Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to expand its diplomatic and economic footprint across Africa, pledging $25 billion in new investments and the opening of more than 40 embassies across the continent in the coming years. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Walid Al-Khereiji made the announcement during the Africa Day reception in Riyadh, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing commitment to African development and partnership. He outlined that the investment package includes $10 billion in export financing and $5 billion in additional development funding by 2030. “Africa holds a vital place in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy,” said Al-Khereiji, noting that the Kingdom has…

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) say they have killed 83 fighters from the armed Fano movement during week-long sweeps in Gojjam and South Gondar, underscoring the endurance of hostilities in Amhara Region despite federal assurances that the conflict is nearly over. In a statement issued Wednesday, army officials described a “co-ordinated operation” conducted between 25 June and 2 July that also left 39 Fano combatants wounded, 12 captured, and 20 others who reportedly laid down their arms. The military claims to have seized several vehicles along with weapons stockpiles that include 22 Kalashnikov-style rifles, eleven older firearms, one DShK…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Ghana this morning, opening a two-day state visit aimed at deepening economic and development ties between New Delhi and Accra. It is the first trip to Ghana by an Indian head of government since 1995. Vaccine hub and direct investments During the visit, officials from both countries are expected to sign a slate of agreements, including a flagship memorandum to establish a vaccine-manufacturing hub in Ghana. The project, to be developed with Indian technical support and financing, is intended to boost regional vaccine production capacity and reduce dependence on imports. Other accords…

A military helicopter crashed and caught fire at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, witnesses reported, marking the second such incident involving African Union forces in recent weeks. Eyewitnesses at the airport described a loud explosion followed by thick smoke billowing from the helicopter. “We heard a blast and saw flames and smoke completely covering the aircraft,” said one airport staff member who requested anonymity. It remains unclear whether the helicopter was taking off or landing at the time of the accident. The aircraft is believed to have been operated by the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which…

Ethiopia is losing a significant share of its gold production to informal and illegal trade networks, according to a new report commissioned by the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa. The study warns that nearly two-thirds of the country’s gold, particularly from artisanal and small-scale miners, is either sold in underground markets or smuggled abroad. The report, presented to the Ministry of Mines, estimates that Ethiopia may be losing up to 60 tons of gold annually, valued at nearly USD 6 billion, due to unregulated trade. Although the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) received around 26 tons of gold over the…

Sierra Leone is positioning itself as the next big player in Africa’s energy sector, announcing plans to launch a new oil and gas licensing round later this year. The move comes after the completion of a fresh round of seismic surveys that officials hope will reignite interest among global energy companies. According to the country’s Petroleum Directorate, the latest data has already attracted attention from major international firms, including Shell, Petrobras, and Hess Corp. The survey, conducted in collaboration with multi-client geophysical firm TGS, aims to unlock the potential of an estimated 30 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent believed…

Eritrea has intensified its efforts to rebuild and expand its military capabilities, drawing increased scrutiny from international observers and sparking concern among neighboring states. A recent report by an independent U.S.-based human rights monitoring organization alleges that Eritrea’s growing military strength is contributing to heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly with Ethiopia. The report claims that Eritrea’s activities have added to the region’s instability and urged the international community to closely monitor developments. Following the 2018 peace agreement signed between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the United Nations lifted a decade-long arms embargo on Eritrea, allowing it to resume defense-related…

Foreign Ministers of Oman and Egypt have called on the United States and Iran to return to the negotiating table following the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Speaking in Cairo, Omani FM Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi urged both sides to avoid “impossible conditions” and to stabilize the current ceasefire. Egyptian FM Badr Abdelatty highlighted ongoing efforts to secure a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, paving the way for further peace negotiations. He also expressed Egypt’s willingness to host an international conference focused on Gaza’s reconstruction. Both ministers rejected the displacement of Palestinians and reiterated support for a two-state solution.…

Mali’s armed forces announced the killing of at least 80 militants following a series of coordinated assaults on military positions in central and western regions of the country. According to a statement broadcast on national military television, the attacks targeted seven locations across Mali, including areas near the borders with Senegal and Mauritania. The assaults, carried out in rapid succession, were attributed to the militia group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which later claimed responsibility and said it had overrun three army barracks. The army confirmed that its forces had regained control and were conducting further clearance operations. In response…

As gold prices reach historic highs in 2025, the Sahel region of West Africa—particularly Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—has become one of the continent’s leading gold-producing zones. However, while the gold sector is expanding rapidly, concerns are growing about how the proceeds are used and the impact on regional stability. Together, these three countries produce an estimated 230 tonnes of gold annually, with much of it coming from small-scale and artisanal mining operations. This figure, according to experts, may even underestimate the true volume, as many sites operate informally and are not always captured in official records. National Development and…

Safaricom Ethiopia has officially surpassed the 10 million subscriber mark, marking a significant achievement less than three years after entering the country’s telecommunications market. The telecom operator, which launched full services in Ethiopia in October 2022, now delivers daily connectivity to users nationwide, with 7.1 million actively using mobile internet. On average, each data user consumes around 6.5 GB per month, reflecting rising digital engagement across the country. Company officials credit the rapid expansion to widespread 4G coverage and sustained infrastructure investment. Safaricom Ethiopia now offers high-speed internet in 150 cities, with an average of 31,000 new users joining its…

A recent investigation by the New York Times revealed that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan — the UAE’s vice president and owner of Manchester City Football Club — played a behind-the-scenes role in Sudan’s civil war, quietly supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti). According to the report, Mansour hosted Hemeti in his Gulf palace just weeks before the war erupted in April 2023. Intelligence sources say this meeting helped coordinate covert support, including drone shipments and advanced weapons, delivered under the cover of humanitarian aid through Emirati-controlled charities. While the UAE has officially…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially laid the foundation stone for a new international airport near Mogadishu, marking a milestone in Somalia’s infrastructure and post-conflict recovery efforts. The new airport will be located in the Warsheekh district of the Middle Shabelle region, approximately 70 kilometers north of the capital. At Sunday’s groundbreaking ceremony, President Mohamud hailed the project as a symbol of resilience and a key driver of economic growth and regional integration. “This airport will serve as a gateway for both the Somali people and international travelers,” the president stated. “It stands as proof of our commitment to rebuild…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Ethiopia’s accelerating economic reforms and trade expansion will significantly increase demand at Djibouti’s ports — a key logistical lifeline for the landlocked country. According to the IMF’s latest Article IV review, Djibouti stands to benefit from Ethiopia’s liberalizing trade environment and infrastructure-led growth. The Fund notes that Djibouti’s GDP grew by over 6.5% in 2024, spurred by transshipment activity during Red Sea shipping disruptions. “The robust Ethiopian economy is anticipated to boost activities at Djibouti’s ports,” the IMF stated. While growth figures are promising, the report highlights mounting fiscal concerns. Djibouti’s revenues…

At least 239 children have died in western Sudan’s El Fasher city since January, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, which blames a combination of siege conditions, malnutrition, and medical supply shortages for the growing death toll. In a public statement, the network said its medical team documented the child deaths between January and June in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state. The city has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group locked in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023. “The Network deeply regrets the international community’s continued neglect of…

Tanzania’s dominant political force, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has officially opened the nomination process for local and national candidates ahead of the country’s general election set for October 2025. The move marks a critical phase for President Samia Suluhu Hassan as she seeks a first full term in office. President Samia, who assumed leadership in 2021 following the death of former president John Pombe Magufuli, is expected to secure a comfortable victory—provided she retains control within CCM and manages national stability. The ruling party, which has governed Tanzania since independence, is aiming to maintain its sweeping political hold. In the…