Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The United States military carried out a rare maritime airstrike off Somalia’s coast last week, destroying a stateless vessel and a support boat allegedly transporting advanced weapons destined for the militant group Al-Shabaab, Somali and U.S. officials confirmed. According to Hiran Online operation, conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), marks an unusual use of airpower against maritime smuggling networks in East Africa. According to Somali government sources, all individuals aboard the vessels were killed, and no civilian casualties were reported. Authorities believe the primary vessel was carrying sophisticated weaponry intended to bolster Al-Shabaab’s military capabilities. Intelligence officials say the shipment…

The unmistakable buzz of drones is fast becoming the new soundtrack of war in Africa. From Sudan to Somalia, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are transforming the battlefield with a reach and precision once reserved for the world’s top militaries. But with the growing accessibility of these systems, the lines between state and insurgent power are blurring, and the rules of engagement are rapidly shifting. In Sudan, the escalating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has become a drone-heavy conflict. On July 31, 2024, SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan narrowly escaped a…

More than 100 people are feared to have been killed in a devastating drone strike in Gedeb town, East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, according to accounts from residents and eyewitnesses. The attack reportedly occurred on April 17 near Gedeb Primary School, where locals had gathered for what they described as community development efforts, including the construction of a school fence. Witnesses describe a horrifying scene in which peaceful civilians were caught in the explosion. “We were just working on the school,” said one wounded resident, his hand bandaged. “There was a massive blast. People screamed and scattered. Some…

Sudan’s military announced Thursday that it had repelled a major assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the western outskirts of El-Fasher, resulting in the deaths of at least 60 RSF fighters and injuries to dozens more. In an official statement, the army reported that Wednesday’s assault was met with coordinated resistance from both regular troops and allied local forces. At least 52 RSF members were said to be wounded in the clash. The military also accused the paramilitary group of launching artillery shells into civilian neighborhoods, which reportedly killed five civilians and injured 40 others, including women. There…

Kenya’s President William Ruto concluded a state visit to Beijing this week, cementing a renewed phase in Kenya-China relations through a series of high-level meetings and bilateral agreements. The trip marked a strategic step in expanding cooperation across infrastructure, energy, digital innovation, and trade. President Ruto met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to stronger diplomatic and economic ties under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The visit came at a time when China continues to consolidate its position as Africa’s foremost development partner, while many African nations reconfigure their foreign policy…

A splinter faction of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) announced the establishment of a joint operations room with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aimed at lifting the year-long siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The faction, led by Mohamed Bashara Yahya, declared its support for the Sudanese army earlier this month, officially breaking ranks with the main JEM faction led by Suleiman Sandal. The move marks a significant development in the ongoing civil conflict, as more armed actors realign in response to the RSF’s growing presence in western Sudan. General…

France Plans 2026 Africa Summit in Nairobi Amid Shifting Alliances and Waning Influence in Francophone Africa France is preparing to host the next Africa-France Summit in 2026, with Nairobi, Kenya, named as the likely venue for the high-level gathering. While specific details such as the exact date and venue are yet to be confirmed, French and African officials have begun outlining key themes for the event, with artificial intelligence and digital innovation expected to feature prominently on the agenda. This summit comes at a time of notable strain between France and several African countries, particularly in West Africa, where a…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Djibouti on Wednesday for an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and deepening regional coordination, particularly in response to growing tensions in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. President El-Sisi was welcomed by Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh upon arrival in Djibouti’s capital. The visit follows previous engagements between the two leaders, including discussions held on the sidelines of the 33rd Arab League Summit in Bahrain in May 2024. During his stay, President El-Sisi is expected to hold high-level talks with his Djiboutian counterpart on strengthening political and economic relations,…

The Somali government has reportedly requested the departure of Sivuyile Thandikhaya Bam, the Deputy Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), following remarks he made during a recent UN Security Council briefing that drew sharp criticism from Somali officials. Mr. Bam, a South African diplomat, currently serves as the Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson to Somalia, as well as the Deputy Head of ATMIS. On April 9, he addressed the UN Security Council on the security situation in Somalia, offering a bleak assessment of the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab. During his briefing, Mr.…

A coordinated disinformation campaign has been launched against the oil exploration agreement signed between Türkiye and Somalia in February 2024. The campaign, traced to a Europe-based website operated by exiled Turkish nationals linked to the FETÖ terrorist group, has circulated Somali-language propaganda online, targeting both governments and misrepresenting the terms of the agreement. According to a source who spoke to WAJ, the disinformation was intentionally translated into Somali and distributed across social media platforms to sow distrust between the Somali public and the government of Türkiye. The website responsible has a known history of publishing anti-Türkiye content and is associated…

Kenya’s President William Ruto has positioned Nairobi as a strategic bridge between global powers, offering to mediate between China and the United States amid renewed tensions between the two economic giants. Speaking during his official visit to Beijing — the first African state visit to China in 2025 — Ruto emphasized Kenya’s unique diplomatic posture. He drew a symbolic parallel with his May 2024 state visit to the United States, which marked the first African state visit to Washington in over 15 years. This visit mirrors my earlier one to the United States. Perhaps Kenya can serve as a bridge…

Burhan Meets Chinese Envoy as Repairs Near Completion on Export Pipeline Sudan’s military leader, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, held talks with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Xianghua on Tuesday to discuss the resumption of South Sudanese oil exports via Sudan, WAJ has learned. The meeting, held in Port Sudan, focused on revitalizing economic ties and oil cooperation following the recent arrival of South Sudanese crude at the Bashayer export terminal on Sudan’s Red Sea coast. “The discussion centered on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector,” Acting Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Idris Ismail said in a statement after the meeting. Ambassador Zhang…

Possible Links to Ruto’s China Trip and SGR Talks U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has canceled his much-anticipated diplomatic tour to Africa, which was scheduled to include stops in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, WAJ has learned from informed sources. Rubio, who has recently taken on an elevated role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in Africa, was expected to engage both Kenya and Ethiopia on matters of regional security and economic cooperation, including discussions related to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and counterterrorism partnerships in the Horn of Africa. However, according to WAJ sources, the abrupt cancellation may be tied—at…

The recently appointed head of Tigray’s Interim Administration, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, has unveiled a downsized cabinet, trimming ministerial posts from 27 to 21 and reducing the number of deputy presidents to one. Though the full list of appointees has not yet been officially released, sources indicate that Amanuel Assefa, a senior TPLF figure and deputy to former leader Debretsion Gebremichael, is expected to serve as the sole deputy president in the new structure. In a key move that signals a shift in leadership style, Lt. Gen. Tadesse has also reversed the suspension of three top military officials—Masho Beyene, Migbey…

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have reported a string of battlefield victories against the Fano militia in the Amhara region, claiming to have killed over 300 fighters during a single day of combat in the Gojam zone. These claims come amid reports of mounting civilian casualties and intensifying clashes that continue to destabilize the region. In a statement released over the Easter weekend, the ENDF described a broad military campaign across North Shewa and Gojjam zones, including targeted operations that allegedly neutralized several Fano commanders and dozens of fighters. The army also reported seizing weapons including sniper rifles and…

Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with Turkish Ambassador Fatih Yildiz in Port Sudan on Monday to advance cooperation on key issues including development projects, humanitarian relief, and air transport connectivity. The talks followed recent discussions between Burhan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and are part of broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Khartoum and Ankara. According to Sudanese Foreign Ministry officials, the meeting emphasized upcoming Turkish-backed infrastructure and development initiatives aimed at supporting Sudan’s recovery. A major item on the agenda was the expected resumption of Sudan Airways flights from Port…