Author: Abdihakim Kalale

After more than a decade of displacement caused by South Sudan’s brutal civil war, families from the Hai Matar community in Upper Nile State have begun to return home — marking a hopeful chapter in the country’s long path to recovery. The returnees, many of whom fled to United Nations Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites during the 2013 conflict, are now settling into 128 newly constructed shelters, provided with the support of humanitarian organizations. Among the new residents are also South Sudanese who had sought refuge in Sudan and have returned in recent months to escape the escalating conflict across…

Commander General Michael Langley has raised concerns over growing Chinese military engagement across Africa, warning that Beijing is increasingly replicating American military cooperation models at a time when Washington is scaling back its civilian aid programs. Speaking in Nairobi at the close of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, Gen. Langley emphasized that China is expanding its presence in Africa through military training, joint exercises, and security partnerships—mimicking long-standing U.S. programs such as the International Military Education and Training (IMET) initiative. “They’re stepping up on all fronts,” Langley noted, referencing recent Chinese exercises in countries like Tanzania. “From military…

At the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) held in Entebbe, Uganda, on May 28, 2025, African regional leaders voiced strong support for Sudan’s national peace roadmap and denounced ongoing hostilities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly the siege on the city of El Fasher. According to Sudan Tribune, Chaired by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the meeting brought together representatives from 13 countries across the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions—including Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Angola, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Delegations from the African Union, United Nations, and International Conference on…

In response to U.S. accusations of using chemical weapons during its ongoing conflict, Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has established a national committee to conduct an investigation. This move follows sanctions imposed by the United States on May 22, 2025, which accuse Sudan’s government of deploying chemical weapons. The sanctions, which will affect Sudan’s access to U.S. exports and international credit, are set to come into effect by June 6. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the formation of the committee, which will be tasked with investigating the allegations. The committee will include officials…

In the arid landscapes of northern Kenya, a quiet transformation is taking root—led by young refugees. In Kakuma, a sprawling refugee settlement in Turkana County, youth are turning one of the region’s most destructive invasive species into a resource for sustainable development. The culprit is Prosopis Juliflora, locally known as the Mathenge tree. Introduced to Kenya in the 1970s as part of anti-desertification efforts, the thorny, fast-growing shrub has since spiraled out of control. Once praised for its resilience and utility, Mathenge now threatens ecosystems, livestock, and water tables across vast areas of Kenya’s semi-arid north. Now, however, youth from…

At least 20 Somali migrants, mostly young men and women, have lost their lives during a perilous attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and opportunity in Europe. The group had departed from North Africa earlier this week, aiming for Spain’s Palma Island, but their overcrowded vessel ran into trouble and drifted for days under extreme conditions. According to reports from survivors and Spanish authorities, the victims died from dehydration, starvation, and prolonged exposure. Only two teenagers survived the ordeal, rescued by a passing merchant ship. The minors are currently receiving medical treatment and trauma support in…

A bold campaign led by Nigerian activist Abimbola Ogundairo is gaining momentum across Africa and beyond, challenging centuries-old cartographic norms that have long distorted the continent’s size and significance. At the heart of the movement is a call to abandon the widely used Mercator projection — a map dating back to the 16th century that drastically shrinks Africa while exaggerating the size of Europe and North America. On this map, Greenland appears nearly the same size as Africa, even though the continent can fit 14 Greenlands within its borders. “It’s not just about geography — it’s about power, perception, and…

Senior military leaders from across Africa convened in Nairobi this week for the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25), a key forum organized in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The high-level summit was formally opened by Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday. This marks the first time Kenya has hosted the continent-wide security dialogue, which brings together defence chiefs from over 35 African nations, alongside representatives from AFRICOM’s service components — including the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command Africa. Held under the theme “Strengthening African Security, Sustaining Unity of Effort,” ACHOD25 focuses…

Africa has lost one of its most influential literary sons. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the Kenyan writer, scholar, and cultural revolutionary who championed African languages and anti-colonial resistance through literature, has passed away at the age of 87. Ngũgĩ, born James Thiong’o Ngũgĩ in 1938 during British colonial rule, spent more than six decades redefining African literature on the continent’s own terms. His death, confirmed by his family, marks the end of an era for African letters — yet his legacy continues to inspire generations. A Voice Born of Struggle Growing up in Limuru, central Kenya, Ngũgĩ witnessed the violent repercussions…

Tanzania and Japan Forge Strategic Healthcare and Energy Partnerships Through New MoUs D Tanzania and Japan have deepened their bilateral cooperation with the signing of six new memoranda of understanding (MoUs), marking major strides in healthcare, energy, and investment. Among the most significant outcomes is a groundbreaking project to establish a state-of-the-art kidney transplant training center in Dodoma, backed by a 28 billion Tanzanian shilling grant from Japan. Signed during the Tanzania–Japan Business, Investment and Tourism Forum in Osaka and witnessed by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, the kidney center agreement brings together Japan’s Tokushukai Medical Group, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and…

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has announced a major renewable energy initiative with the launch of a tender for a 42.5 MW solar power project coupled with a 3 MW/4.5 MWh battery energy storage system. The project, part of Kenya’s broader push toward clean energy expansion, will be developed at the Seven Forks region, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Nairobi. According to the tender notice, KenGen aims to select up to seven firms to handle the design, supply, construction, and commissioning of the solar-plus-storage plant. The contract will also cover the installation of a high-voltage substation and associated transmission infrastructure.…

Despite global economic volatility, several African nations continue to strengthen their monetary resilience. In the latest rankings for May 2025, the Tunisian Dinar holds its position as Africa’s strongest currency, trading at 2.97 TND to the US dollar. According to data compiled using tools such as the Forbes currency calculator, these rankings highlight countries with the most valuable legal tenders on the continent, reflecting disciplined economic management and policy stability. Top 10 Strongest African Currencies (May 2025) Notable Highlights: Ghana’s Cedi saw a strong rebound, rising from 15.46/USD in April to 13.20/USD in May, now ranking fourth, ahead of Seychelles…

A federal judge has sharply criticized officials from the Trump administration for what he described as deliberate confusion and disregard for legal obligations in the treatment of migrants facing deportation, particularly those detained at a U.S. military facility in Djibouti. In a strongly worded 17-page opinion, Judge Brian Murphy of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts said the federal government appeared to be “manufacturing chaos” to avoid complying with judicial orders related to deportation procedures. The case revolves around a small group of detainees — fewer than 10 individuals — currently held in Djibouti, whom the U.S. government had attempted…

The United Nations has issued a stark warning about Sudan’s rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, as intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to drive mass displacement, health crises, and mounting civilian casualties. According to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, civilians in North Darfur’s El Fasher city and the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people are being subjected to daily artillery shelling, particularly during the night, resulting in growing reports of deaths and injuries. In South Kordofan, renewed clashes in Dibebad forced nearly 2,800 people—mainly women and children—to flee, while thousands more have…

Paramilitary forces from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reportedly looted over 10,000 tonnes of gum arabic from the West Kordofan town of al-Nahud, in one of the largest such seizures since the Sudanese conflict erupted in 2023. The gum arabic — valued at approximately $75 million — was stored in more than 400 trucks awaiting export when RSF fighters took control of the town earlier this month. Traders say the looting continues across West and North Kordofan, where gum arabic production is concentrated. The RSF’s capture of al-Nahud — a strategic trade town and major gum arabic hub —…

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki sharply criticized the Ethiopian government during his national address commemorating the 34th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. In a wide-ranging speech delivered to thousands at a public stadium and broadcast live on state television, the president accused Ethiopia of aligning with foreign powers and preparing for military aggression in the region. Without directly naming the countries involved, President Afwerki alleged that “foreign powers and their proxies” have waged a campaign against the Ethiopian people over the past five years. He framed Ethiopia’s recent political and military trajectory as increasingly shaped by external influence, with particular reference to…