Author: Abdihakim Kalale

As the global race for influence in Africa intensifies, nations across the continent find themselves navigating a complex landscape of opportunity and risk. From Tokyo to Ankara, Washington to Abu Dhabi, major global powers are repositioning themselves—eager to invest, extract, or entrench. Yet this time, African voices are rising, demanding partnerships based on equity, sovereignty, and mutual gain. Japan’s Strategic Shift: From Donor to Investor After decades of being perceived primarily as a humanitarian donor, Japan is now seeking a deeper commercial foothold in Africa. With deflation behind it and private sector risk appetite rising, Tokyo is promoting business-led engagement…

In a significant development for Somalia’s security landscape, a military court in Mogadishu sentenced five individuals linked to the Al-Shabaab militant group, as the federal government announced a major leadership reshuffle at the helm of the country’s intelligence agency. According to HO, the First Instance Court of the Armed Forces delivered the verdict on Saturday, convicting five men for their roles in orchestrating assassination plots and bomb attacks across the capital. The convictions followed a targeted operation by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in August 2024, during which suspects were apprehended with weapons, including pistols and hand grenades.…

Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to supporting peace and stability in neighboring Sudan, as a high-level delegation led by National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) Director General Redwan Hussien delivered a special message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Sudanese leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The delegation, which also included Getachew Reda, Advisor on East African Affairs to the Prime Minister, met with General al-Burhan in Port Sudan — the current administrative seat of Sudan’s military leadership since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. Redwan confirmed that the Ethiopian team was “warmly received” and stressed that Addis Ababa remains…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscoring Türkiye’s enduring commitment to Somalia’s peace, development, and democratic progress. The two leaders held a detailed discussion on bilateral cooperation and regional developments, with a strong focus on expanding ties in defense, energy, and fisheries. The conversation comes amid deepening strategic relations between the two nations. President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for Somalia’s efforts in counterterrorism, pledging enhanced collaboration in security and defense capacity-building. “Türkiye will continue to stand firmly with Somalia in its journey toward peace and prosperity,” he affirmed. The leaders also reviewed…

The Kenyan government has officially distanced itself from the recent opening of a Somaliland Mission office in Nairobi, reaffirming its recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya underscored that it does not recognize the diplomatic status of the newly unveiled Somaliland office, which was inaugurated on May 29 by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro. Despite the high-profile event being attended by prominent Kenyan leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute, the Ministry made it clear that the opening did not…

A suspected airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab militants was reported Friday night in the Basra area, a strategic corridor situated between Balcad and Afgooye in Somalia’s Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. According to Hiiraan Online local residents told media sources that several loud explosions were heard in the area overnight, with the strike believed to have hit a known militant hideout on the outskirts of Basra. The area is said to be frequently used by senior Al-Shabaab operatives for planning and coordination. Though details remain scarce, early accounts suggest that the strike may have inflicted serious losses on the group. The number…

Kenya’s President William Ruto held a high-level meeting with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro in Nairobi on Thursday, sparking renewed diplomatic attention across the Horn of Africa. The two leaders discussed a broad agenda of bilateral and regional concerns, including economic cooperation, education, counterterrorism, and regional stability. According to a statement from Somaliland’s presidential office, the talks aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as trade, air connectivity, vocational training, and institutional capacity-building. Both parties reportedly emphasized the value of academic exchange and youth development as part of a broader vision for peace and economic growth in the region.…

The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend its arms embargo on South Sudan for another year, amid ongoing concerns over the country’s fragile peace process and continued insecurity. The renewed measures will remain in place until May 31, 2026. Adopted under Resolution 2781, the decision also maintains targeted sanctions—including travel bans and asset freezes—against designated individuals and entities believed to be obstructing peace efforts or involved in human rights abuses. The vote passed with nine members in favor and six abstentions. Notably, African representatives Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia joined China, Pakistan, and Russia in abstaining from the…

Deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Abdel Rahim Dagalo, has pledged to continue the group’s eastward military push toward the capital Khartoum and key cities, despite fierce resistance and contradicting claims from army-aligned officials. In a statement delivered to RSF fighters at an undisclosed location, Dagalo hailed what he called “major victories” in multiple towns across South and West Kordofan, including Al-Dubaibat, Al-Hammadi, and Al-Khawi. He further announced plans to advance on strategic targets such as El Obeid, Kosti, Port Sudan, and ultimately Khartoum. According to the RSF, their forces have reclaimed several areas including Kazgail and…

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified their military campaign in Sudan’s Kordofan region on Friday, launching drone and artillery strikes on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. The assault left several civilians dead and rendered the city’s main hospital inoperable, deepening the humanitarian crisis in a region already strained by prolonged conflict. Local witnesses confirmed that the Elobied International Hospital was struck by a drone, prompting the facility to halt services. It was the last operational hospital with adequate capacity to serve residents in the area. At least five people were reported dead and ten others injured due to…

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…