Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Russia is strengthening its diplomatic and economic engagement across Africa with plans to add four new countries — Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini — to its growing list of visa-free partners on the continent. The move, announced by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, aims to expand Moscow’s visa-free travel network in Africa from 11 to 15 nations, signaling deeper political, economic, and cultural cooperation amid shifting global alliances. New Era of Visa-Free Diplomacy Under the proposed agreements, Russian citizens will be able to visit the four countries without a visa for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Moscow has already submitted…

Mandla Mandela, the grandson of South Africa’s iconic freedom leader Nelson Mandela, has returned to Johannesburg after being detained and deported by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Mandela, 51, was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort organized by pro-Palestinian activists seeking to transport medical and food supplies to the besieged territory. He and four other South Africans were arrested at sea by Israeli forces and held in detention for six days before being released through Jordan. Speaking at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where he was welcomed by supporters waving Palestinian flags, Mandela…

Ethiopia’s government has accused Eritrea and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of forging a new military alliance aimed at destabilizing the country, alleging that both sides were involved in a recent attack on Woldiya city in the Amhara region. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos said the alliance—reportedly operating under the name “Tsimdo”—is part of a coordinated effort to “wage war against Ethiopia” through the mobilization of armed groups, including the Fano militia. “The collusion between the Eritrean government and the hardline faction of the TPLF has become increasingly evident,” Gedion…

Burkina Faso’s military authorities have announced the arrest of eight staff members of a European humanitarian organisation, accusing them of espionage and treason. The Dutch-based International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), which focuses on supporting aid workers in high-risk regions, has strongly denied the allegations and demanded the immediate release of its employees. According to a statement from Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the detainees include nationals from France, the Czech Republic, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The government claims the group continued to operate secretly after INSO was suspended earlier this year for allegedly “collecting sensitive information without official authorization.” Sana…

In the eastern Congolese city of Goma, life continues under the long shadow of conflict. The streets hum with the uneasy rhythm of survival — markets reopen after nights of shelling, and children play in alleys that echo both laughter and fear.For decades, this region, rich in minerals yet burdened by violence, has witnessed the rise and fall of armed groups, the displacement of millions, and a cycle of insecurity that seems unending. While the world’s attention shifts elsewhere, artists like Edizon Musavuli use their talent to make sure that Goma’s pain — and its resilience — are not forgotten.Wall…

Tanzania is entering a tense election season as political controversy deepens over a viral social media video criticizing the government and the ongoing treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, both of which have intensified scrutiny on the country’s democratic credentials. The developments come just weeks before the nation heads to the polls in late October, in an atmosphere marked by censorship concerns, arrests of opposition figures, and growing unease among civil society groups. Police Warn Over ‘Captain Tesha’ Viral Video Authorities have issued a stern warning against the spread of a video featuring a man identifying himself as “Captain…

As Cameroon prepares for its high-stakes presidential election on October 12, one name is stirring intense debate: Issa Tchiroma Bakari. Once a trusted ally and cabinet minister under President Paul Biya, Tchiroma now presents himself as the man capable of steering the Central African nation into a new political era. “I am the one capable of leading Cameroonians successfully in this unprecedented fight,” Tchiroma declared at a campaign event in Garoua, his hometown. His confident tone reflects both ambition and defiance in a political landscape long dominated by Biya, who at 92 years old remains one of the world’s longest-serving…

Massive crowds filled the streets of Pretoria on Friday, demanding that the South African government shut down the Israeli embassy and expel its diplomats, following Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and fresh U.S. sanctions targeting Pretoria’s pro-Palestinian stance. Protesters Demand Diplomatic Break with Israel Demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and chanting anti-war slogans gathered outside the Israeli embassy, accusing Israel of committing grave violations of international law. The protesters also called for the release of South African nationals detained during Israel’s raid on the flotilla — a civilian-led convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. “What happened on the Mediterranean…

South African activist and parliamentarian Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, has reportedly been seized by Israeli forces after they intercepted a humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza in the early hours of Thursday morning. Mandela was aboard one of the boats that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led convoy aiming to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza and draw global attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory. Before the flotilla set sail, Mandela recorded a video message to be released in the event of an interception. “I’m a citizen of the Republic of South…

A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has handed down a death sentence in absentia to former President Joseph Kabila, convicting him of multiple serious crimes including treason, murder, torture, and crimes against humanity. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, the head of the military tribunal, who stated that the court applied the most severe punishment available under the country’s Military Penal Code. “In applying Article 7 of the Military Penal Code, the tribunal imposes a single sentence — the death penalty,” Katalayi declared in court. Charges Linked to M23…

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced the dissolution of his government following several days of large-scale demonstrations led by young citizens frustrated by years of water and electricity shortages. In a televised address on Monday, Rajoelina acknowledged public anger and apologized for government shortcomings, stating that he had “terminated the functions of the prime minister and the cabinet” and that a new government would be formed within days. Current ministers will continue in an interim capacity until replacements are appointed. “We hear the anger, we understand the sadness caused by daily hardships. It is our duty to act,” the president…

Somalia is moving closer to producing oil for the first time in its history, marking a major economic turning point after decades of civil war and instability. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Parliament on Monday that the Federal Government is determined to fully tap into the country’s confirmed vast petroleum reserves, describing the sector as a “light of economic transformation” for the nation. The president announced that production at the country’s first oil well is expected to begin in the coming months, a milestone he described as “a critical step toward economic growth, job creation, and self-sufficiency.” “We will benefit…

Thousands of South Africans filled the streets of Cape Town on Saturday in a large demonstration expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and calling for stronger government action in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations. The march, held in the country’s legislative capital, drew participants from diverse communities, including religious groups, student organizations, human rights activists, and political figures. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners demanding an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, as well as increased diplomatic pressure on Israel. Strong Calls for Government Action Speakers at the rally urged the South African government to take a…

Kenyan President William Ruto has firmly rejected accusations that Nairobi is interfering in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, clarifying that Kenya’s role has been limited to providing a neutral platform for peace talks between the warring factions. In an interview with France 24, Ruto described the claims as baseless “rumours and propaganda,” emphasizing that Kenya has not provided financial or military support to either side. “The reason Kenya is being accused is that we offered a dialogue platform for the parties involved — nothing more. Not a single coin or support in any direction,” he stated. Neutral Position on Sudan’s Rival…

Zimbabwe, long known as Africa’s top tobacco producer, is charting a new course toward becoming a major player in the global blueberry market. Farmers and exporters are increasingly turning their attention to the nutrient-rich fruit, spurred by a landmark trade agreement with China — the world’s largest importer of blueberries. Trade Breakthrough with China Earlier this month, Harare and Beijing finalized a deal that allows tariff-free exports of Zimbabwean blueberries to China. This agreement is being hailed as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s struggling economy, creating access to a vast and fast-growing market. “This is a game changer for local farmers,”…

The World Bank’s arbitration court has issued a ruling temporarily blocking Niger from selling or transferring uranium from the Somaïr mine, intensifying a legal and geopolitical dispute with French nuclear firm Orano. ICSID Ruling Escalates Dispute The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) issued the order this week, prohibiting Niger’s military government from engaging in any trade or transfer of uranium extracted from the Somaïr mine. The mine, located near Arlit in northern Niger, was taken over by the authorities in June 2025 following months of stalled exports and raids on Orano’s local offices. The ruling also calls…