Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Guinea-Bissau’s military leadership announced the arrest of a group of senior army officers accused of attempting to stage a coup against President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s administration. The arrests took place on Thursday night in the capital, Bissau, according to the deputy chief of staff of the armed forces, Mamadou Kourouma. Among those detained are General Dahaba Na Walna and Commanders Domingos Nhanke and Mario Midana. Kourouma described the arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into what he called a “new attempt to subvert the constitutional order,” just days before the start of the campaign for the legislative and presidential…

The hostages were abducted by Daesh-linked militants, who reportedly agreed to their release in exchange for the hefty payment. The UAE government is said to have financed the ransom, while an Iranian hostage was also freed as part of the deal. The hostages are expected to be flown home shortly. The ransom is believed to provide a major financial boost to Daesh affiliates in the Sahel region, where militant groups have been intensifying pressure on the Malian military government through blockades and attacks that have crippled access to fuel and basic services in Bamako. Mali has been battling extremist groups…

According to Yap Boum II, deputy incident manager at Africa CDC, the most affected nations are Angola and Burundi, where poor sanitation and limited access to clean water have fueled the epidemic. While cases have slightly declined in South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, these countries still bear some of the heaviest burdens. Cholera, a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water or food, continues to challenge fragile health systems across the continent, especially in regions already struggling with conflict and displacement.

According to the party’s spokesperson, John Kitoka, about 350 people were killed in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza, with more casualties reported nationwide. AFP cited a similar toll from a security source, but Al Jazeera could not independently verify the figures. The United Nations, however, reported a far lower count, citing “credible sources” indicating at least 10 deaths caused by security forces. The UN urged Tanzanian authorities to avoid excessive force and de-escalate tensions. Protests erupted on October 29 after chaotic elections barred the country’s two main opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, from participating. Demonstrations spread across…

Nationwide protests have entered their third day in Tanzania following a disputed general election held on October 29. The unrest began in Dar es Salaam and spread to other regions after opposition candidates were barred and citizens accused the government of rigging the vote. The government has deployed the military and shut down internet access as demonstrators—mainly young people—continue to protest restricted election choices and the harassment of opposition figures. Clashes between protesters and police have led to at least two confirmed deaths, according to Amnesty International. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021, is seeking to…

Thousands of residents have now reached Tawila, about 80 kilometers west of El Fasher, after enduring days of walking through battle-scarred terrain without food, water, or shelter. One survivor, Ezzeldin Hassan Musa, recounted how RSF fighters beat and tortured those trying to escape. “We saw people murdered in front of us. They beat me with sticks on the head and back. They wanted to execute us completely,” he said, resting on a mat after reaching safety. According to aid workers, most of those arriving in Tawila are women, children, and the elderly. Many of the men were targeted, detained, or…

The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, regional security, and infrastructure development, while also exchanging views on key issues affecting the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region. President Isaias and his delegation are also set to attend the official inauguration of Egypt’s Grand Museum in Cairo on November 1, an event expected to draw several regional and international dignitaries. Accompanying the Eritrean leader are Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and other senior government officials. The visit marks another step in the growing diplomatic engagement between Asmara and Cairo. Earlier this…

According to the Sudan Doctors Network, the killings took place on Wednesday when RSF fighters reportedly rounded up and shot civilians in the area. The group described the incident as part of a broader campaign of “targeted killings based on identity” being carried out by the RSF in various parts of Sudan. “This heinous act forms part of the ethnic cleansing and genocide campaign being waged against innocent civilians in North Kordofan and Darfur,” the medical group said in a statement, condemning what it called “shameful international silence.” The RSF has not yet commented on the allegations. The paramilitary force…

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto, and Kiluvya on Thursday, defying a citywide curfew. Witnesses reported gunfire and heavy police presence across the city, which remained largely cut off from the internet. Protesters accused authorities of silencing opposition voices after the country’s two main opposition leaders were barred from the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier disqualified the leading opposition party, Chadema, and its presidential candidate Tundu Lissu, who was arrested and charged with treason following calls for electoral reforms. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took power in 2021, faced only minor…

The move, initiated by the military-led government under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, follows a bill passed in July describing the commission as “costly” and vulnerable to “foreign interference.” Under the new structure, the Ministry of Territorial Administration will oversee the organization of future elections. Since seizing power in September 2022, the military authorities have pledged to return the country to civilian rule. However, in May 2024, the transition period was extended by five years, and Traoré was cleared to run in the next presidential election. Burkina Faso’s leadership has in recent months distanced itself from Western partners, particularly France, and strengthened…

The 92-year-old Biya, who has ruled since 1982, was confirmed as the winner by the Constitutional Council on Monday, sparking violent protests in major cities including Douala. Civil society group Stand Up for Cameroon reported at least 23 deaths and hundreds of arrests since the weekend, though authorities have not confirmed the figures. Bakary, once a government spokesperson and now a fierce critic of Biya, told his supporters that the “truth of the ballot” showed his victory, vowing to “resist until final victory.” The government, however, accused him of inciting violence and organizing unlawful demonstrations. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji…

The Tanzanian government has imposed a night curfew in Dar es Salaam following widespread unrest and demonstrations during the country’s tense general elections. According to regional police commander Jumanne Muliro, the curfew began at 6:00 p.m., though authorities did not disclose when it would end. The order came as security forces struggled to contain growing street protests by opposition supporters. Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned that law enforcement would respond firmly to anyone attempting to disrupt public order, saying that “the power used to control unrest will far exceed that used to provoke it.” Meanwhile, multiple reports,…

Arab nations have strongly denounced the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over alleged atrocities committed during the capture of El-Fasher, the last Sudanese army stronghold in Darfur. The condemnations came as new satellite images revealed possible mass graves and scenes of widespread violence. Saudi Arabia expressed “deep concern and condemnation” over grave human rights violations and urged the RSF to protect civilians. Egypt called for an immediate humanitarian truce and reaffirmed support for Sudan’s unity, while Türkiye demanded a halt to attacks on civilians and unimpeded delivery of aid. Qatar also condemned the “horrific violations” and called for dialogue, and Jordan…

Cameroon’s Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted for allegedly organising “illegal demonstrations” that led to deadly clashes after the presidential election held on October 12. Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of inciting violence by rejecting official results and declaring himself the winner, despite the Constitutional Council confirming 92-year-old President Paul Biya’s re-election with 53.7% of the vote. The opposition leader, who garnered 35.2%, insists the vote was “stolen” and has vowed not to recognise Biya’s government. Security forces have violently dispersed protests across several cities, including Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators burned…

Tanzanians head to the polls today to elect a new president, parliament, and local leaders in an election expected to extend the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s 64-year dominance. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 65, is widely expected to win after key opposition figures were barred or jailed, leaving her virtually unchallenged. Major opposition leaders, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, were disqualified under controversial circumstances, prompting accusations of state repression and democratic decline. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have reported growing restrictions on media, political freedoms, and opposition movements. Despite initial optimism…

Kenyan authorities have confirmed that all 11 people aboard the plane that crashed in Kwale County on Tuesday were killed. The light aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was carrying eight Hungarian and two German tourists, along with a Kenyan pilot. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time near Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, as the plane was traveling from Diani to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara reserve. Officials said the victims were burned beyond recognition, and there were no survivors. Rescue teams and investigators are working at the crash site to determine…