This week, Somalia canceled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, impacting key areas such as port operations, security cooperation, and defense, citing actions that threaten its unity and sovereignty. Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi referenced reliable evidence of UAE practices undermining Somalia’s independence. This decision is reportedly related to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but is not internationally recognized, and has attracted UAE investment, including at Berbera port.
Kenya has reached a preliminary trade agreement with China that allows 98% of its exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free. This development follows President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing, which resulted in multiple cooperation agreements. Kenya’s trade ministry confirmed that discussions for a bilateral trade agreement commenced recently. The deal aligns with China’s strategy to eliminate tariffs on trade with 53 African nations amid changing global trade dynamics. Experts, such as Hannah Ryder, highlight that these agreements will be reciprocal, enabling African nations time to build their economies for better competition against China.
Ethiopian police have claimed to seize 56,000 rounds of ammunition allegedly sent from Eritrea to Amhara region rebels, escalating tensions between the two countries. Eritrea’s government dismissed the accusations as a pretext for Ethiopia to start a war. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have deteriorated since a peace deal in 2018, contrary to earlier cooperation during the Ethiopian civil war in Tigray. Eritrean officials warn of a potential conflict while expressing a desire for peace, particularly in light of statements from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed advocating for Ethiopia’s right to sea access.
Nigeria granted seven-year satellite permits to Amazon’s Kuiper Systems, Israel’s NSLComm for BeetleSat, and Germany’s Satelio IoT Services, enabling them to enhance space-based broadband alongside SpaceX. The permits were issued under the NCC’s commercial satellite communications guidelines, aimed at attracting investment and supporting the expansion of next-generation non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) systems. Amazon’s Project Kuiper will provide Ka-band services from 2026 to 2033, while NSLComm and Satelio IoT received similar approvals for their respective satellite networks, aligning Nigeria with global standards in satellite broadband services.
In South Africa, the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga witnessed severe flooding this week, leading to the closure of Kruger National Park and the evacuation of guests and staff. At least 19 fatalities, have been reported due to the heavy rains and subsequent floods that severely damaged homes and infrastructure. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the affected areas to assess damage and express condolences. Also, the Limpopo governor announced a 4 billion rand commitment for infrastructure restoration and is seeking additional government funds to address extensive road damage. However, a level 10 warning has been issued for more rain, prompting military and helicopter rescues in affected areas.
Chad reported on Friday that seven of its soldiers were killed in a clash at the Sudanese border, blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) involved in Sudan’s civil war. Government spokesman Gassim Cherif stated that armed fighters from Sudan had incursion into Chad, leading to the clash near Tine when Chadian troops demanded their departure. The UAE condemned the attack but did not specifically tie it to the RSF, which has conducted numerous attacks near the border. Cherif stressed the need to protect Chadian territory and warned against escalating the conflict which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with around one million Sudanese refugees in Chad since the outbreak in April 2023.
Niger authorities revoked the licenses of approximately thirty transport operators and truck drivers for refusing to transport fuel to Mali, which is experiencing shortages due to a jihadist blockade. The country, along with Burkina Faso, which is also under military rule, is facing an increase in jihadist attacks. Mali suffered severe fuel shortages in late 2025 after militants from the Group to Support Islam and Muslims interrupted supplies. Niger, planning to send 82 fuel tankers to the Malian capital under military escort, took action against operators who violated legal obligations. The supply issues have affected various regions in Mali, including causing flight cancellations at Bamako airport.
Madagascar is strengthening its military ties with Russia amid a political transition following the ousting of its previous administration. The Russian government is supplying military technology and has sent trainers to assist the Malagasy armed forces in operating this new equipment. The training will cover multiple military units in Antananarivo. Notably, Madagascar has a historical reliance on Russia for military hardware, even as it seeks global cooperation.
At least seven people were killed in Uganda on Friday amid ongoing vote-counting following a tense presidential election marked by an opposition crackdown and an internet shutdown. Violence erupted in Butambala, southwest of Kampala, as police and local officials reported different accounts of the situation. Opposition leader Bobi Wine was reportedly taken by the army to an unknown location, as President Yoweri Museveni leads with nearly 74% of the votes. Wine’s party has alleged mass fraud and called for protests. Despite a peaceful voting day, the campaign was characterized by repression and clashes at opposition rallies.
Researcher at Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy; and writer at Cultural.ng.