Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Despite pledges to end the United States’ “forever wars,” President Donald Trump’s second term has ushered in a sharp escalation in drone strikes across Somalia, stirring concern among analysts and humanitarian advocates. According to data from New America, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has launched at least 43 air strikes in Somalia in 2025 alone, more than doubling the previous year’s total. While most of these operations targeted IS-Somalia factions in the northeast, others were aimed at al-Shabab fighters, particularly amid a renewed offensive by the group in central regions of the country. Trump’s military actions come despite campaign rhetoric emphasizing…

Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, came under heavy security lockdown today as the country marked one year since the deadly anti-tax demonstrations of 2024 that claimed over 60 lives. Police patrols, road closures, and heightened surveillance were reported across the Central Business District and other major cities, as the government braced for renewed protests. Parliament Road, previously breached during last year’s chaos, has now been reinforced with razor wire and stationed with armed officers. Access to downtown Nairobi was severely limited, with roadblocks placed at Valley Road, Ngong Road, and Donholm Roundabout. Public transport was also disrupted, with matatus and private…

Djibouti Rejects Ethiopian Naval Ambitions, Cites Sovereignty Concerns Djibouti has firmly dismissed Ethiopia’s recent request to establish a naval base on its territory, asserting its sovereignty and refusing to be drawn into regional power plays. In a bold statement, President Ismail Omar Guelleh compared the rejected proposal to a potential “Crimea of the Horn of Africa,” underscoring the risks of foreign military influence in his strategically located nation. During a wide-ranging interview with Jeune Afrique, Guelleh clarified that while Ethiopia is welcome to use Djibouti’s ports for commercial purposes, any attempt to secure exclusive military rights or territorial concessions is…

In the fertile plains of Thika, central Kenya, pineapple farming is being reshaped by technology and sustainability as agribusinesses pivot toward climate-resilient practices. One of the country’s leading fruit producers is pioneering smart agriculture methods to ensure consistent production despite extreme weather events like prolonged droughts and flash floods. Spanning over 4,000 hectares, the farm has turned to precision agriculture tools—including drone surveillance, satellite imaging, and advanced drip irrigation systems—to enhance crop yields while conserving resources. The shift to drip irrigation alone has slashed water usage by nearly 40%, making pineapple farming more sustainable and cost-efficient. Each hectare is densely…

In the heart of Tanzania, Hadija Jabiri has grown a thriving export business from humble beginnings—proving that vision and determination can transform even the smallest venture into a global enterprise. Starting with under $300 and a dream, Jabiri launched her company, GBRI, as a young business student. Her first idea—soap manufacturing—faced funding hurdles, pushing her instead toward vegetable farming, where startup costs were lower and market demand was steady. With just two acres in Iringa, she began cultivating tomatoes, onions, and peppers, securing buyers even before planting. Over time, GBRI expanded beyond its own fields, partnering with nearby smallholder farmers…

As the global energy landscape shifts, African countries are increasingly looking beyond traditional allies—and Türkiye is emerging as a key contender. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) Secretary General Omar Farouk Ibrahim emphasized that the continent is open to broad energy cooperation with Türkiye, calling it a “strong, ancient civilization” that offers fresh opportunities for equitable partnerships. Ibrahim urged African leaders to reduce reliance on former colonial powers and explore alliances with countries like Türkiye that have demonstrated resilience and technological advancement. “We’ve waited over 60 years for old powers to help us progress, but we must…

Sudan and Somalia have both strongly condemned Iran’s missile attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase, calling it a dangerous violation of international law and a serious threat to regional stability. In separate statements issued Monday, the two nations expressed solidarity with Qatar, denouncing the strike as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. Sudan’s foreign ministry warned that such escalation “threatens peace and security in the region,” while Somalia reaffirmed its support for a rules-based international order and urged restraint from all parties. Iran claimed responsibility for the strike, describing it as retaliation against recent U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites. U.S.…

Sudan’s transitional government has issued a strong diplomatic warning to African countries engaging with former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s newly formed civilian coalition, while simultaneously escalating its accusations against Kenya for allegedly supporting paramilitary forces fueling the country’s ongoing conflict. In two separate but related statements released over the weekend, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made clear that it views external engagement with the “Somoud” coalition—led by Hamdok—as interference in its internal affairs. The ministry warned it would “reassess its foreign relations” with any state backing political actors it claims undermine Sudan’s national sovereignty. The warning follows a high-profile meeting…

What was once a bustling neighbourhood in Khartoum Bahri now greets returning families with silence and sorrow. The familiar streets are now dotted with makeshift graves—remnants of a war that has not only shattered homes but altered the very fabric of the city. When Mohammed Abbas returned to the area where his family once lived, he wasn’t looking for shelter or belongings. His mission was more personal: to relocate the grave of his brother, hastily buried during the height of conflict. But what he encountered was a web of legal obstacles and unanswered questions from police authorities, leaving his brother’s…

Ethiopian music may be rich in heritage and creativity, but for decades, artists have struggled to reach audiences beyond their borders. Now, a new European Union-backed initiative is offering hope—and a potential turning point—for musicians eager to share their work with the world. Veteran composer and music arranger Dawit Yifru, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ethiopia’s modern music scene, says the industry has been creatively vibrant but internationally isolated. “Our talent is undeniable,” Dawit said, “but the world rarely hears it. The problem isn’t the art—it’s the access.” Despite a prolific career spanning hundreds of…

For the first time in five years, residents from both sides of the Ethiopia-Eritrea border embraced in scenes of joy and reconciliation, as communities gathered in Zalambessa to reunite after years of separation. The spontaneous border reopening, driven by local elders, activists, and religious leaders, marked a significant moment of grassroots diplomacy. Although the event lacked formal approval from either national government, sources say it proceeded with quiet support from regional authorities in Tigray and Eritrea. Tears and laughter filled the air as families, separated by war and politics since 2020, embraced in emotional reunions. Women waved Tigrayan and Eritrean…

Somalia has unveiled a new national energy roadmap that targets tripling the country’s renewable energy capacity by 2030, a move designed to cut high electricity costs, increase rural access, and reduce heavy reliance on imported diesel fuel. The plan, developed in coordination with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), outlines an ambitious jump in renewable output—from just 54 megawatts in 2023 to nearly 400 megawatts by the end of the decade. Off-grid power generation is also expected to grow by at least 30%, particularly in underserved regions such as Galmudug and Jubaland. “This isn’t only about lighting homes—it’s about powering…

As global inflation continues to strain households worldwide, several African nations are standing out for maintaining relatively low living costs. A new mid-year ranking of affordability places Libya at the top of the list of African countries with the lowest cost of living in 2025. The data, based on independent crowd-sourced information and cost analysis platforms, suggests that Libya, followed closely by Egypt and Madagascar, offers residents the most affordable lifestyle when it comes to basic needs such as housing, food, transport, and healthcare. Low living expenses are often seen as a strategic advantage. They reduce pressure on household incomes,…

The chairman of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Debretsion Gebremichael, has called for stronger people-to-people relations between the peoples of Tigray and Eritrea, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust and regional harmony after years of conflict. Speaking at a memorial event held in Hawzen town to mark the 37th anniversary of the region’s martyrs, Debretsion said that despite political tensions, the people themselves seek peaceful coexistence. “We will work to ensure that the people-to-people relations developing between Tigray and Eritrea continue to strengthen,” he stated, adding that similar efforts would be made to reach out to neighboring communities including…

In a landmark achievement for child rights and military reform, Somalia has been officially removed from the United Nations’ list of countries implicated in the recruitment and use of child soldiers. The decision follows nearly two decades of efforts to align national practices with international child protection standards. The announcement, made on June 17, marks the first time Somalia is absent from the UN’s annual report since 2007, when the country was listed for the involvement of minors in government-aligned forces and armed groups. The Somali Ministry of Defense welcomed the decision, describing it as “a testament to Somalia’s commitment…

In a historic step toward economic revitalization, Somalia has officially launched its first national stock exchange, the National Securities Exchange of Somalia (NSES), marking a significant milestone for the Horn of Africa nation recovering from decades of conflict and instability. The launch, held on June 19 in Mogadishu, was welcomed as a bold move to modernize Somalia’s financial infrastructure and increase access to capital for local businesses. Backed by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Somalia, the NSES is set to begin formal trading in early 2026, initially offering stocks and sukuk (Islamic bonds). Although privately operated,…