Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Africa’s copper industry surged to new heights in 2024, becoming the continent’s second most valuable export commodity after crude oil, with a total trade value of $35 billion. However, the sector remains dominated by just a handful of countries, with the top ten nations accounting for a staggering 98% of the continent’s copper export earnings. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerged as the continent’s undisputed leader, exporting $19.8 billion worth of copper. Its major buyers include China, the UAE, Egypt, Singapore, and the United States — underscoring the country’s central role in meeting global demand for the metal. Zambia…

Niamey — On the second anniversary of Niger’s July 26, 2023 coup, the country remains in a state of political transition under military rule. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who led the presidential guard that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, continues to head the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). The junta came to power promising to restore order, end foreign interference, and prioritize national sovereignty — but two years on, the results are complex. Supporters of the military government praise its firm stance against what they see as decades of foreign meddling, particularly by France. The junta expelled French…

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti”, has announced the formation of a parallel transitional government, intensifying the country’s already fragile political situation. In a recorded statement released Saturday evening, the Founding Sudanese Coalition declared the establishment of a 15-member “Presidential Council for Peace,” naming Hemedti as President and rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu as his deputy. Mohamed Hassan al-Ta’ayshi, a former civilian negotiator in past peace processes, was appointed Prime Minister. This move comes months after the RSF and allied political and armed groups signed a political charter in Nairobi aiming to establish an alternative government.…

Türkiye has emerged as Ethiopia’s second-largest foreign investor, with investments nearing $2.5 billion across multiple sectors such as textiles, agribusiness, construction, and digital infrastructure. The announcement was made during the opening of the 8th World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum in Addis Ababa, where Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen highlighted the presence of over 260 Turkish companies actively operating in the country. He praised the evolving economic partnership, which now extends beyond diplomacy to include collaboration in trade, health, technology, education, and cultural exchange. Türkiye’s Commercial Counsellor in Addis Ababa, Taha Alperen Salar, described Ethiopia as a key strategic partner in…

Seventeen people have been confirmed dead following a devastating head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a haulage truck near Chitungwiza, about 25 km southeast of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the truck veered into the opposite lane after the driver lost control, striking two pedestrians before crashing into the minibus. Fifteen of the minibus passengers died instantly, while others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific. The minibus was reportedly flattened beyond recognition, with only fragments of its chassis visible beneath the truck. Rescue teams worked into…

Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has officially been charged with five criminal counts, including inciting and promoting terrorism, amid growing tensions following the country’s disputed 2023 elections. Speaking to reporters outside the Attorney General’s office in Maputo, Mondlane confirmed the charges, which also include promoting collective disobedience and criminal acts. “Now that the charges are official, we welcome the chance to defend ourselves in court instead of living under judicial secrecy,” he said. Mondlane, a prominent figure in post-election protests, has consistently accused the ruling Frelimo party of rigging the October 2023 polls, which sparked widespread demonstrations and violent…

The United States Congress is advancing a controversial bill that could impose sweeping sanctions on South African officials over the country’s growing ties with U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. The legislation, known as the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, passed its first hurdle this week and now awaits a full vote in the House of Representatives. If passed, it would mandate a formal reassessment of U.S.–South Africa relations and give President Donald Trump the authority to sanction members of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) accused of undermining American interests. Proposed by Congressman Ronny…

Sudan’s Kordofan region, rich in oil and strategically located, has become a decisive front in the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The region is increasingly viewed as key to controlling Sudan’s vast resources and gaining an upper hand in the civil conflict now in its third year. Recent military operations and deadly airstrikes have drawn attention to the intensifying clashes in West and South Kordofan. Analysts suggest that whichever side holds Kordofan effectively controls Sudan’s main oil infrastructure. The area also holds geopolitical significance for South Sudan, as its oil exports…

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, stressing the need for dialogue and regional stability amid rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. According to a readout from the U.S. State Department, the two leaders discussed shared goals for peace, economic growth, and greater trade opportunities in Ethiopia and across the Horn of Africa. While applauding Ethiopia’s recent economic reforms, Secretary Rubio emphasized that sustainable development depends on political dialogue and avoiding further conflict. The call comes just one day after Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accused Ethiopia of preparing for war, warning…

Togo’s ruling party, the Union for the Republic (UNIR), has secured a commanding victory in the country’s latest municipal elections, winning 1,150 out of 1,527 council seats, according to provisional results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The elections, held on July 17 across Togo’s 117 municipalities, were marked by low voter turnout despite over 4.5 million registered citizens being eligible to cast their votes. Analysts link the subdued participation to recent political tensions and opposition-led calls for boycott. While UNIR claimed over 75% of the vote, opposition parties made limited gains. The National Alliance for Change (ANC) secured…

Libya has attracted the participation of over 40 international oil and gas companies in its latest licensing round, signaling a renewed wave of global confidence in the North African country’s energy sector. The companies represent a wide geographic spectrum—from North America and Europe to Southeast Asia and the MENA region—highlighting growing interest in Libya’s upstream exploration potential. This licensing round is part of broader reforms to reposition Libya as a competitive destination for energy investment. To that end, Libyan authorities have reviewed their financial and contractual frameworks to better align with international standards and reduce investor uncertainty. A comprehensive audit…

China has invested a total of $39 billion in Africa in 2025 as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, with Nigeria receiving the largest share, according to a new report released by Griffith University in Australia. Of the total investment, $21 billion was directed to Nigeria and $3.6 billion to Tanzania. The report highlights that Africa has become the primary beneficiary of China’s international infrastructure strategy. However, Beijing has significantly reshaped its priorities, withdrawing new infrastructure financing from countries such as Cameroon, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. According to the Griffith Asia Institute, the Chinese government is increasingly linking…

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has issued a public warning to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, cautioning him against initiating any military confrontation aimed at securing access to the sea. Speaking during a televised interview, Afwerki stated that Eritrea would not be intimidated by any potential “human wave” offensive and emphasized the need for Ethiopia to focus on resolving its internal challenges. “Before dragging the people of Ethiopia into unwanted wars or using them for another political agenda, the country’s internal problems must be first addressed and solved,” said Afwerki. At the center of the tension is Ethiopia’s renewed push for…

Sudanese Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan landed at Khartoum International Airport on Saturday aboard a presidential aircraft, marking his first fixed-wing arrival in the capital since the war erupted in April 2023. The landing, broadcast by state media, reflects the military’s expanding control and its ongoing efforts to re-establish a functioning presence in the war-torn capital. Upon arrival, General Burhan visited the General Command headquarters and was briefed by Chief of Staff General Mohamed Osman Al-Hussein on the current security situation. The airport’s main runway was recently restored, allowing for the landing of fixed-wing aircraft. Though the army had…

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have signed a declaration aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement was reached during negotiations held in Doha, marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to end one of the region’s most violent crises. The declaration, which comes after weeks of dialogue and diplomatic engagement, sets the stage for comprehensive peace talks expected to begin by August 8. Both parties pledged to work toward restoring state control across all Congolese territory, though key issues — including the withdrawal of foreign forces and…

The report, viewed by several media outlets, outlines ongoing violations by regional actors, militias, and Congolese forces in the restive eastern provinces. It asserts that Rwanda provides logistical and operational support to the M23 group, which has seized control of key urban centers such as Goma and Bukavu in recent months. According to the report, M23 fighters take direct orders from Rwandan intelligence, with Kigali’s officials allegedly signaling intent to capture strategic areas shortly before the group advanced. Minerals from conflict zones under M23 control are reportedly being transported to Rwanda and mixed with legally mined materials before entering global…