Author: Abdihakim Kalale

After U.S. Sanctions, UAE Responds to Alarming Allegations The United Arab Emirates has begun investigating several companies allegedly linked to Sudan’s notorious Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after the United States sanctioned them for their role in Sudan’s worsening crisis. The UAE’s Ministry of Justice confirmed that none of the seven companies under scrutiny are licensed or operating legally within the country. “We’re treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” the ministry stated on Friday, noting that the probe was launched immediately after being alerted by U.S. officials. Sanctioned for Their Ties to a Violent Militia Earlier this year, the United…

In a statement released on Friday, the company called the claims “baseless” and emphasized that it does not provide paramilitary or mercenary services under any circumstances. “These rumors were echoed by a Somali-based news platform in an article dated April 3, 2025, which not only repeated the unfounded claim but also alleged that SADAT is providing military training to the Somali Armed Forces,” the company said. SADAT clarified that it operates strictly in the fields of strategic consultancy and training services, and that its activities are entirely professional and lawful. It stated that the purpose of such reports was to…

Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Langley stated that the threat posed by Al-Shabaab has increased, prompting the U.S. to expand its military operations against the group. Escalation of U.S. Operations Langley emphasized that the U.S. is set to intensify its strikes against Al-Shabaab, saying: The President and the Secretary of Defense have granted me expanded authority to swiftly and forcefully target and strike [Al-Shabaab] What Does This Mean? The statement suggests that the U.S. aligns with Somalia’s concerns regarding Al-Shabaab’s growing activity and its connections with the Houthis. Local media reports also indicate that Somalia might play…

Strengthening Somalia-Türkiye Defense Ties Türkiye is reportedly preparing to send military advisors from the private defense company SADAT to Somalia, following an official request from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. According to sources cited by the think tank “Horn Review,” the deployment aims to assist Somali forces in countering Al-Shabaab in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. Caasimadda Online a media platform which is known for being close to Somali government also reports this news. WAJ recently reported, citing Somali officials, that President Mohamud formally requested direct military intervention from Türkiye during his last meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.…

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, announced the cancellation of two major contracts in Kenya, resulting in a loss of over Ksh10 billion in investments. The cancellations include a $3.4 million (approximately Ksh439 million) consulting contract for aviation advisors and a $79 million (about Ksh10.2 billion) contract for primary literacy programs. DOGE’s action aligns with its focus on eliminating “wasteful” contracts. This follows a broader trend of reduced U.S. assistance to Kenya, including the freezing of temporary aid by President Donald Trump and the suspension of several projects by USAID. The move marks significant…

On March 31, 2025, over 40 civilians were reported killed in Brakat town and surrounding areas, including Senka, Arsema, and Fita, in North Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region. Residents claim that government security forces were responsible for the killings, which took place during house-to-house searches and on the streets. The violence began in the afternoon after an exchange of gunfire between defense forces and anti-riot forces. After the gunfire ceased, security forces allegedly moved through the town, targeting civilians, including mothers, children, and the elderly. Funeral ceremonies for the victims were conducted at local churches the following day. The Amhara Region…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti on Wednesday to deepen bilateral relations and enhance strategic cooperation. The leaders discussed collaboration in key sectors, including security, economic development, trade, and political coordination. Both presidents emphasized the strong historical ties between their nations and reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability. President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Djibouti’s support, particularly in peacekeeping and counterterrorism. He praised Djibouti’s role in Somalia’s state-building efforts and its contributions to regional security. “Djibouti has played a critical role in Somalia’s state-building process, and we are deeply thankful for their unwavering…

The deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdel Rahim Hamdan Daglo, has warned of possible military action in Northern State and River Nile State following recent battlefield setbacks. In a video statement, Daglo claimed that 2,000 RSF vehicles were heading toward Northern State. He vowed to continue fighting alongside his brother, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, saying their forces would not surrender. The RSF has been losing ground in Sennar, Gezira, White Nile, and parts of Khartoum, while the Sudanese army also lifted an RSF siege on El Obeid in North Kordofan. Despite these setbacks, RSF fighters recently…

More than 20 people were killed in an attack in Oromia’s Horo Guduru Wollega zone, specifically in Abe Dongoro district, Tullu Moti kebele, on March 28, according to local officials and residents. The assault was followed by the abduction of three individuals. A resident of the area, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, reported that the attackers targeted local militia forces, causing gunfire that led civilians to flee. However, as they attempted to escape, many were shot in their homes and surrounding areas. “At least 20 people were killed in a horrific manner,” the resident said, adding that several others…

African Union (AU) mediators arrived in South Sudan’s capital, Juba to defuse tensions and prevent a return to civil war following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar last week. President Salva Kiir’s government accused Machar, a former rebel leader and longtime rival, of attempting to incite a new rebellion. His house arrest came after weeks of clashes in Upper Nile state between the military and the White Army militia. While Machar’s forces were allied with the group during the 2013-2018 civil war, they deny any current links. The AU delegation, which includes former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye and…

At least 50 people have been killed and dozens injured in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages south of Omdurman over the past three days, a local community spokesman said on Tuesday, calling the assaults retaliatory. The attacks followed the withdrawal of many RSF fighters from the nearby Jebel Aulia area toward the southern Omdurman countryside in late March, after the Sudanese army recaptured parts of Khartoum and Jebel Aulia, according to the spokesman and previous reports. Seifeddine Ahmed, a spokesman for the local Al-Jumu’iya community, said the RSF launched heavy assaults using artillery, rockets, and…

This appointment expands his role beyond his current position as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern issues. His selection aligns with the administration’s strategic interest in strengthening U.S. engagement in Africa, particularly in conflict resolution and private sector investment. Starting April 3, Boulos will embark on a regional tour alongside Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Corina Sanders. Their itinerary includes visits to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, with a focus on supporting sustainable peace initiatives in eastern DRC and enhancing economic ties between the U.S. and African nations.…

In a significant development for Africa’s energy sector, Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana have fulfilled their capital commitments toward establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB). This milestone represents 44% of the minimum required funding from African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) members to initiate the bank’s operations. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO, announced this progress during the Congo Energy & Investment Forum last week. Strengthening Energy Financing in Africa The AEB aims to finance oil and gas projects across the continent, addressing funding challenges posed by traditional Western financial institutions’ reluctance to support fossil fuel initiatives due to environmental…

Albert Ofosu Nketia, the young Ghanaian boy who captured global attention with his viral crying-to-laughing video, is now facing serious health challenges, prompting his family to appeal for support. A recent visit by blogger Nana Baffuor revealed that Albert, who once brought joy to millions, is struggling with an illness that requires urgent medical attention. His family, particularly his grandmother, with whom he lives, is seeking financial assistance for his treatment. Albert became a worldwide meme sensation, with his video amassing over 398 million views on TikTok. However, despite his internet fame, his current condition highlights the harsh reality that…

Ethiopia has launched a large-scale cholera vaccination drive in the Gambella Region, aiming to immunize one million people as the country battles a rapidly spreading outbreak. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health announced the initiative on Sunday, stating that vaccinations will be administered across all zones in Gambella and refugee camps over the coming week. The campaign comes amid urgent warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and humanitarian agencies about the worsening cholera crisis along Ethiopia’s border with South Sudan. At the campaign’s launch event, Ethiopian Minister of Health Mekdes Daba emphasized that, alongside vaccination efforts, maintaining hygiene and improving…

Somali National Army (SNA) forces, backed by local militia fighters repelled a major Al-Shabaab assault in the Sabiib and Canole areas of Lower Shabelle on Monday, killing at least 70 militants, according to government officials. Ministry of Defense spokesman Sheikh Abukar Mohamed said government troops had been on high alert and successfully foiled the attack on army positions. “Our forces were well-prepared and responded decisively. We have the bodies of the militants killed in the two operations,” he said. In a separate operation in the same region, an airstrike targeted Al-Shabaab fighters, killing at least 40 more militants, the spokesman…