that recognizing Somaliland would strengthen US strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Somali Government Response Somalia’s leadership firmly rejected the proposal, stressing that the country’s unity and territorial…

South Africa’s Chief of Defence, General Rudzani Maphwanya, is under fire following remarks he reportedly made during a visit to Iran, which critics say could harm Pretoria’s already fragile relations with the United States. According to Iranian state media, General Maphwanya praised the “lasting bond” between South Africa and Iran, recalled Tehran’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle, and said both nations share “common goals.” He also condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. His Iranian counterpart hailed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice as being in line with Iran’s foreign policy.…

Authorities in Tanzania are racing against time to rescue at least 25 workers trapped underground following the collapse of a gold mine in the Shinyanga Region. The incident occurred on Monday at the Nyandolwa gold mine, located about 200 kilometers north of the capital, Dodoma, while maintenance work was being carried out in underground shafts. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed deep sorrow over the accident, assuring that security agencies are working alongside fire and rescue teams to accelerate operations. Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita, speaking at the site, urged the public to remain calm and support the rescue mission, noting…

Mali’s government says it has detained a French national accused of spying for France in an alleged attempt to destabilize the country. Security Minister Gen. Daoud Aly Mohammedine announced the arrest of Yann Vezilier in a televised statement late Thursday, claiming he was acting on instructions from French intelligence. His image was shown alongside senior military officers recently detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Authorities say more than 50 people, including two generals—among them former Mopti region governor Gen. Abass Dembele—are in custody over the suspected coup attempt. The minister alleged that the French national helped mobilize political…

African leaders have thrown their support behind a new peace process aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, appointing Botswana’s former President Mokgweetsi Masisi to a high-profile panel tasked with steering inclusive dialogue. The decision followed a virtual joint extraordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The summit called for immediate resource mobilization, including humanitarian aid, to be coordinated under the African Union Commission (AUC). According to the summit’s communique, the AUC will lead the consolidated African-led…

The United States has initiated a formal process to review Kenya’s status as a Major Non-NATO Ally, granted in June 2024, amid concerns over the East African nation’s deepening economic links with China and alleged involvement with armed groups. According to an amendment submitted by Senator James Risch in the Congressional Record, the Secretary of State—working alongside the Pentagon, Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence—must begin the review within 90 days of the Act’s enactment. A classified report to Congress is due within 180 days, assessing Kenya’s cooperation in counterterrorism, regional peacekeeping, and its partnerships with countries like China,…

The United States has authorized the sale of precision-guided munitions and rockets worth $346 million to the Nigerian Air Force, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced. The package includes 1,002 Mk-82 (227kg) bombs, fuzes, airfoil kits for 113kg and 227kg bombs, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rounds, alongside associated equipment and support. Contractors involved will include RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems. According to the DSCA, the deal aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to counter terrorist organizations and combat illicit trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Air Force, which already operates…

Türkiye has strengthened its economic footprint in Africa, with business investments surpassing $2.3 billion and creating 35,000 jobs across the continent, according to Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. Speaking at the World Cooperation Industries Forum in Istanbul, Bolat said Turkish contractors have completed over 2,300 projects in Africa worth $97.5 billion — nearly one-fifth of all their overseas work. Key sectors include machinery, chemicals, automotive, agriculture, and steel products. He noted that Türkiye’s trade with Africa rose from $5.4 billion in 2003 to $36.5 billion in 2024, with exports reaching $21.8 billion and imports totaling $15 billion. “Africa is just a…

South Sudan has rejected claims that it is in discussions with Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, dismissing recent media reports as unfounded. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said the allegations “do not reflect the official position or policy” of Juba, stressing that the government has no such agreement or plan. Officials urged news outlets to verify information with authoritative sources before publishing, warning against the spread of misinformation. The denial comes after some Israeli media suggested that talks were underway, prompting criticism from South Sudanese civil society leaders who argued that the country should not be…

Iran and South Africa have held high-level military talks in Tehran, pledging closer cooperation in defence and strategic affairs while voicing shared opposition to what they describe as “global arrogance” and “colonial approaches.” Iranian army chief Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami and visiting South African defence chief Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya said the partnership aims to support “oppressed nations” and advance a just international order. The meeting came as Pretoria faces growing diplomatic friction with Washington. South Africa has rejected a recent US human rights report as “deeply flawed” and “one-sided,” accusing it of relying on discredited sources. The report alleged a…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has intensified criticism of Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), warning that Cairo will not ignore any threats to its water security. Speaking alongside visiting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Cairo, Sisi rejected what he called “unilateral actions” in the Nile Basin and claimed that water disputes are being used as part of a broader campaign to pressure Egypt. He stressed that while Egypt supports development for all basin countries, such projects must not reduce the flow of water downstream. Cairo depends on the Nile for nearly all its freshwater needs, receiving 55.5…