conflict

On the fateful day of January 9, 2025, an unusual episode unfolded in Chad as government officials referred to an assault on the presidential palace as a "small incident," aimed at disrupting the nation’s stability. The capital, N'Djamena, reverberated with the sounds of intense gunfire when armed assailants reportedly breached the gates of the presidential grounds. This turmoil erupted right after President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno had concluded discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In the wake of the attack,…

Chad's electoral commission has put out a call for military support to safeguard election officials and candidates ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary, local council, and regional elections, all set for December 29. An impressive 8.3 million citizens have registered to cast their votes. In addition, over 1,000 election monitors have been authorized to oversee the electoral process. However, the campaign trail has been anything but smooth. Candidates and their rallies have faced significant disruptions, primarily from…

Turkey Steps Up as Mediator in Sudan's Ongoing Strife KHARTOUM - As skirmishes continue to unsettle the Horn of Africa, Turkey has stepped up to mediate Sudan's current turmoil, a mess that began brewing five years ago with the ousting of Omar al-Bashir. Sudan’s Armed Forces, embroiled in a grueling tug-of-war with the Rapid Support Forces for nearly two years, have witnessed the country spiral into brutal chaos. Attempts for peace have largely fizzled out. In a noteworthy phone exchange, Turkish President Recep Tayyip…

Burundi, a country known for its significant role in the African Union's peacekeeping missions in Somalia, has made the decision to withdraw from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) due to disagreements regarding troop numbers. This withdrawal marks a notable shift, especially considering Burundi's longstanding commitment to stabilizing the region over the past 17 years. The crux of the issue lies in the allocation of troops; Somalia proposed deploying just 1,041 soldiers from Burundi, a figure that the…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

Somalia: Global Allies Urge Calm in Government-Jubaland Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia - The ongoing skirmish between Somalia's central government and Jubaland's authorities has caught the eye of global allies. These international partners plead for peace and urgent dialogue to curtail the growing discord. Reflecting on the contentious atmosphere at the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners expressed concern over the escalating drama between these governmental layers, noting, "This spells trouble for the mission…

The acting chief of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, recently expressed that any potential hostage-for-prisoners exchange deal with Israel hinges on the cessation of hostilities in the region. “A prisoner swap is off the table if the war continues,” Mr. Hayya articulated during a discussion on Al-Aqsa television. He reinforced the group's stance regarding the conditions necessary for the conflict's resolution. “If the aggression persists, why would Hamas, or any rational actor, relinquish a valuable bargaining chip while…

Ethiopian Troops Hold Soldiers Amid Tensions Between FGS and Jubaland Over Elections DOLOW, Somalia - In the Gedo region, Ethiopian forces at Dolow airport have reportedly detained six individuals appearing to be soldiers from the Somali National Army (SNA), sources revealed on Tuesday. Witnesses stated that the arrested individuals arrived from Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, camouflaged in civilian apparel. It's a head-scratcher at the moment as the precise motive for their detention hasn't been…

Human rights advocates are strongly encouraging the authorities in Mozambique to take decisive action against the ongoing repression and violence directed at protesters challenging the questionable election results. The Committee to Protect Journalists has painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that the nation has "plunged into turmoil as security forces engage in violent confrontations." Disturbingly, they report that at least nine journalists have faced assault or arrest, while two foreign correspondents have…