Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Egypt and Eritrea Strengthen Coordination on Red Sea and Horn of Africa AffairsEgypt and Eritrea have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation, following a phone conversation between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Eritrean counterpart Osman Saleh on Thursday. According to diplomatic sources in Cairo, the two ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining close coordination on key developments in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, in line with the directives of Presidents Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Isaias Afwerki. The renewed engagement comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly surrounding Ethiopia’s continued push for…

The Sudanese government has officially requested the United States to provide the evidence that led to its accusation that Sudan’s military used chemical weapons in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The request follows Washington’s announcement in May accusing the Sudanese army of deploying chemical agents during clashes with the RSF. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Khartoum, including restrictions on exports and access to international credit lines. In a statement issued Thursday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said that during a recent meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council in The Hague, Sudan’s…

Liberia has entered into a $1.8 billion agreement with U.S.-based Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc. to rehabilitate and utilize its key railway corridor to export iron ore from neighboring Guinea, marking one of the country’s largest infrastructure deals in recent years. The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia called the agreement “a critical step” in supporting President Joseph Boakai’s infrastructure strategy, which includes transitioning Liberia to a multi-user rail model. The policy aims to allow open access for multiple mining companies to share the rail network, replacing the current exclusive-use framework that favors ArcelorMittal Liberia—whose contract expires in 2030. Though official details remain limited,…

Liberians have voiced frustration and disappointment after U.S. President Donald Trump made controversial comments during a White House meeting with President Joseph Boakai, questioning where the Liberian leader had learned to speak English “so beautifully.” “Such good English. Such beautiful English,” Trump said, visibly surprised, before asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? In Liberia?” — remarks that many Liberians have called patronizing and offensive. English has been Liberia’s official language for nearly two centuries, tracing back to the nation’s founding by freed African Americans in the 1800s. The country maintains close historical and political ties with the…

The United States has announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy, slashing the validity of temporary visas for citizens of Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Cameroon to just three months and restricting them to single-entry only. The move, which U.S. officials describe as part of a “global reciprocity realignment,” has drawn sharp criticism, especially from Nigerian authorities who have called for a reversal of the policy. Under the new guidelines, most non-diplomatic visa holders from the three countries—who previously enjoyed longer and often multiple-entry permits—will now face tighter restrictions. The U.S. Department of State stated that visa policies are under continual…

South Sudan’s government has confirmed it is currently hosting a group of eight individuals deported from the United States, following a controversial transfer involving nationals from multiple countries. According to South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, only one of the deportees is a South Sudanese citizen. The rest include nationals from Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico. The ministry stated that the individuals are under government supervision in the capital, Juba, where they are being screened for security and health concerns. The decision comes amid a broader U.S. policy shift under the Trump administration, which has pursued the relocation of migrants with…

Kenyan President William Ruto has instructed police officers to shoot in the legs anyone found destroying property during anti-government protests, in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and the UN. “Do not kill them, but break their legs,” Ruto said, referring to individuals caught burning businesses or attacking police stations. His comments come amid a surge of nationwide protests that turned deadly earlier this week. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 31 protest-related deaths and over 100 injuries on Monday, while police claimed 11 fatalities. More than 500 individuals have been arrested…

Turkish defense giant ASELSAN has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with South Africa-based PAMODZI Group, marking a new phase in exporting not just military products but also advanced technology to the African continent. This initiative signals a broader transformation toward sustainable and knowledge-based defense partnerships in Africa. According to the 85th issue of ASELSAN’s internal bulletin, the agreement includes a Technology Transfer Program (ToP) that enables the local production of the ASTELA P25 3710 Handheld Radio in South Africa. Unlike conventional exports, the agreement encompasses hardware sales, local manufacturing, engineering collaboration, and the sharing of technical expertise. Beyond Equipment: Building…

In response to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, pro-Palestinian activists in Tunisia are preparing to launch a new solidarity convoy by sea. The initiative, known as the Maghreb Resistance Convoy, aims to challenge the Israeli blockade and draw international attention to the crisis. The Palestinian Joint Action Coordination, the group organizing the mission, announced the plan on Facebook, declaring: “Our sails are set for Gaza. Our objective is to break this shameful blockade.” The statement emphasized that Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer from severe shortages of food and water, forced displacement, and ongoing violence. The upcoming convoy will…

The United States has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigeria, as part of an ongoing tightening of immigration policies toward several African countries. The changes significantly reduce the duration and flexibility of visas issued to Nigerian passport holders. Previously, Nigerian citizens were eligible for five-year, multiple-entry visas allowing them to stay in the U.S. for up to six months per visit. This policy, which replaced earlier two-year visas, had been in effect since March 2023. Certain qualified applicants could also renew their visas without attending an in-person interview. Under the revised regulations, however, Nigerians will now only be issued single-entry…

Diplomatic sources have confirmed that high-level discussions took place last Thursday between Eritrean and U.S. officials at the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, indicating a possible thaw in the long-challenged relationship between the two nations. The U.S. delegation included senior State Department officials: Deputy Assistant Secretary Vincent Spera, Ms. Holly Mackey, and Mr. Jonathan (full name not disclosed). They were received by Berhane Solomon, Eritrea’s Chargé d’Affaires in Washington. Described as “candid and constructive,” the meeting reportedly focused on both bilateral and regional matters, including peace, security, and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. According to Eritrean-affiliated news outlet Tesfa News,…

The United States has confirmed the continuation of its major humanitarian and development assistance programs in Ethiopia under a newly restructured framework. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, operations previously managed by USAID will now be overseen by the U.S. State Department, following a new bilateral assistance agreement with the Ethiopian government. This shift comes as Washington implements a broader overhaul of its global aid strategy. Under the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, nearly all U.S. foreign aid to African countries was significantly reduced or suspended. Ethiopia is among…

Libya’s state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC) has officially partnered with global energy companies BP and Shell to assess and revive operations in several key oil and gas fields, including Messla, Sarir, and al-Atshan. The new agreement allows BP to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Messla and Sarir fields, while Shell will conduct feasibility studies to develop the al-Atshan area. These fields are under the exclusive control of NOC and not linked to third-party claims. BP also plans to reopen its Tripoli office before the end of 2025, marking a full return to Libyan operations after more than a decade…

Mali’s court-appointed administrator overseeing the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex has begun selling gold stored at the facility, despite opposition from Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold. The sale of one metric ton of gold—valued at over $100 million—is intended to fund operating costs after a six-month production halt. The mine, previously responsible for 15% of Barrick’s global output, was shut down in January 2025 after the Malian government blocked exports and seized three tons of gold. Tensions escalated when Barrick rejected Mali’s demands to adopt a new mining code that increases government revenue from rising global gold prices. Soumana Makadji, a former…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged wealthy nations and global financial institutions to urgently address Africa’s worsening debt burden, warning that rising repayments are endangering social and economic development across the continent. Speaking as South Africa chairs the G20, Ramaphosa highlighted that nearly 3.4 billion people now live in countries where interest payments exceed spending on health and education. He warned: “They may not be defaulting on their debt, but they are defaulting on their people, their environment, and their future.” Ramaphosa emphasized that meeting global development goals requires closing a $4 trillion annual funding gap, achievable only through…

At least 31 people have been confirmed dead and over 100 injured following Kenya’s latest wave of anti-government protests, marking the deadliest day since demonstrations began earlier this year. Over 500 individuals were arrested, according to the national human rights commission. The protests, led largely by youth and civil society activists, erupted over high living costs, alleged corruption, and increasing police violence. Anger intensified following the death of a prominent blogger in police custody last month and the fatal shooting of a protester on June 17. Monday’s demonstrations coincided with the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, a…