Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has raised concerns over what he described as a growing and dangerous alliance between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and extremist groups operating in Somalia, including ISIS and Al-Shabaab. In a recent public statement published by Alsharq Al-Awsat journal, President Mohamud said Somali intelligence has uncovered ongoing coordination between the Houthis and Somali-based terrorist networks. He revealed that this cooperation includes the transfer of weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and drone components from Yemen into Somalia. “Our intelligence teams have intercepted several arms shipments originating from Yemen, including explosives and drone equipment. We have also dismantled smuggling…

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah and family visit visas for nationals from 14 countries—11 of them in Africa—as part of measures to manage crowds and enhance security before the 2025 Hajj season. The restriction, in effect since April 13, applies to those without official Hajj permits. It does not affect pilgrims with authorized Hajj visas or valid travel documents. Saudi authorities say the move is aimed at ensuring order and safety during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The affected African countries include Somalia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Chad, Niger, Mali, Libya, the Democratic Republic…

South Sudan has affirmed that its growing relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not intended to harm Sudan or interfere in its internal affairs, amid speculation over regional dynamics involving the UAE’s increasing presence in the Horn of Africa. Speaking to reporters upon his return from Vatican City, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Semaya Kumba, emphasized that Juba’s foreign policy is grounded in national interest and international norms—not regional rivalry. “Relations between nations are established to serve mutual interests and should never be viewed as a threat,” Kumba said. “Our relationship with Sudan is deeply…

The Tanzanian government has committed more than 6 billion Tanzanian shillings to upgrade and modernize the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kilosa District, with the aim of transforming it into a regional center of excellence for the sugar industry. This major investment marks a new chapter for the institute, which had suffered from years of neglect despite being the only specialized sugar training facility in East and Central Africa. Director of the NSI, Casmir Casmir, said the upgrades are already underway, with improved classrooms, offices, and the installation of new furniture designed to meet global training standards. “So far, over…

At least 68 African migrants have been killed and dozens more injured after a detention facility in northern Yemen’s Saada province was struck by an airstrike, which Houthi authorities say was carried out by the United States. The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the facility, housing over 100 migrants at the time, was bombed in the early hours of Monday morning. Shocking footage showed bodies buried under rubble, with survivors being pulled from the debris and rushed to hospitals. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it was aware of the reports and said it is conducting a battle-damage…

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has issued a stark warning that the looming revocation of its legal status by Ethiopia’s electoral board could endanger the fragile Pretoria peace accord signed in 2022, which brought an end to two years of devastating conflict in northern Ethiopia. In a statement released on April 26, 2025, the TPLF urged both the African Union and international stakeholders to recognize the “serious threat” posed by the National Election Board of Ethiopia’s (NEBE) actions, which it says undermine commitments made under the Pretoria agreement. NEBE had suspended the TPLF’s political activity in February 2025, citing…

Few African leaders have left behind as complex and debated a legacy as Muammar Gaddafi. As the leader of Libya from 1969 until his death in 2011, Gaddafi was at once a symbol of anti-imperial defiance and a figure of authoritarian excess. His ideas about African unity, economic self-sufficiency, and global resistance to Western dominance sparked admiration and controversy in equal measure. Early Life and Political Awakening Muammar Gaddafi was born in 1942 in a desert area near Sirte, Libya, into a modest Bedouin family. His upbringing was shaped by the experiences of Italian colonialism and post-World War II occupation,…

Gamal Abdel Nasser remains one of the most recognizable figures in Africa’s 20th-century political history. As Egypt’s second president, Nasser played a crucial role in dismantling colonial influences, fostering Arab-African solidarity, and promoting a model of state-led development across the continent. However, his tenure was also marked by authoritarian practices and challenges that continue to shape debates about leadership in post-colonial Africa. Early Life and Military Background Born on January 15, 1918, in Alexandria, Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser came from a modest middle-class family. His exposure to Egyptian nationalism began early, particularly during the upheavals against British colonial rule. Nasser…

In the vast story of Africa’s liberation and state-building, few names shine with as much quiet dignity as Aden Abdulle Osman Daar, the first President of Somalia. In an era where strongmen dominated post-colonial Africa, Aden Abdulle stood out as a rare figure: a leader who believed deeply in democracy, peaceful transition of power, and the ideals of African unity. Born before the great waves of decolonization, he would live to see Somalia’s independence and lay the foundation stones of its early national dream. Early Life: A Son of Somalia’s Heartland Aden Abdulle Osman was born in 1908 in Beledweyne,…

Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, announced a major government reshuffle on Sunday, appointing new leadership in key positions as the country faces mounting pressure from al-Shabaab insurgents. In a statement delivered through a government spokesperson via an online video, Barre named Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed — a former foreign minister and national security chief — as the new defence minister, replacing Jibril Abdirashid. Additionally, Abdisaalan Abdi Ali Daay was appointed as the new foreign minister, while Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi was named second deputy prime minister. Although no official reason was given for the reshuffle, it comes as Somali…

Tanzania Lifts Ban on Agricultural Imports from Malawi and South Africa Following Diplomatic Talks Tanzania has lifted its recently imposed ban on agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa, signaling a step towards resolving a trade dispute through diplomatic channels. The decision, announced late Friday, comes just days after Tanzania introduced the ban in retaliation for similar actions taken by the two southern African nations. The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) confirmed that the ban, which affected the importation of agricultural produce, would be lifted immediately. TPHPA’s Director General, Joseph Ndunguru, stated that the move aimed to facilitate…

Amid ongoing public outrage, the BBC has identified members of Kenya’s security forces responsible for the fatal shootings of anti-tax protesters outside parliament on June 25, 2024. The BBC’s investigation, which involved analyzing over 5,000 images and videos, revealed that the protesters, who were unarmed and posed no immediate threat, were targeted by security personnel. The tragic incident occurred during a large-scale protest against the government’s controversial finance bill. Despite the Kenyan constitution guaranteeing the right to peaceful protest, the deaths of the demonstrators sparked widespread condemnation. Over 100,000 people had gathered outside parliament that day, hoping to sway lawmakers…

A spokesperson for the Zamzam displacement camp in Sudan’s North Darfur state reported that a militia allied with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) detained 40 aid workers, including staff from the International Relief Organization (IRO), on Sunday, April 27. The aid workers, along with about 50 civilians, were arrested while evacuating toward Tawila, according to camp spokesperson Mohammed Khamis Douda. The incident follows an April 12 attack attributed to the RSF, which killed nine IRO staff members at the Zamzam camp. The RSF also reportedly seized control of the camp, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Douda explained that…

In a significant diplomatic development, Somalia welcomed Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, to Mogadishu over the weekend, signaling renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations after decades of limited engagement. Bogdanov’s visit, the first by a senior Russian diplomat in decades, included high-level meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and other senior officials. During the talks, Russia extended an official invitation from President Vladimir Putin for Somalia’s leader to attend the upcoming Russia–Arab League Summit, underlining Moscow’s growing diplomatic outreach toward Africa. The reception…

The African Union’s stabilization efforts in Somalia are facing fresh challenges, as military officials warn that the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) urgently needs an additional 8,000 troops to contain a growing threat from Al-Shabab militants. In a joint statement issued after a three-day security meeting in Uganda, representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, the African Union, and several international organizations voiced deep concerns over the deteriorating situation in Somalia. Officials highlighted that current troop levels are insufficient, allowing Al-Shabab to regain control over key areas, particularly in Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. The…

Tehran is hosting the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference from April 27 to May 1, 2025, bringing together senior officials, ministers, private sector leaders, economic experts, and representatives from international organizations and the African Union. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, Seyed Rasoul Mohajer, confirmed that the gathering coincides with Iran Expo 2025, where around 2,500 international traders and delegations from 106 countries, including 39 official state delegations, are expected to attend. The events aim to boost economic cooperation, while also promoting tourism and cultural exchanges. The Iran-Africa Summit, taking place on April 27, will feature participation from 19…