Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission has voiced deep concern following reports of an Israeli airstrike on Iranian territory, warning that the spiraling tensions in the Middle East pose a significant danger to global peace and security. In a statement issued from AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Chairperson condemned the rising hostilities and called for an immediate halt to all acts of aggression. He urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation. “The current developments risk igniting a broader conflict with dire consequences not only for the region but for international stability,”…

Sanctions imposed by the United States against Sudan are expected to become legally binding within days, pending their official listing in the Federal Register, a U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed Thursday. The measures, first announced on May 22, are in response to serious allegations that Sudanese government forces deployed chemical weapons in their ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Once published, the sanctions will be enforceable immediately, according to U.S. officials. These punitive steps will reportedly impact Sudan’s ability to access U.S. exports and international financial channels, including credit facilities. While the U.S. had earlier indicated June…

Djibouti has officially turned down a high-level Ethiopian proposal seeking exclusive access to the Port of Tadjourah and the right to establish a naval base, signaling firm resistance to what it views as overreach into its sovereignty. President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh confirmed that Ethiopia had requested a cross-border corridor with special status and permission for naval deployment. “This went far beyond the scope of any previous agreements,” Guelleh stated, emphasizing that Djibouti had closed the matter. The refusal comes as Ethiopia, a landlocked country with growing strategic ambitions, intensifies its search for stable maritime access. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s earlier…

Tanzania is poised to reap major economic benefits as China officially waives import duties on goods from 53 African nations maintaining formal diplomatic ties, a move expected to deepen trade relations and drive African exports into Asian markets. The policy shift was announced during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) implementation summit in Changsha, where Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, led the country’s delegation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the event, highlighted the new zero-tariff policy as a strategic measure to boost African exports, strengthen commercial ties, and accelerate economic collaboration across sectors. The initiative is…

In a world where alliances are shaped not only by embassies but by education, healthcare, and shared development, Taiwan is carving out space in Africa – quietly, deliberately, and relationally. With only one official ally left on the continent – Eswatini – Taipei has embraced a bold strategy many are calling “non-recognition diplomacy.” At first glance, Taiwan might seem absent from the African diplomatic scene, overshadowed by China’s massive infrastructure investments and formal partnerships. But beneath the surface, a subtle yet strategic presence is emerging – built not on billion-dollar deals, but on people-to-people engagement. Classrooms Over Embassies: Education as…

Tanzania’s economy is on track to grow by 6% in 2025, up from 5.5% in the previous year, according to Planning and Investment Minister Kitila Mkumbo. The minister also projected a narrowing of the budget deficit to 3.0% of GDP in the next fiscal year, down from 3.4%. The government attributes the positive outlook to improved investor confidence, infrastructure development, and stable macroeconomic policies. “This forecast reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen economic fundamentals and enhance fiscal discipline,” said Mkumbo during a budget presentation on Thursday. The economic update comes months ahead of Tanzania’s general elections scheduled for October. President Samia…

Somalia has officially called for the dissolution of the international C6+ coordination mechanism, stating that the framework no longer aligns with the country’s political maturity and national direction. In a formal letter from the Office of the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Somali authorities emphasized that the C6+—originally designed to support Somalia during its post-conflict transition—has become obsolete. The government now seeks to reframe international cooperation through direct bilateral partnerships that reflect the country’s evolving sovereignty. “Somalia is no longer a state in transition,” said State Minister Ali Omar Bal’ad. “We have functioning constitutional institutions, an advancing democratic system, and…

Leading cancer experts from across the globe have gathered in Kenya’s capital for a high-level workshop focused on improving cancer treatment and support services across Sub-Saharan Africa. The event, hosted as part of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 2025 Global Academy Regional Workshop, brings together oncologists, researchers, and health policymakers for three days of intensive collaboration. Held from June 9 to 11, the Nairobi gathering includes a major initiative to update and regionalize the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology—commonly known as the NCCN Guidelines®. These guidelines, developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in the United States, represent…

South Sudan has resumed crude oil exports through Sudan following the repair of a key pipeline damaged in a recent airstrike, marking a critical step toward easing the country’s deepening economic crisis. Deng Lual Wol, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, announced the restoration of exports on Tuesday, confirming that crude shipments had resumed and were being collected at designated terminals. He expressed hope that renewed oil flows would help the government clear salary arrears and revive stalled economic programs. “We are relieved to report that oil exports have recommenced,” Wol told journalists in Juba. “This achievement was made possible…

The Horn of Africa is facing a new dimension of asymmetric warfare as Yemeni Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, deepen their connections with extremist groups operating in Somalia. Recent developments suggest that this alliance is more than ideological—it’s technological, tactical, and deeply strategic. According to regional intelligence analysts and African Union security officials, the Houthis have begun sharing critical drone technology and weapons expertise with al-Shabaab and Islamic State affiliates in Somalia. The resulting shift in battlefield dynamics is raising alarms across East Africa—from Mogadishu to Nairobi. A New Axis: Yemen–Somalia Drone Corridor Houthis, emboldened by Iranian support and…

Africa’s industrial landscape continues to evolve, with key nations emerging as continental manufacturing leaders. A recent industry analysis highlights the top 10 manufacturing countries in Africa for 2025, with Nigeria ranking third — behind South Africa and Egypt. According to the report, Africa’s manufacturing sector is poised to reach a value-added output of $77.66 billion and a total output of $284.70 billion by the end of 2025, driven by industrial reforms, local production growth, and foreign investment. As industrial growth accelerates across the continent, these countries are setting new benchmarks for manufacturing innovation, regional trade integration, and economic diversification in…

More than 41,000 students in Somalia’s Banadir region have started sitting for this year’s intermediate-level national examinations, marking a major milestone in the academic calendar and the continued development of Somalia’s education sector. The exams, which are being independently administered by the Banadir Regional Administration for the sixth year in a row, commenced on Monday under tight security. Governor of Banadir and Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, officially launched the examination period. In his remarks, he praised both the students for their dedication and families for supporting education despite the region’s challenges. He also thanked the security…

Tanzania is moving to reinforce its legal stance against same-sex relationships, joining a growing number of African nations standing firm against what they describe as foreign-imposed values that contradict traditional African principles. Tanzania’s Legislative ActionThe Tanzanian government is advancing amendments to its Penal Code through the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which will further solidify the country’s prohibition against same-sex unions. Deputy Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs Jumanne Sagini emphasized: “Our laws and cultural heritage recognize marriage strictly as a union between a man and woman. We will not compromise on this fundamental principle.” The move follows growing calls…

Gulf states are rapidly expanding their economic presence in Africa, signaling a shift toward more diversified and long-term partnerships across the continent. Recent developments highlight the deepening engagement of Gulf nations in sectors beyond traditional investments like mining and agriculture. In a landmark move, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) of Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Ghana to establish a new economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional trade connectivity, reflecting the UAE’s growing influence in West Africa. Meanwhile, Qatari firms are exploring…

Nairobi – Kenyan officials have entered preliminary talks with Iranian counterparts about potential cooperation on the country’s plan to build 1 million affordable housing units, a key government priority. Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome met with Iran’s Deputy Transport Minister Abdolreza Golpayegani during the UN-Habitat Assembly to explore possible collaboration. The discussions remain at an early stage, with no formal agreements announced. Kenya’s ambitious housing program aims to construct 200,000 units annually through a mix of public and private funding. The government has previously engaged multiple international partners for similar development projects. Analysts caution that while such partnerships could help…

Kenya is targeting commercial crude oil production by 2025, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced Monday, as Gulf Energy nears completion of its acquisition of Tullow Oil’s assets in the South Lokichar basin. Reviving Kenya’s Stalled Oil DreamAfter years of delays, Kenya’s ambition to become an oil exporter is back on track. The $120 million deal between Tullow Oil and UAE-based Gulf Energy is expected to unlock development of the 560-million-barrel South Lokichar project, initially projected to pump 60,000–100,000 barrels per day (bpd). The project had stalled after TotalEnergies and Africa Oil exited in 2022, leaving Tullow as the sole…