Somali, AU Troops Drive Al Shabaab from Two Stronghold Towns
Somali armed forces and Ugandan troops serving under the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia on Monday recaptured two towns in southern Somalia described as “strongholds and safe havens” for Al Shabaab militants. The offensive on the strategic locations began on February 28. By March 2, the militants had fled the towns, Captain Edrin Mawanda, spokesperson for the Ugandan contingent in the AU mission, told The EastAfrican. A statement from the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (Aussom) said the operation was conducted with international partners, resulting in the full capture and securing of two Al Shabaab locations – Daarusalaam and Mubarak – in the Lower Shabelle region. The recapture brings the number of towns recovered from the group to eight since operations began in mid-2024, highlighting the extent of territory the militant group had seized from Somali forces during a brief surge that year. The East African
Somalia’s Drought Leaves 6.5 Million on Brink of Hunger Crisis, Says ICRC
Somalia is teetering on the brink of a worsening humanitarian emergency, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which warns that 6.5 million people are facing acute hunger as prolonged drought devastates livelihoods. Across drought-stricken regions, livestock deaths are stripping families of both food and income. … Two consecutive failed rainy seasons have heightened fears of a repeat of the catastrophic hunger crisis of 2022. As animals die and wells run dry, thousands of families are abandoning rural areas and moving to displacement camps or larger towns in search of water and assistance. Mohamed Sheikh, an ICRC officer in Galmudug, says the crisis is being driven by a combination of drought and conflict. “The fighting has caused displacement. The drought is also causing displacement. The needs are increasing, and the situation will become desperate if the rains don’t come soon,” he warned. Africanews
Ethiopia, Kenya Agree to Launch Joint Military Operations to Secure Border Corridor, LAPSSET
Ethiopia and Kenya have agreed to strengthen security coordination along the Moyale–Marsabit–Turkana corridor, endorsing structured joint military operations aimed at addressing cross-border threats and safeguarding key infrastructure linking the two countries. The agreement is part of renewed efforts to operationalise the existing Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between the two neighbours. Under the arrangement, the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are expected to undertake phased and coordinated operations targeting vulnerable border areas and strategic assets. … Security along the Moyale–Marsabit–Turkana corridor has remained a shared concern due to cross-border criminal networks, resource-based conflicts, and the movement of armed groups. Tensions have also intensified in recent months following clashes involving Kenya’s Turkana community and Ethiopia’s Dassanech and Nyangatom communities around the Ilemi Triangle and Lake Turkana, disputes largely driven by competition over pasture, water, and fishing grounds. Addis Standard
Sudan: UN Official Reaches South Kordofan’s Dilling as Humanitarian Needs Spiral
A senior United Nations official completed the first high-level mission to the town of Dilling in South Kordofan since the start of the current hostilities, marking a rare breakthrough in humanitarian access to the besieged region. Denise Brown, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, wrapped up a three-day visit to the area following the recent opening of a supply route. The mission comes as towns like Dilling and the state capital, Kadugli, face spiralling humanitarian needs driven by prolonged sieges and a volatile security situation. Ongoing fighting continues to displace residents and obstruct the movement of both commercial goods and humanitarian aid, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. During the visit, Brown and a delegation of UN partners visited displacement sites and a local hospital to assess the crisis. They met with community members and aid workers to coordinate emergency requirements for the region. Sudan Tribune
Sudan Civilian Convergence Tracks Present ‘Initial Vision for Unified Path to End the War and Build Peace’
An independent group bringing together around 40 diverse Sudanese civil society initiatives, organisations and actors under the umbrella of the Sudan Civic Convergence Tracks (SCCT), say that they have developed “an initial vision for a unified civilian path to end the war and build peace,” that they say serves as a starting point for joint action and for unifying the independent Sudanese civilian voice around a realistic path to end the war and build peace in the country. The SCCT says that the initial vision follows more than six months of sustained work and in-depth discussions. “This vision is the outcome of a long dialogue process whose primary aim has been to build trust among different civilian groups, overcome isolation between initiatives, and create a safe space for discussion and convergence on the core issues that matter to Sudanese people in both war and peace. The vision also includes an assessment and analysis of the national crisis and the war, which is now approaching its third year, as well as possible future scenarios and what civilian actors can do collectively, in a gradual manner that takes into account the sensitivity and complexity of the current reality,” SCCT says. … The vision is primarily championed by the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagaddum), formed in late 2023, and the Sumoud alliance (meaning resilience in Arabic), headed by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Radio Dabanga
26 Doctors Without Borders Workers Remain Unaccounted for in South Sudan a Month after Attacks
More than two dozen Doctors Without Borders workers remain unaccounted for a month after attacks in South Sudan, the medical charity said. Two facilities operated by the group, known by French acronym MSF, were attacked on Feb. 3 in Jonglei State, northeast of the capital, Juba, where violence has displaced an estimated 280,000 people since December. A hospital in the town of Lankien was bombed by government forces, MSF said, while another medical facility in the town of Pieri was raided by “unknown assailants.” Both were located in opposition-held areas. Staff working at the two facilities fled alongside much of the local population into deeply rural areas where armed clashes and aerial bombardments were ongoing. MSF said in a statement on Monday that “26 of 291 of our colleagues working in Lankien and Pieri remain unaccounted for. “We have lost contact with them amid ongoing insecurity,” it said. The lack of communication with its staff could be linked to the limited network connectivity in much of the state. … Fighting escalated sharply in December, when opposition forces captured a string of government outposts in north central Jonglei. In January, the government responded with a counteroffensive that recaptured most of the area it had lost. AP
West African States to Create New Force to Fight Jihadists in Region
The 12 countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reportedly decided to create a new force to fight jihadists operating in the region. Sources told the AFP news agency that military chiefs made the decision during a meeting in Freetown over the weekend. Discussions focused on the rising terrorist threat, the expansion of transnational organised crime, and the persistent challenges related to maritime insecurity. The initial goal is to have around 2,000 troops ready to fight “terrorism and insecurity” across West Africa. Sources said they will remain stationed in their own countries, with Sierra Leone serving as a logistical base for the group. Officials are reportedly still thrashing out the details of how to finance the force and ECOWAS has not yet issued an official statement. The Sahel, which cuts across Africa between the Sahara and sub-Saharan Africa, has long been plagued by jihadist insurgencies led by militant Islamist groups. They have been particularly active in three former French colonies — Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — that quit the ECOWAS in recent years following military coups. The three countries have formed their own alliance, but a West African chief of staff says they will be encouraged to cooperate with the new force. The three countries “are in a part of the Sahel that is the epicentre of the fight against the jihadists. They must be included,” he said. Africanews
Nigeria: Taraba, Benue Governors Meet in Wukari, Set up Joint Committee to Tackle Border Insecurity
Governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Tuesday held a joint security meeting in Wukari, Taraba State, to address recurring attacks and insecurity affecting communities along their shared border. The meeting brought together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, and traditional rulers from both states to deliberate on coordinated measures to restore stability in the troubled areas. Speaking during the engagement, Governor Alia said his visit with a whole delegation from Benue underscored the urgency of collaboration between the two neighbouring states. “… On arrival in Wukari, the Benue governor paid a courtesy visit to the Aku Uka of the Jukun Kingdom, Ishaku Ali, where he acknowledged the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and social cohesion. Mr Alia commended the traditional ruler for his peace-building efforts, noting that sustained engagement with traditional rulers remains critical to achieving lasting security in affected communities. … Communities along the Taraba–Benue border have in recent years witnessed periodic attacks and clashes, leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents. Tuesday’s meeting signals renewed efforts by both state governments to adopt a coordinated approach in addressing the persistent insecurity. Premium Times
Nigeria: Tinubu Orders Immediate Release of Funds for Nigeria’s Space Assets
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of Nigeria’s space policy and programme as enshrined in the revised 25-year roadmap for space development. To this end, the president directed the immediate release of approved funds for the maintenance of the country’s space assets in line with the National Space Policy and Programme. … The President who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the approval on Tuesday during the first meeting of the National Space Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said, “Nigeria will not watch the new frontier unfold from the sideline. We will participate, we will compete, we will contribute. Our space ambitions must be anchored in outcomes, accountability and national value. “ … President Tinubu continued: “Space technology remains the foundation for cyber security and a vibrant digital economy. The space economy is rapidly growing and it’s expected to exceed 1 trillion dollars by 2040. When we invest in space, we are not funding a distant dream. “We are funding precision in agriculture and security in our borders; we are funding early warning systems against floods and fires, smarter cities, safer skies, stronger communications and a digital economy that can compete with the best in the world. We are funding the confidence of a nation that refuses to be trapped by the limits of yesterday.” Leadership
Ghana’s President Mahama Calls on African Leaders to Ratify Human Rights Court Protocols
President John Mahama has called on African leaders to deepen their commitment to international law and human rights. According to President Mahama, the global justice systems must serve all people, not just a privileged few. He said this in an address marking the 20th anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, where he became the first Ghanaian President to formally address the continental judicial body. … The President stressed that international law and human rights frameworks must operate fairly and equitably, and ensure protection and justice for all citizens across the continent. Prior to addressing the court, President Mahama held bilateral discussions with Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, which aimed at strengthening ties between Ghana and Tanzania. Judges of the court appealed to President Mahama to consider serving as “Champion and Chief Advocate” of the institution, a role that would position him as a leading voice in promoting the court’s mandate across Africa. Joy Online
Belgium Detains Three Suspected Cameroon Separatists in War Crimes Probe
Three people have been detained in Belgium as part of a probe into possible crimes against humanity and war crimes in Cameroon linked to the country’s secessionist rebellion, Belgian prosecutors say. They are suspected to be leaders of the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), a militia fighting for the independence of Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions in what is a mainly French-speaking nation. “Money is reportedly being raised for the armed struggle and for the purchase of arms and ammunition, and instructions for attacks… are said to be given from Belgium,” the federal prosecutor’s office said. The UN says more than 6,500 people have been killed since the conflict began nearly a decade ago. Separatist fighters in the country’s two English-speaking regions – the North-West and the South-West – took up arms in 2017 calling for the creation of a breakaway state called Ambazonia. BBC
South Africa’s Anti-apartheid Veteran and Ex-defense Minister Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota Dies at 77
South African anti-apartheid veteran and former defense minister Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota has died at the age of 77 after a long illness, his political party said on Wednesday. Lekota was a prominent activist against white minority rule in South Africa and served eight years in prison on Robben Island alongside other jailed anti-apartheid figures, including Nelson Mandela, from 1974 to 1982. Lekota was a fiery member of various political youth organizations during apartheid and was jailed even after he was released from Robben Island for his continued anti-apartheid activism. He served as South Africa’s minister of defense from 1999 to 2008 and was also the national chairperson of the African National Congress, which governed the country after the first democratic election in 1994. However, Lekota’s relationship with the ANC soured after former President Thabo Mbeki was removed as the country’s president in 2008, having lost the presidency of the ANC to former President Jacob Zuma in 2007. He formed a breakaway party, the Congress of the People (COPE), which contested the 2009 elections. It became the third biggest opposition party with just over 7% of the national vote and 30 seats in South Africa’s 400-member parliament. The breakaway led to a significant decline in the ANC’s electoral support in 2009, with many former ANC members and leaders leaving the party to join Lekota’s new political outfit. AP