Author: Abdihakim Kalale

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…

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed concluded a working visit to Italy this week, following his trip to France, with a focus on strengthening bilateral and economic relations. In Rome, Prime Minister Abiy held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across key sectors. The meeting emphasized shared priorities in economic collaboration, although detailed agreements were not made public. Italian government sources indicated potential areas of cooperation under Italy’s “Mattei Plan for Africa,” including support for water infrastructure, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture initiatives in Ethiopia. “The two sides…

Kenya has formally endorsed Morocco’s proposal to grant Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, positioning itself among a growing number of African and international actors shifting support toward Rabat in one of Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes. The announcement came during an official visit by Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi to Rabat, where he held bilateral talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. In a joint statement, Kenya described Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only credible, realistic and sustainable solution” to the Western Sahara conflict. A Decades-Long Dispute The Western Sahara dispute dates back to 1975, following Spain’s withdrawal from the…

A growing number of young Ethiopians are risking their lives to reach Saudi Arabia, lured by the hope of better economic opportunities but often met with abuse, detention, and deportation. Among them is Yasin Omar, who told The New Humanitarian (TNH) that after years of poverty and unemployment near Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, he joined thousands of compatriots taking the perilous “Eastern migration route” through Somaliland, Yemen, and eventually into Saudi Arabia. “The dalalas [smuggling brokers] tell you only good things about Saudi Arabia,” Yasin said. “They never tell you about the beatings, the starvation, or the torture.” According to the…

In a landmark gesture of interfaith support and community empowerment, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sponsored 47 Muslim clerics from underprivileged areas of the city to perform Hajj, the sacred Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The group, comprising Imams from neighborhoods including Kibera, Majengo, Maringo, and Utawala, departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday morning, with all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by the Nairobi City County Government. Speaking during the send-off, Ustadh Hassan Amin, Chair of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, praised the Governor’s generosity: “Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey. This gesture reflects the…

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro arrived in Nairobi on Monday to begin a multi-day working visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties with Kenya and strengthening Somaliland’s international diplomatic presence. Accompanied by a senior delegation that includes key ministers and security officials, President Irro is scheduled to hold formal talks with Kenyan President William Ruto and other top officials. Discussions are expected to focus on trade cooperation, regional security, and diplomatic engagement. According to an official statement from the Somaliland Presidency, the visit underscores the strategic importance Nairobi holds in Somaliland’s regional outreach. “Key matters of mutual interest will be…

Tanzania has completed the landmark $260 million John Magufuli Bridge, a 3.2-kilometer structure stretching across Lake Victoria and now officially recognized as East Africa’s longest bridge. The bridge, which links Kigongo and Busisi in the Lake Zone, will be inaugurated on June 19, 2025, in a high-profile ceremony led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. Constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway 15th Bureau (CR15B), the project was launched in 2019 under the late President John Magufuli and faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Entirely financed by Tanzania with over…