Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that its Executive Board is on course to assess the third review of Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion economic reform programme within the scheduled timeline, potentially unlocking a key disbursement for the East African nation. In a statement to Reuters, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said, “We anticipate that the IMF Executive Board will consider the third review this summer, consistent with the original review schedule.” The statement did not confirm the status of a staff-level agreement, which Ethiopia’s government had earlier expected “within days” following an IMF staff visit in April. If approved, the June…

Former Galmudug President and current special envoy to Somaliland, Abdikarim Hussein Guled, has issued a public letter expressing grave concern about Somalia’s worsening political climate. Addressing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud directly, Guled warned that the country is heading toward deeper fragmentation and insecurity if urgent corrective measures are not taken. Once a key supporter of President Hassan Sheikh and a central figure in the early political alliance that brought him to power, Guled now fears the government’s direction is endangering national unity and weakening state institutions. In his statement, Guled criticized the disintegration of cohesion within the armed forces, the…

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conducted an official working visit to Paris on Thursday, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit follows a previous meeting between the two leaders held in Addis Ababa in December 2024. The Office of the Prime Minister announced that Abiy is leading a high-level delegation to France, with an official welcome ceremony held at the Musée de l’Armée. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the trip as a “working visit,” without providing additional specifics. In a public statement, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of strengthening Ethiopia–France relations, particularly in areas of…

Australian mining firm Askari Metals has taken a major step into Ethiopia’s gold sector, finalising due diligence to acquire 460 square kilometres of high-potential exploration territory in the Adola greenstone belt — home to the country’s largest gold-producing mines. The acquisition gives Askari direct access to ground adjacent to Ethiopia’s two operating gold giants, Lega Dembi and Sakaro, both of which have produced millions of ounces of gold. The company is acquiring Rift Valley Metals, current holder of the tenements, in a $400,000 deal split evenly between cash and shares, with further performance-based payments tied to exploration results. Askari’s new…

The United States has announced upcoming sanctions against Sudan after determining that the Sudanese government used chemical weapons during 2024 in its conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Thursday, Sudan was found in violation of its commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The official determination has been submitted to Congress, triggering a 15-day notification period before sanctions are enacted. Once in effect, the sanctions will restrict U.S. exports to Sudan and block the country’s access to U.S. government credit lines. The measures are expected to be…

(c. 3100 BCE – 30 BCE) One of the world’s earliest and most advanced civilizations, Ancient Egypt thrived along the Nile River. Known for iconic monuments like the Pyramids of Giza and its complex writing system, hieroglyphics, the kingdom boasted powerful dynastic rulers—pharaohs—who led a centralized government, oversaw major architectural feats, and developed religious institutions that influenced cultures far beyond Africa. (c. 1070 BCE – 350 CE) South of Egypt in modern-day Sudan, Kush emerged as a formidable force with its own distinct culture. At its height, it ruled Egypt as the 25th Dynasty, and its rulers—often referred to as…

Despite the devastation of Sudan’s ongoing war, a recent UN assessment reveals a surprising story of resilience in the country’s agriculture sector. A new crop and food supply mission report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that Sudan achieved a significant recovery in cereal production during the 2024/2025 season, defying widespread instability and supply shortages. According to the report, Sudan produced 6.7 million tonnes of grain—up 62% from the previous year and 7% above the five-year average. This includes 5.4 million tonnes of sorghum, representing a 77% increase from 2023. The rise is attributed to a favorable rainy…

Tanzania has announced its full support for Nigeria’s campaign to secure a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C, marking a major diplomatic boost for Nigeria’s efforts to return to the influential global body after a 16-year absence. The commitment came during a high-level benchmarking visit by the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The five-day working visit aimed to deepen cooperation and exchange expertise in maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and regulatory capacity. Speaking on behalf of TASAC Director-General Mohammed Salumu, the Director of Maritime Safety, Security…

Somaliland’s new President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, arrived in Djibouti on Wednesday for a three-day state visit aimed at resetting strained diplomatic relations and exploring new avenues for regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Welcomed at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport by Prime Minister Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, the visit is being hailed by both sides as a significant gesture toward restoring trust following a period of diplomatic friction. “This visit reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and regional peace,” Prime Minister Mohamed said, speaking on behalf of President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Tensions between the two neighbors flared earlier in…

Tanzania is fast rising as a critical transport and energy hub in East Africa, leveraging its geographic advantage, infrastructure investments, and growing clean energy capacity to position itself as a gateway for regional trade and development. With borders touching eight countries and a coastline linking it to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is uniquely placed to facilitate trade between landlocked neighbors and global markets. The country’s three deepwater ports—Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara—are becoming pivotal logistics centers for goods moving into Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa. A transformative development in this effort is the launch of the country’s first electric…

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced on Wednesday that 45 al-Shabaab militants, including a top commander responsible for repeated mortar attacks in the capital, have been killed in a series of military operations in the central and southern regions of the country. The air and ground assaults targeted terrorist hideouts in the El-Hareeri area of Hiran and near Sabib in Lower Shabelle, where intelligence reports confirmed the presence of key militant leaders. The operations were part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign that has intensified in recent weeks. “This marks a significant blow to the Khawarij network,” said a…

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Prof. Ben Saul, has called on the international community to continue supporting Somalia as it grapples with protracted conflict and terrorism. Concluding his official visit, Saul commended Somali efforts to tackle extremism but raised concerns about growing human rights violations under the guise of national security. “Somalia faces enormous security and resource challenges,” Saul said, “but efforts to counter terrorism must not come at the cost of fundamental freedoms and human dignity.” While acknowledging Somalia’s comprehensive approach—ranging from military operations to deradicalization strategies—the UN expert criticized overly broad anti-terror laws,…

Tanzania has been ranked among the world’s 10 most improved countries in water and sanitation by the AlTi Global Social Progress Index (AGSPI) 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6. The index, which evaluates 170 countries across 57 indicators, praised Tanzania for consistent gains in clean water access and sanitation infrastructure between 2011 and 2024. Tanzania ranks 126th overall, but its 52.56 score places it in the “improving” category, reflecting an annual increase of more than 0.25 points. Among the top ten most improved globally, Tanzania joins Nigeria, Mali,…

Ethiopia is taking new steps to regulate foreign ownership in its real estate sector with a draft law that sets stricter conditions for international investors. The draft proclamation, submitted to the House of People’s Representatives on 12 May 2017 (E.C.), mandates that foreign nationals or foreign-owned businesses must invest a minimum of $150,000 USD to purchase property or engage in residential construction. In a move designed to protect Ethiopia’s financial sector, the legislation also prohibits foreign buyers from accessing loans or raising capital through local banks to finance real estate acquisitions. Under the proposed law, individuals are limited to owning…

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held a historic public hearing on 14 May 2025, examining allegations of widespread and ongoing human rights violations committed by the Ethiopian government during and after the Tigray war. The case, brought forward by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) and partners, marks a significant milestone in the search for accountability in one of Africa’s deadliest recent conflicts. Filed in 2022 by LAW, the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU), and global law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, the case outlines claims of mass killings, sexual violence, famine, forced displacement, and a prolonged communication blackout…

Tanzania has once again restricted access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after hackers compromised the official account of the Tanzania Police Force, using it to spread a false message claiming the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The move comes amid heightened concerns over cybersecurity and misinformation, with authorities blaming the attack for inciting public confusion and threatening national stability. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed the disruption, noting that X had become inaccessible across all major internet providers in the country shortly after the false post went viral. “Live metrics show X has become unreachable… the incident…