Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Escalating violence in South Sudan’s Nasir and Ulang counties is forcing thousands to flee, raising urgent humanitarian concerns in neighboring countries. The number of South Sudanese refugees crossing into Ethiopia has surged dramatically as conflict intensifies in the northern regions of Nasir and Ulang. The worsening situation has displaced tens of thousands within South Sudan and is now driving a growing influx of refugees into neighboring countries. Since mid-February 2025, an estimated 50,000 people have been displaced in Nasir, with another 34,000 uprooted from Ulang. The crisis has escalated rapidly, with the number of refugees crossing into Ethiopia’s Gambella region…

1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria)Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, commands a fortune of $11.5 billion. His expansive business empire, spanning cement, sugar, and oil refining, plays a pivotal role in Africa’s industrialization. The $19 billion Dangote Refinery is set to reduce Africa’s dependency on imported petroleum, solidifying his position as a key economic driver. 2. Johann Rupert (South Africa)With a net worth of $11.1 billion, Johann Rupert leads Africa’s luxury goods sector as chairman of Richemont. His leadership in high-end fashion and watchmaking brands has elevated Africa’s presence in the global luxury market. Rupert also plays a significant role in South…

Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Abu Bakr al-Bushra, announced on Tuesday that the country’s grain production has risen by 63% in 2024, reaching 6.6 million tons. This marks a significant recovery from the previous year when grain output stood at 4 million tons. Sudan requires between 5.5 and 6 million tons of grains annually to meet its food needs, with different regions relying on specific crops. Central areas mainly consume sorghum, the north depends on wheat, and millet is the staple in western regions. Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan, al-Bushra attributed the production increase to favorable…

Thousands of people gathered in southern Ethiopia for the historic Gada ceremony, a traditional leadership transition that occurs every eight years among the Borana community. The week-long event, held at Arda Jila Badhasa near Arero, marked the transfer of power to a new Abbaa Gadaa, the customary leader. The ceremony is a major cultural event, showcasing traditional attire and rituals. Women play a key role, marching in processions while carrying wooden batons called “siinqee,” which symbolize their power in conflict resolution. Although they cannot hold leadership positions, women contribute significantly by constructing accommodations and preparing food for attendees. The Gada…

At least six people, including traditional elders, were killed on Tuesday morning when the Alshabab militant group attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia. The assault began with a car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen storming the hotel, leading to intense clashes with security forces. Initial reports confirmed four deaths, but witnesses later stated the toll had risen to ten. Among the victims were Elder Raho Raaxa Jeket, Elder Mohamed Osman Ileyna, Adan Mohamed Alasow Indhabur, and an officer named Galaangashe. The attack targeted a gathering of politicians, security officials, and elders discussing an offensive against the group in central…

Tanzania’s Health Minister Jenista Mhagama has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the country, marking a resurgence of the contagious disease. One of the infected individuals is a lorry driver from a neighboring country traveling to Dar es Salaam. According to the ministry, health officials detected the cases after monitoring individuals with symptoms such as rashes, fever, headaches, throat sores, and joint pain. Laboratory tests confirmed the Mpox diagnosis on March 9. Authorities are now investigating whether additional cases exist in affected regions. Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has suspended 13,000 member cards and shut down 11 health…

A cholera outbreak in Jonglei State’s Nyirol County, South Sudan has resulted in at least 82 deaths and over 1,000 infections within five days. County Commissioner James Bol Makey stated that patients are being treated under trees due to a lack of medical facilities and supplies. County Health Director Tiwtiw Kuon appealed for urgent intervention, highlighting the dire situation in Guer and Chuil payams. Residents have also voiced concerns over the rising death toll, calling for immediate aid. Cholera, a waterborne disease, spreads through contaminated food and water, causing severe diarrhea and dehydration. Health officials stress the importance of clean…

The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Standard Gauge Share Company (EDR) has officially entered the multimodal transport sector by obtaining a Multimodal Transport Operation (MTO) license. This development positions EDR as the fifth participant in an industry previously dominated by the state-run Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL). The Ethiopian Maritime Authority (EMA) granted the license to EDR following an extensive evaluation process, which assessed the company’s infrastructure, operational readiness, workforce, and technological capabilities. EDR’s entry aligns with the Ethiopian government’s plan to diversify the MTO sector by encouraging competition and expansion. Prior to EDR’s licensing, EMA had issued Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)…

In many rural areas of Tanzania, traditional healers serve as the first point of contact for those experiencing illness. From treating fevers to addressing spiritual concerns, they play a vital role in their communities. However, certain life-threatening diseases, such as Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), can be misinterpreted as supernatural afflictions, delaying critical medical intervention. To address this, Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Africa CDC and WHO, has launched a training program for traditional healers in Biharamulo District. The initiative focuses on strengthening disease surveillance, improving infection prevention, and enhancing communication between healers and health authorities. Over 70 healers…

Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable set of bone tools at Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania, dating back 1.5 million years. This discovery significantly predates previous evidence of systematic bone tool production and offers fresh insights into the technological capabilities of early hominins. The tools, fashioned from the limb bones of large mammals such as elephants and hippos, were shaped through a knapping process similar to that used for stone tool-making. This suggests that early hominins possessed the ability to transfer their knowledge of stone craftsmanship to bone, indicating an advanced level of cognitive development. “These findings suggest that early humans…

In an unexpected contrast, rural areas in Somalia often have more reliable mobile coverage than some regions of the United Kingdom. While the UK government struggles to ensure consistent service in remote communities, Somalia’s telecom sector has flourished despite political instability, demonstrating how necessity can drive rapid technological innovation. Upon visiting a Somali village, it’s not unusual to see elders carrying traditional walking sticks in one hand and smartphones in the other. Just a few decades ago, making an international call required traveling across borders into Ethiopia or Kenya. Today, video calls seamlessly connect rural Somalis with their relatives abroad,…

In May, Tanzania will initiate its first oil and gas licensing round since 2014, offering 26 exploration blocks in a bid to attract investment and develop the country’s natural gas sector. Tanzania is set to launch its fifth oil and gas licensing round in May, marking the country’s first such bidding event in over a decade. The round will offer 26 exploration blocks, including three located in Lake Tanganyika and the rest offshore in the Indian Ocean. This new bidding round aims to stimulate investment and further develop Tanzania’s hydrocarbons sector, particularly its significant natural gas resources, which are estimated…

Ethiopia is home to a significant Muslim population, with Islam being deeply rooted in its history and culture. The Muslim community is spread across various regions, including Harar, Oromia, Somali Regional State, Afar, Amhara, and Tigray. Ramadan in Ethiopia is a time of devotion, fasting, and vibrant cultural traditions, bringing together millions of Ethiopian Muslims in prayer, charity, and celebration. The Historical Significance of Islam in EthiopiaIslam has a long history in Ethiopia, dating back to the 7th century when the first Muslim migrants sought refuge in the Kingdom of Aksum from persecution in Mecca. The Ethiopian king, known as…

Türkiye’s national broadcaster, TRT, has launched TRT Somali, a new channel dedicated to providing high-quality news and cultural content in the Somali language. This initiative is part of TRT’s broader global media expansion, which includes broadcasts in over 45 languages. According to the Somali Embassy in Türkiye, TRT Somali aims to offer reliable news, educational programs, and entertainment to Somali-speaking audiences while fostering stronger cultural and diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Somalia. The channel is expected to serve as a bridge between the two nations, reinforcing their long-standing cooperation. In addition to Somali, TRT has launched several channels in African…

Ethiopia plans to purchase six new cargo ships to boost its shipping capacity, aiming for greater control over its maritime trade. The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise announced the expansion, which could cost between $150 million and $250 million. Two Ultramax dry bulk carriers, each with a 62,000-ton capacity, have already been acquired this fiscal year and will soon begin operations. The remaining four vessels, expected to carry 3,000 to 4,000 containers, will be added in the coming years, though no specific timeline has been given. Currently, Ethiopia operates 10 cargo ships, including the 63,000-ton Abay 2. As a…

The Sudanese army announced on Wednesday that it had seized El Dali and Al Mazmum locality in Sennar State following intense clashes with RSF fighters. Military commanders described the locality as the paramilitary group’s final significant stronghold in the state. Pro-army media released footage of soldiers deployed across key locations in El Dali, including the central market and local government buildings. Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah, the army’s spokesperson, stated that coordinated offensives in Sennar, Blue Nile, and White Nile had resulted in the capture of multiple towns, including Al-Jafrat, Al-Melissa, Guli, Abu Arif, Al-Qurbein, Roro, and Al-Tabun. He emphasized that…