Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Somalia and Türkiye have signed the second phase of a fisheries cooperation agreement aimed at expanding investment, infrastructure, and regulatory development in Somalia’s maritime sector. The agreement was finalized between Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Türkiye’s OYAK Group. The deal forms part of ongoing efforts to develop Somalia’s blue economy and build long-term cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sector. Agreement Highlights: Investment in fisheries infrastructure to support coastal development Introduction of quality and safety standards for international market access Development of local fish processing and value chains Enhanced monitoring to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing…

The ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran is stirring widespread concern across African nations, particularly among oil-producing and energy-importing countries, as global oil prices continue to climb. Following Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, crude oil markets reacted sharply, with prices surging amid fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East—home to some of the world’s key energy corridors. Cheta Nwanze, a partner at Nigeria-based SBM Intelligence, warned that both oil exporters and non-producers on the continent are likely to feel the economic pressure. “While oil-producing nations may gain short-term revenue from higher prices, the…

Ethiopia’s flagship Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has generated 6,800 megawatts of electricity in the last nine months alone, according to government officials, marking a significant milestone as the mega-project approaches its final completion phase. Speaking to national media, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa confirmed that five turbines are currently operational, each contributing 400 megawatts to the national grid. The dam is now structurally ready to hold large volumes of water, he added, indicating major progress in both construction and power generation. The GERD, a central component of Ethiopia’s ambition to become a regional energy hub, is designed…

Authorities in Somalia’s Puntland region have announced a major breakthrough in their fight against Daesh militants, confirming the near-total capture of the Calmiskaat mountain range—a longstanding militant stronghold. However, they also revealed that the group’s elusive leader, Abdikadir Mumin, has managed to flee. Speaking to local media, General Mohamud Ahmed Faadhigo, spokesperson for the Puntland military campaign dubbed “Operation Hillaac,” said intelligence from international partners indicates that Mumin is no longer in the area. Details surrounding his escape remain unclear. Despite Mumin’s disappearance, officials say the group’s second-in-command and chief of operations, Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, is believed to be…

Ethiopian health officials have confirmed multiple cases of Mpox across the country, including in the capital, Addis Ababa, and six regional states. A situation update released by the International Medical Corps (IMC) on June 13 revealed that a total of 18 cases had been verified as of June 10, with one fatality reported—marking a 5.6% fatality rate. The confirmed regions include Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Harari, Oromia, Sidama, and Southwest Ethiopia. The first case was announced in late May, involving a 27-day-old infant in Moyale, Oromia region. To coordinate the national response, Ethiopia’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated…

Crates labeled with Kenya’s Ministry of Defence markings have been discovered at a suspected former Rapid Support Forces (RSF) depot near Khartoum, Sudan, raising fresh questions about regional arms flows and Nairobi’s alleged ties to one side of Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict. The discovery was made by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers following the military’s recent recapture of parts of Omdurman and surrounding districts. Videos circulated on social media appear to show SAF troops inspecting Kenyan-marked ammunition crates and mortar rounds left behind after the RSF’s retreat from the area. Independent verification efforts have linked the footage to the Salha…

Two individuals have been arrested in Bungoma County for allegedly trafficking elephant tusks, in a coordinated operation between local police and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). According to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS), the suspects were intercepted at Cheptais Kipsis Junction while transporting two elephant tusks hidden in a blue sack on a motorcycle. The operation, led by officers from Cheptais Police Station and KWS personnel from Kitale, was based on intelligence reports regarding illegal wildlife trafficking in the area. The two suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be charged under Section 92(4) of…

The United States is considering sweeping new travel restrictions that could affect citizens from 36 countries, including 25 African nations, according to a confidential State Department memo seen by multiple sources. The move, if enforced, would mark one of the largest expansions of travel curbs in recent U.S. policy. The internal document, reportedly signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines a 60-day deadline for the targeted countries to address U.S. concerns regarding visa overstays, document reliability, and repatriation cooperation, or risk facing full or partial travel bans. African Countries Heavily Represented Among the African nations listed are Ethiopia, Nigeria,…

Sudanese army forces and allied armed groups announced Sunday they had successfully repelled a major ground offensive launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the last major government stronghold in the Darfur region. Clashes erupted early in the morning along the eastern and northeastern edges of the city, as RSF units attempted to penetrate fortified army positions. The renewed assault comes amid weeks of escalating drone and artillery bombardments that have intensified a humanitarian crisis in North Darfur’s capital. According to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the RSF launched the attack after a sustained artillery barrage,…

Ethiopia’s top military leader has voiced deep concerns over Egypt’s expanding military footprint in Somalia, describing it as a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security interests. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), told Ethiopian lawmakers on Saturday that foreign troops stationed in Somalia—under the pretense of cooperation—could undermine regional stability and Ethiopia’s sovereignty. “Foreign military actors are now present in Somalia with unclear motives,” he said in a parliamentary briefing. “Their strategic objectives must be carefully scrutinized in the context of Ethiopia’s national security.” While Berhanu refrained from naming Egypt directly, his comments come…

Sudan has ordered the immediate evacuation of its nationals from Iran as Israeli airstrikes continue to target multiple Iranian cities, sparking regional fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Prime Minister Kamil Idris instructed Sudan’s ambassador in Tehran, Abdel Aziz Hassan Salih, to ensure the safety of Sudanese citizens residing in Iran and begin preparations for their return, according to a statement by the Sudan News Agency (SUNA). The decision follows a deadly exchange of hostilities between Iran and Israel that has left scores dead. After Tehran launched missiles at Israeli targets in Tel Aviv, Israel retaliated with…

As Somalia’s capital transforms its skyline with cranes, concrete, and high-rise ambition, two young female engineers are making their mark—not only as builders of infrastructure but as symbols of a new Mogadishu. Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar, both just 24 years old, are at the forefront of Somalia’s construction renaissance. Wearing hard hats and high-visibility vests, they navigate bustling construction sites with confidence, overseeing multimillion-dollar projects in a field historically dominated by men. “When I started, many questioned my ability simply because I was a woman,” says Abdi, now chief operating officer of Arkan Engineering Services, a Somali-owned…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made a strong call for national self-reliance in security and governance, urging citizens to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future without depending solely on international assistance. Speaking at a handover ceremony at the headquarters of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), where Mahad Mohamed Salad officially assumed leadership from Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the president stressed that the foundations of a stable Somalia must be built from within. “The world has supported us in rebuilding our institutions,” said President Mohamud. “But security is where we must now step up.…

A recent international investigation has revealed that South Sudan loses an estimated 5,000 kilograms of gold every year through illegal smuggling channels, with most of the gold routed through Uganda to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report, compiled by the Swiss-based NGO SWISSAID and titled “On the Trail of African Gold,” identifies South Sudan as one of the least transparent countries on the continent regarding artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). It cites nonexistent official records, minimal government oversight, and an entrenched network of illicit cross-border trade. Despite the country’s potential mineral wealth, authorities in Juba have yet to provide…

Ethiopia has launched a significant economic reform by opening its export, import, wholesale, and retail trade sectors to foreign investors, marking a turning point in the country’s traditionally cautious approach to foreign economic participation. The announcement comes with the release of Directive No. 1082/2025, issued by the Ethiopian Investment Board, which removes previous restrictions that reserved major trade activities for domestic actors. The directive aims to boost competition, improve service delivery, and attract international capital to fuel Ethiopia’s structural and macroeconomic reforms. Key Changes: Export and Import Now Open Under the new rules, foreign investors are permitted to participate freely…

As military confrontation between Israel and Iran intensifies, African nations are already beginning to experience the indirect fallout — from economic instability and diplomatic pressure to threats to regional trade and energy security. On June 13, Israel launched a targeted airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, killing several high-ranking officials and nuclear scientists. While the direct conflict remains in the Middle East, its ripple effects are sweeping across Africa. Economic Shockwaves Across the Continent Brent crude prices surged by over 5%, reflecting fears of disruption in oil supplies. This sudden spike has prompted economic anxiety in fuel-importing African countries.…