Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya may soon make history as the first sitting head of state to approach his 100th birthday while still in power, following a closely watched election that has stirred tension across the Central African nation. Born in 1933, Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982 — over four decades marked by political dominance, stability claims, and persistent criticism from opponents demanding democratic renewal. Preliminary results from the October 12 election indicate that Biya, now 92, is leading with just over 53% of the vote, according to figures reported by national media. His main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary,…

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) has officially launched its first interoperable cross-border digital payment system, connecting Malawi and Zambia in a milestone for regional financial integration. The system, known as the Digital Retail Payments Platform (DRPP), allows individuals and businesses in both countries to make instant, low-cost transactions directly in their local currencies, eliminating the need for U.S. dollars or other hard currencies in routine trade. Supervised by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) and the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), the platform is a major step towards Africa’s broader goal of achieving a seamless and inclusive…

Uganda’s electoral commission has officially announced that the country’s next general elections will take place on January 15, 2026, marking another decisive moment in the East African nation’s political history. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, will seek re-election once again. The long-time leader is credited with stabilising the nation, driving economic growth, and advancing public health initiatives such as HIV/AIDS prevention. However, his government continues to face strong criticism from rights groups and political opponents for restricting dissent, limiting press freedoms, and enabling corruption. His main rival is expected to be Bobi Wine, the popular…

At least 46 people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured after a multi-vehicle collision on Uganda’s busy Kampala–Gulu Highway early Tuesday, according to police reports. Authorities said the crash occurred around 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT) when two passenger buses travelling in opposite directions collided head-on while attempting to overtake a lorry and a car. The impact caused a chain reaction, overturning several vehicles and trapping passengers inside. Police initially reported 63 fatalities but later corrected the figure, noting that several unconscious survivors were mistakenly counted among the dead. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, transferring the injured to…

At least 35 people have died and dozens more were injured in a tanker explosion along the Agaie–Bida Road in Niger State, Nigeria. The accident occurred in Essan community when a fuel-laden tanker overturned, prompting nearby residents to rush to the scene to collect spilled petrol. According to officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps, the blaze erupted as people attempted to scoop the leaking fuel, igniting a powerful explosion that engulfed several victims and destroyed nearby properties. Local authorities confirmed that the vehicle had been transporting fuel from Lagos when it lost control due to the deteriorated condition of…

Despite government security escorts known as Agro Rangers, violence remains a daily threat for those struggling to grow crops amid the conflict. In Dalwa village near Maiduguri, groups of displaced men and women are bused each morning to guarded farmlands surrounded by military trenches. “There is fear — we fear for our souls,” said 50-year-old farmer Aisha Isa, who fled her home more than a decade ago. She continues farming maize and beans to feed her family but admits she only feels partly safe under armed watch. Fellow farmer Mustapha Musa, a father of ten, says he left his home…

Ivory Coast heads to the polls this weekend amid growing anger from young citizens over President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to seek a fourth term in office. The 83-year-old leader, who has ruled since 2011, faces mounting criticism for tightening control over politics while inequality and youth unemployment persist. Many young Ivorians, like slam poet Placide Konan in Abidjan, say the country’s wealth has failed to improve daily life. Despite being West Africa’s largest cocoa producer and one of its biggest economies, around 37% of the population still lives in poverty. “People can no longer make ends meet,” Konan said. Ouattara’s…

At least 14 people lost their lives and 29 others were injured when a passenger train derailed early Tuesday in eastern Ethiopia, according to local state media. The accident occurred around 2 a.m. on the Dire Dawa–Dewele route, a 200-kilometre stretch connecting Ethiopia with neighbouring Djibouti. Local outlet Dire TV reported the incident in a social media statement, noting that several train carriages had overturned and others were severely damaged. Authorities have not yet released the cause of the derailment, but emergency teams have been deployed to the scene to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. Although train accidents…

Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Teryokhin, confirmed that discussions with the African Union (AU) are ongoing regarding the selection of the host country. He noted that the AU would submit an official request, highlighting Addis Ababa’s strong credentials as the “political capital of Africa” with well-developed infrastructure for international events. Teryokhin emphasized that Ethiopia’s historical contribution to pan-Africanism and its active role in continental diplomacy make it a leading candidate to host the summit. He also underscored that the Russia–Africa partnership is built on “equality and mutual respect,” and that preparations for the summit are progressing under the Russia–Africa Partnership…

The protest, organized under the hashtag campaign #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, comes amid Kanu’s ongoing trial on terrorism-related charges. Supporters demand compliance with a 2022 Court of Appeal decision that acquitted Kanu, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court. Protesters gathered in Abuja’s Utako district were reportedly dispersed with tear gas after moving toward sensitive government buildings, including the presidential residence and national assembly. Among those affected were journalists covering the protest, including an American reporter and a Nigerian videographer, who were briefly detained and had their equipment damaged. Several civilians and legal representatives of Kanu also sustained injuries during the clashes.…

Sudan’s Khartoum International Airport came under attack on Tuesday as paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched drones targeting key locations in the capital, local media reports said. Witnesses told Rakoba News that more than eight explosions were heard in and around the airport. The strike comes just before the airport was scheduled to resume domestic flights on Wednesday after being closed for 30 months amid the ongoing conflict. Some drones were intercepted by the Sudanese army, while others reportedly hit their targets, causing alarm in nearby areas. The Sudanese army regained control of Khartoum Airport earlier this year, along with…

Madagascar’s new military authorities have appointed businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister, following the recent power seizure by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. The appointment marks the beginning of a new military-led administration in the island nation after weeks of protests and political turmoil. Colonel Randrianirina, who declared himself head of state last week, said the selection of Rajaonarivelo was based on his professional experience and international connections. The new leadership is seeking to gain diplomatic legitimacy while consolidating control over key institutions. The takeover came after nationwide demonstrations led largely by the youth-driven “Gen Z Madagascar” movement, which began in September…

Ethiopia is holding early talks with Chinese lenders to partially convert $5.38 billion of debt into yuan-based financing, according to Bloomberg. The initiative is meant to lower costs and expand trade cooperation. The development sent Ethiopia’s Eurobond up 4.3%, the sharpest increase since 2021. National Bank Governor Eyob Tekalign confirmed that discussions with Chinese institutions are ongoing. Ethiopia, which defaulted in 2023, is restructuring $15 billion in total external obligations with support from the IMF and official creditors. Authorities expect to conclude government-to-government deals before the end of the year and wrap up talks with private bondholders by March 2026.

Tensions in Ivory Coast have escalated just days before the country’s presidential election, following the killing of a gendarme on patrol in the south. The officer was reportedly shot during an overnight security operation in a region known for strong opposition support, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. Security sources said investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators, while local residents reported sporadic unrest after the incident. The attack comes amid mounting political friction after two major opposition leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, were barred from contesting the upcoming vote scheduled for Saturday. The government of President Alassane Ouattara, who is…

Somalia has set November 30, 2025, as the date for its first one-person, one-vote local elections in more than five decades — a milestone step toward restoring universal suffrage in the Horn of Africa nation. The National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NEBC) confirmed that voting will take place across Mogadishu’s Banadir region, marking a major shift from Somalia’s long-standing clan-based power-sharing model. Commission chairperson Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan said the polls represent “a new chapter in Somalia’s democratic journey,” urging residents to prepare to cast their ballots. Voter registration, which closed on September 30, recorded close to one million registered voters…

With less than two weeks to go before Tanzania’s October 29 general elections, concerns are growing over an escalating clampdown on opposition figures, civil society, and independent media. Rights observers warn that the tightening political space risks undermining confidence in the electoral process. Recent developments have seen opposition leaders Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina both barred from contesting the presidency, prompting widespread criticism from rights advocates and political analysts. Several activists and journalists have reportedly faced harassment, intimidation, or arrest in recent months. Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over reports of arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and violence targeting…