Author: Abdihakim Kalale

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…

Kenyan authorities have intercepted a major smuggling operation involving 27 metric tons of raw macadamia nuts destined for China, exposing a growing trade crisis fueled by Kenya’s strict export ban. Illegal Shipment UncoveredAccording to local reports, intelligence agents at the Port of Mombasa seized three 40-foot containers falsely declared as “tarpaulin” but loaded with raw macadamia nuts worth $64,300. The shipment, linked to exporter DLI International Group, was allegedly being routed through Mozambique to bypass Kenya’s ban on raw nut exports. The Kenyan government imposed the ban to protect local farmers and boost domestic processing, but industry experts warn it…

Kenya is losing over Sh9 billion ($69 million) annually in unpaid taxes due to the booming illicit cigarette trade, according to a new report by global research firm Kantar. The study reveals that more than one in three cigarettes sold in Kenya evade taxes, dealing a major blow to government revenue and legitimate businesses. Illegal Trade Hits Record HighThe findings show a sharp rise in smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, with illicit products now making up 37% of the market, up from 27% just a year ago. Most of these cigarettes are smuggled into the country through porous borders, denying Kenya…

Russia has announced plans to significantly deepen its economic and defense partnerships across Africa, a move aimed at expanding its influence as Western powers scale back their presence in the region. Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow is committed to enhancing cooperation with African nations in both investment and security. “Russia’s presence in Africa is steadily growing,” Peskov said, underscoring Moscow’s long-term vision to build robust bilateral ties, especially in regions impacted by political instability. The latest announcement comes at a time when several West African nations have experienced military coups and rising discontent with former…

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has officially resumed control of its national headquarters in Finfinne (Addis Ababa), marking the end of a nearly four-year standoff that began in August 2020. The handover was conducted in the presence of officials from the Addis Ababa Branch of the Joint Council of Political Parties, with the OLF acknowledging the pivotal role played by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Joint Council in facilitating the process. “We welcome this outcome as a crucial step toward restoring our constitutional and political rights,” said Lemmi Gemmechu, the OLF’s current Public Relations Officer. A…

Ethiopia has officially emerged as Africa’s leading wheat producer, surpassing Egypt by a significant margin, according to recent statements by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The Prime Minister cited national production levels now exceeding 6 million tonnes annually — triple Egypt’s estimated 2 million tonnes — marking a major turning point in the country’s agricultural journey. This development highlights Ethiopia’s growing role in ensuring food security both domestically and regionally. It also reflects the government’s decade-long efforts to modernize the agricultural sector through mechanization, improved seed varieties, expanded irrigation, and supportive policies aimed at empowering smallholder farmers. “Achieving wheat self-sufficiency is…

Over 100 Chinese and Sino-Tanzanian enterprises are preparing to participate in the fourth edition of the China-Tanzania Talent Exchange and Job Fair, set to take place on June 28 at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). The event is expected to connect hundreds of young Tanzanians with employment opportunities across key sectors. Themed “China-Tanzania Cooperation Creates Jobs, Youth Together Forge the Future,” the fair will provide more than 500 job opportunities, primarily targeting university graduates, technical school students, and young professionals interested in fields such as construction, logistics, manufacturing, media, and services. Speaking at a press briefing in Dar…