Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The Trump administration is considering downsizing or eliminating U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as part of broader Pentagon cuts. AFRICOM, established in 2007, oversees U.S. military relations with 53 African nations, focusing on counterterrorism and regional security. The proposed reduction raises concerns about U.S. military engagement in Africa, as it could shift responsibilities to other global powers, including China, Türkiye, Russia, and Iran. Critics argue that AFRICOM’s operations have often harmed civilians and supported corrupt regimes rather than fostering genuine stability on the continent. Trump’s Downsizing Proposal Reports suggest that the Trump administration is exploring ways to either eliminate AFRICOM or…

Amnesty International has called on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to condemn the forced return of Eritrean refugees, highlighting the grave risks they face in their home country and host nations. During the 58th session of the UNHRC, Amnesty International stressed that Eritrean refugees face severe human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and abuse, both in Eritrea and in host countries. The organization urged all UNHRC member states to uphold international protections and prevent forced deportations under the principle of non-refoulement, as stated in Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention. The rights group highlighted the worsening conditions for…

The East African nation aims to reintroduce a total of 36 white rhinos, following decades of their absence. According to Emmanuel Kaaya, a rhino specialist, remnants of the species have been identified in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where they will be reintroduced. Tanzania’s black rhino population has also faced a drastic decline, dropping from approximately 10,000 in the 1970s to just 212 in 2021, as reported by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). Meanwhile, South Africa, home to most of the world’s remaining white rhinos, has seen its population dwindle due to relentless poaching, losing over 10,000 rhinos since 2007. During…

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, hosted Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ruzaimi Mohamad, for discussions on advancing bilateral collaboration in technology. Their talks centered on expanding partnerships in tech innovation and investment, reinforcing a long-standing diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Over the years, Kenya and Malaysia have engaged in policy exchanges and economic collaborations, enhancing their digital economy ties. A key milestone in this partnership was the Malaysia-Kenya Tech Symposium, held in November 2024, which brought together tech companies from both countries to explore opportunities in digital transformation and technological cooperation.…

Alshabab militants have launched their most aggressive offensive in months, carrying out coordinated attacks on multiple towns in the Middle Shabelle and Hiraan regions. The escalation has tested Somalia’s security forces, with the group briefly occupying key areas, including Balcad, a town just 30 kilometers from Mogadishu, before being pushed back by federal troops. The wave of attacks began on February 20, targeting government forces and clan militias. Alshabab claimed responsibility for nine separate assaults, asserting that it had inflicted heavy casualties on pro-government fighters while temporarily controlling strategic locations. Somali authorities, however, reported repelling most of the offensives, stating…

The Tanzanian government has announced plans to stop importing steel following a major expansion in local production. With a thriving steel industry now exceeding domestic demand, Tanzania is positioning itself as a leading producer in the region. During a visit to Lodhia Industries in Mkuranga District, Coast Region, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, described this development as a transformative step for the country’s industrialisation efforts. “Tanzania now has 19 major steel industries capable of meeting local needs,” Prof. Mkumbo stated. “With a combined production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, far exceeding the…

Tanzania will forever honor the memory of Mohammed Iqbal, the man whose suggestion led to the official name of the country following the 1964 union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Iqbal, a renowned scholar and political analyst, played a crucial role in discussions surrounding the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It was during these deliberations that he proposed the name “Tanzania,” combining elements from both regions. His idea was embraced by national leaders, including Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and officially adopted. In a past interview, Iqbal recounted the inspiration behind the name, explaining that he took the first three letters of “Tanganyika”…

Justin Magiri, founder of Milimag Rabbits Farm (MRF) in Bamburi-Utange, has been at the forefront of promoting rabbit farming. A finance professional turned agricultural entrepreneur, he provides training to local farmers, emphasizing financial management in agribusiness. Last Saturday, in collaboration with the Mombasa Women Network in Agribusiness, Magiri led a workshop that trained 600 women on rabbit rearing. Despite its benefits, rabbit farming in Mombasa is still in its early stages. Magiri highlighted the nutritional value of rabbit meat, describing it as a lean, low-cholesterol protein source rich in vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. “Meat from rabbit is very…

Marriott International has announced plans to expand its luxury safari portfolio in Kenya with two new high-end tented camps: The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. Developed in partnership with the Lazizi Group of Companies, these projects follow the success of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge and are set to redefine luxury hospitality in Kenya’s renowned safari destinations. Expected to open in August 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will introduce the brand’s signature service and refined design to Sub-Saharan Africa. Located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp will…

Helium One Global, a company focused on helium exploration in the US and Africa, has obtained a mining licence for its flagship Rukwa Helium Project in Tanzania. The licence spans approximately 480sq km across the Momba and Sumbawanga Districts in the southern Rukwa Basin. CEO Lorna Blaisse highlighted the significance of this approval, noting that it is the first helium mining licence issued in Tanzania. Following the announcement, Helium One’s shares surged by 17% on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market. The Rukwa Basin, part of the western branch of the East Africa Rift System, contains helium seeps with concentrations…

Moab Minerals, an ASX-listed company, has received a firm commitment from European Lithium to raise A$500,000 via a share placement. The placement consists of 166.67 million ordinary shares at A$0.003 per share, with European Lithium also obtaining one free-attaching option for every two shares. These options, set at an exercise price of A$0.008, will expire on December 5, 2027. The share issuance will take place under Moab’s existing placement capacity, with the shares and options expected to be allocated on March 4. Funds raised will be used to advance exploration efforts at the Manyoni uranium project and support general working…

Ethiopia’s Military Expansion and Strategic Goals Ethiopia, home to one of East Africa’s most powerful militaries, has been actively modernizing its armed forces to solidify its regional dominance and protect vital infrastructure like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) is also strengthening its capabilities to manage ongoing internal conflicts in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Afar. Key allies such as Russia, Türkiye, China, and the UAE have played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s military expansion by supplying advanced weaponry, including drones, fighter jets, and missile systems. Türkiye notably supported Ethiopia during the Tigray conflict by…

Saudi forces have been accused of using indiscriminate force against Ethiopian migrants attempting to cross the border from Yemen. Reports indicate widespread killings, injuries, and allegations of sexual violence, with migrants describing harrowing experiences under gunfire. Ethiopian migrants who attempted the journey between 2019 and 2024 recounted being targeted with machine guns and explosive weapons. Survivors described witnessing bodies decomposing along the border region. One migrant, injured by Saudi gunfire in 2022, said, “One of my legs was blown away by the Saudi fire. There were body parts of the injured and the dead all around me.” Others reported sustaining…

Ramadan in Africa is a time of spiritual reflection, unity, and charity, celebrated with diverse traditions across the continent. Muslims and non-Muslims alike participate in grand Iftar gatherings, fostering interfaith harmony. Across Africa, Ramadan strengthens bonds beyond religion. In countries like Senegal, Mali, and Ethiopia, large public Iftars welcome everyone, reflecting Africa’s deep-rooted hospitality and inclusivity. Mosques and community centers organize meals where people of different faiths gather, promoting peace and togetherness. Ramadan cuisine varies by region. Morocco’s Harira soup, Senegal’s Cheb Bu Jen, Egypt’s Fatta, and Nigeria’s Jollof rice are staple Iftar dishes. In East Africa, Somalis enjoy Bariis…

Prateek Suri has solidified his position as Africa’s richest Indian billionaire, with a net worth of $1.4 billion. This milestone comes after his company, Maser Group, gained international recognition with affordable smart televisions, selling over 800,000 units across Africa. Maser Group’s recent $5 billion acquisition of SCG Asia has played a pivotal role in increasing his wealth. Born in New Delhi, Suri studied mechanical engineering before founding Maser Group in 2012. His entrepreneurial journey led him to launch MDR Investments, a venture capital firm with interests spanning mining, infrastructure, shipping, and artificial intelligence. Alongside his business success, Suri has made…

Tanzania is taking significant steps to become a key player in the global critical minerals industry by emphasizing industrial development and value addition. The Tanzania Mining & Investment Forum 2024, held from November 19 to 21 at the Julius Nyerere Convention Center, attracted over 1,500 participants from various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. The event was led by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde, with key contributions from regional leaders, industry professionals, and investors. A highlight of the event was the session titled “Energy Transition Minerals: Focusing on Midstream and…