African

U.S. Diplomatic Recall Impacts Relations with Africa Amid Trump Administration's Policies In a sweeping diplomatic maneuver, the Trump administration has recalled dozens of U.S. diplomats from posts around the world, with significant ramifications for relationships in Africa. Among the envoys affected are diplomats from 13 African nations, including key countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Senegal. This directive mandates that these ambassadors vacate their posts by mid-January 2026, a move that raises eyebrows amid…

African Union council assesses Somalia security mission and funding challenges ADDIS ABABA — The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened a special session Thursday to review the evolving situation in Somalia and assess the operations of the African Union Mission for Support and Stabilization in Somalia (AUSSOM), with a sharp focus on the mission’s funding pressures and next steps. Officials briefed the PSC on recent political developments in Somalia, the financial strain facing AUSSOM and potential…

CAIRO — Egypt will step up efforts to safeguard Red Sea maritime routes and back a new African Union mission in Somalia, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Friday, framing the Horn of Africa’s stability as inseparable from regional and global security. Addressing African ministers and delegates gathered in Cairo for the second ministerial forum of the Russia–Africa Partnership, al-Sisi called the Red Sea corridor “strategically vital” and said Egypt is working with partners to keep the waterway secure. The shipping lane…

Former radio DJ Warrick Stock, known professionally as DJ Warras, was shot and killed outside the Carlton Centre in central Johannesburg, police said Monday. Johannesburg police said Stock was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle in the area. The attackers opened fire after he stepped out of the car, and then fled on foot. No arrests have been made and the motive remains under investigation, authorities said. According to police, Stock was reportedly inspecting a building he had contracted to a…

Former radio DJ Warrick Stock, known on air as DJ Warras, was shot and killed outside the Carlton Centre in central Johannesburg, police and witnesses said. Police said Stock was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle and was shot before the attackers fled on foot. Initial accounts circulating on social media and among colleagues said he had been inspecting a building guarded by his security company and was fired on after stepping outside. The shooting, which occurred in a busy commercial area of…

Somalia signals deeper AU security role at Addis Ababa defense summit ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Somalia joined African Union defense and security talks this week in Addis Ababa, underscoring a bid to move from recipient of assistance to contributor in shaping the continent’s collective response to rising threats. Deputy Defense Minister Omar Ali Abdi led Somalia’s delegation to the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security at AU headquarters. The forum convened…

AfDB approves $76.37 million in additional financing to boost Somalia’s road corridors, cross-border trade Sunday December 14, 2025 The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved $76.37 million in additional financing for Somalia’s Road Infrastructure Program, strengthening a key segment of the Horn of Africa corridor linking Somalia with Ethiopia and Djibouti and aimed at accelerating regional trade and integration. In a statement issued Thursday, the bank said the program is designed to “stimulate cross-border…

Eritrea Announces Withdrawal from IGAD, Citing Long-Standing Grievances ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development that it is withdrawing from the regional bloc, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday, accusing IGAD of failing its mandate and being used against certain member states, particularly Eritrea. In a statement, the ministry said Eritrea’s decision follows years of disillusionment with the Horn of Africa organization, which it claims has “reneged on its…

Mthunzi Gxashe, a close aide and son-in-law to Archbishop Desmond Tutu who served as the clergyman’s spiritual companion during his retirement, has died in Johannesburg, his family and associates said. Gxashe was widely regarded at home and abroad for his long association with Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and moral voice of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. In retirement years, Gxashe was described by those around Tutu as a constant presence — helping to manage daily affairs, offering spiritual support and…

At least 11 people, including a 3-year-old child, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were killed and 14 others wounded when gunmen stormed an illegal shebeen in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, police said Friday. Police said at least three attackers entered the unlicensed drinking venue and opened fire on a group of people. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unknown, authorities said. “Illegal and unlicensed liquor outlets are a major hotspot for mass shootings,” police spokesperson Brig.…