Author: Abdihakim Kalale

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…

Africa’s wealthiest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has called for bold, long-term thinking to unlock the continent’s potential, stating that Africa could transform into a “heaven” within five years if its leaders and citizens embrace visionary action. Speaking at the 32nd Annual Meeting of Afreximbank, Dangote emphasized that only Africans can shape the continent’s destiny. “It’s not about amassing wealth,” he said, “it’s about creating it — not just for ourselves, but for our nations.” Dangote, known for his high-impact investments across West Africa, urged the continent’s business and political elites to shift their focus from short-term profits to sustainable, transformative development.…

At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and 7 others injured after a traditional gold mine collapsed in Sudan’s River Nile State, according to local authorities. The incident occurred last Thursday at a site known as Karsh Al-Fil, located in the desert area between the towns of Atbara and Hayya. A field investigation conducted jointly by local officials and Sudanese mineral experts confirmed the casualties. Initial unofficial reports had speculated a much higher death toll — up to 50 — with fears that additional miners may still be trapped underground. Authorities noted that the mine had previously been closed…

A forest fire that began in the Afar region has spread into Eastern Tigray, burning over 24 hectares of land and threatening to engulf the ecologically vital Desa’a forest. Local authorities say the blaze remains active and beyond the capacity of community response efforts. According to Hailay Gebramariam, Deputy Administrator of the Eastern Tigray Zone, the fire entered Tigray through Kala’amin Kebele in the Atsbi district, after igniting in Berahle district of the neighboring Afar region. “The fire is still burning and could expand further if not swiftly contained,” Hailay said. The Desa’a forest, a key environmental zone for Tigray…

Sudanese Army Commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has agreed to a United Nations proposal for a one-week humanitarian ceasefire in El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur not under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The agreement was reached during a phone call between General Burhan and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. Burhan emphasized the importance of implementing existing U.N. Security Council decisions regarding the Sudanese conflict, according to a statement from his office. El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has witnessed intense clashes since April 2024, as RSF units tightened their grip around the city. The…

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” is visiting Qatar on Saturday, leading a senior delegation at the invitation of the Qatari government, officials confirmed. According to sources within the Somaliland presidency, the visit is part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at exploring areas of cooperation. Meetings with top Qatari officials are expected, though no official agenda has been made public. Topics may include regional developments, economic collaboration, and diplomatic ties. This visit follows President Irro’s earlier trip to the United Arab Emirates, reflecting a pattern of increasing engagement between Somaliland and Gulf nations. While Qatar has not yet issued a…

During Iran’s recent missile attacks on Jerusalem, several Ethiopian families and women were blocked from entering a public shelter after an extremist ultra-Orthodox (haredi) faction took control of the facility and declared it “men only,” according to local media reports. Witnesses say that when the families — many of Ethiopian descent — attempted to enter the shelter, members of the group spat on them and forced them back. Police were called to the scene, but their intervention was reportedly brief. After authorities left, the group continued preventing women and families from entering the shelter. The incident has sparked condemnation and…