Mass Protests in Paris, Tunis Over Worsening Living Conditions

By Al Mayadeen English

17 Oct 2026 15:55

Demonstrators in Paris and Tunis take to the streets over rising prices and deteriorating living standards, with French police deploying tear gas in the capital.

Mass demonstrations swept Paris and Tunis on Saturday as protesters voiced anger over rising prices, worsening living standards, and mounting social and economic pressures.

In Paris, large crowds marched through the streets, joined by the “Yellow Vests” movement. Protesters raised slogans condemning the collapse in living standards as discontent over economic conditions fueled renewed public mobilization.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Paris reported that French authorities deployed tens of thousands of police officers to oversee the demonstrations, citing concerns about potential violence. Police fired tear gas at protesters gathered in Place de la République.

According to the correspondent, police also searched everyone entering the square and seized their belongings, while firecrackers could be heard continuously. The correspondent highlighted an official decision by the French authorities to prevent demonstrations that day before they even began.

French officials also traded accusations over the alleged use of the popular movement for electoral purposes, reflecting political disputes surrounding the demonstrations.

Tunisian protesters demand national dignity

In Tunisia, demonstrators gathered in Mohamed Ali Square in the capital, marching under the slogan: “Work, Freedom, National Dignity,” in response to deteriorating economic conditions.

Participants told Al Mayadeen that they remained committed to national sovereignty and independent decision-making. They vowed to continue defending the rights of the Tunisian people and to protect them from the “specter of hunger” and poverty.

Explosions at Army Ammunition Depot in Northern Khartoum Cause Panic, Damage Homes

17 October 2026

October 17, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Explosions at a Sudanese Armed Forces base in northern Khartoum on Saturday caused panic among residents and damaged several homes, while the military announced it had brought the situation under control.

The army said in a statement that an explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at an ammunition depot belonging to the Weapons and Ammunition Corps.

The military attributed the blast to the friction of ammunition inside the storage facility, which triggered subsequent limited explosions.

The statement confirmed that forces had fully contained the situation and secured the surrounding area.

Residents reported that the blasts at the Weapons Corps in the Kadaro area north of Khartoum caused structural damage to homes in the suburb.

Locals said the incident sparked widespread panic and fear among civilians.

Witnesses said they heard the explosions from relatively distant locations.

Thick plumes of smoke rising from the base were also visible from afar.

Khartoum is currently experiencing a large-scale voluntary return of displaced persons.

Approximately 2.5 million people have returned to the capital, out of 5.1 million who have returned to their homes nationwide.

The mass return follows improved security conditions after the army regained control of central Sudan and parts of North Kordofan.

Blue Nile Initiative Condemns Arbitrary Arrests Targeting Civilians Over Alleged Family Ties

16/10/2026 19:36

Prison (RD file photo)

The Civil Society Initiative in the Blue Nile region has condemned arbitrary arrests targeting civilians on suspicion of family or tribal links to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz El Hilu. 

Ali Hajo, the initiative’s secretary-general, told Radio Dabanga that security forces had arrested Elrih Younis Babiker, Elbagir Elamin Saad and Jabara Abdallah in El Roseires and taken them to an unknown location while blindfolded. He said there were reports that the detainees had been tortured.

Hajo said arrests had affected civilians across Blue Nile, particularly in Ed Damazin, El Roseires locality, Wad El Mahi and Geisan locality, with families often unaware of their relatives’ whereabouts. He said some detainees had been held for one to two years without investigation or charge.

The initiative warned that arbitrary arrests, alleged torture and enforced disappearances threaten peace, deepen grievances and undermine social cohesion. It called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of detainees, release those held without legal grounds or bring them before a court and allow families and lawyers access to them. FindLegal Aid

It also urged human rights organisations, the United Nations and international bodies to investigate alleged violations and help protect civilians.

Hajo warned that the security and humanitarian situation in Blue Nile was deteriorating, with displaced people facing dire conditions and drone attacks reportedly targeting civilian areas, including homes.

The initiative called for an immediate end to arbitrary arrests and urged the authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect civilians regardless of their identity or family ties.

Minawi Urges Restraint as Fallout from Deadly Sudan-Egypt Border Strikes Widens

15/10/2026 17:13 

NORTH WADI / ASHKEET / ARGEEN / WADI HALFA

Minni Minawi, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-MM), and wali of Darfur (File photo: FFC) 

Darfur’s governor says most reported victims of the North Wadi bombing came from Darfur, as rights groups demand accountability, cross border trade stalls and concerns grow over people fleeing the strikes.

Darfur governor Minni Minnawi has urged Sudanese and Egyptian authorities to establish the facts surrounding deadly strikes on artisanal gold miners near the Egyptian border, warning against collective blame as tensions rise between the two countries. 

Dozens of Sudanese miners were reportedly killed in airstrikes in North Wadi on Saturday. Minawi said most of the reported victims came from Darfur and called for an end to the demonisation of the joint forces, stressing that individual incidents must not fuel accusations against entire communities.

In a statement following a meeting with Egypt’s ambassador and consul in Port Sudan on Wednesday, Minawi said the Egyptian diplomats had expressed regret over the casualties and pledged that an ongoing investigation, conducted in cooperation with the Sudanese government, would establish the facts.

He urged both governments to coordinate their investigations, publish their findings transparently and hold those responsible to account. He also called on citizens and the media in both countries to avoid unverified reports and inflammatory rhetoric.

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Commander and Transitional Sovereignty Council President Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan has ordered a fact-finding committee to investigate the miners’ deaths, while the National Human Rights Commission has announced plans to establish its own inquiry.

This follows a similar probe by El Burhan conducted in the wake of a similar reported attack by Egyptian forces earlier this year on June 17 and 18. 

The Sudanese Observatory for Human Rights has meanwhile called for urgent verification of reports that people fleeing the strikes were detained after reaching Port Sudan, while others were taken into Egyptian territory. The organisation demanded disclosure of their whereabouts and guarantees for their safety and legal rights.

‘Border trade disrupted as calls for accountability grow’

The fallout has spread to cross border transport. The Egyptian Truck Drivers’ Union announced a suspension of truck movements into and out of Sudan until further notice, citing the killing of two Egyptian drivers in Khartoum and concerns over the safety of its members. ExploreHistory

Meanwhile, the Ashkeet and Argeen border crossings in Northern State remained closed for a third day amid protests against restrictions on personal imports and the import of fruit and vegetables.

Residents of Wadi Halfa warned that the restrictions were driving up the cost of basic goods, squeezing traders and worsening an already difficult economic situation. One resident told  Radio Dabanga that protesters could escalate their action if the authorities failed to respond.

Condemnations of the miners’ deaths have continued across Sudan, with political groups, Resistance Committees, the Sudanese Journalists’ Syndicate and other organisations calling for an investigation and accountability. Activists have also launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #Haq_Al_Dahaba (right of the gold miners), demanding justice for the victims.

The Justice and Equality Movement condemned the deaths of Sudanese miners while also expressing regret over the killing of two Egyptian nationals in Khartoum and the injury of a third. It urged the public to reject disinformation, inflammatory campaigns and unverified casualty figures. 

Int’l Military Attachés Commend Ethiopia’s Defense Measures, Affirm Right to Protect Sovereignty

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) — Military attachés from several countries have rallied behind Ethiopia’s right to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing the measures taken by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) to protect the country as encouraging.

The remarks followed a briefing at Bishoftu Air Force base, where foreign military representatives received updates on Ethiopia’s security situation and the developments of the past three weeks.

The attachés said the direct briefing helped address information gaps and clarify reports circulating on social media and other media platforms.

The attachés confirmed Ethiopia’s meticulous measures to protect its sovereignty and thwart any threats. 

They appreciated the government’s openness in providing accurate information to help understand the country’s security situation.

Lieutenant Colonel Gary Wolfenden, the United Kingdom’s Defense Attaché to Ethiopia, South Sudan and the African Union, said the visit provided a clearer picture of recent developments.

He described the measures taken by the ENDF to protect the country as encouraging move. 

Colonel Karen Such, Australia’s Defense Attaché to Ethiopia and the African Union and Vice Dean of the Defense Attachés Association, commended the ENDF’s actions to safeguard Ethiopia’s territorial integrity.

Brigadier General Shariful Islam, Bangladesh’s Defense Attaché, said military representatives had been awaiting reliable information from the Ethiopian government, particularly the Ministry of Defense, following the security developments.

He said the briefing helped clarify the situation and expressed satisfaction with the ENDF’s reported adherence to international laws and regulations.

Kenya’s Defense Attaché, Brigadier General Roba Wario, welcomed the opportunity to receive updated information.

He further stressed that Ethiopia’s security measures must be understood within the context of the law and the shared security interests of neighboring countries.

Defense Attaché of Gabon Embassy in Ethiopia, Colonel Aristide Anguilet, emphasized that protecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of citizens and foreign nationals is a fundamental responsibility of any country’s armed forces.

He added that the briefing helped clarify Ethiopia’s position amid misleading information circulating on social media.

Other representatives, including military attachés from South Sudan and Tanzania, highlighted the wider regional implications of Ethiopia’s security and stability. 

Representatives from Bangladesh and Tanzania also commended the ENDF’s reported efforts to comply with international humanitarian and human rights standards and protect civilians.

The attachés further stressed that peace and stability in Ethiopia are closely linked to security across the Horn of Africa.

They also called for international support for Ethiopia’s efforts to restore lasting stability in the region and beyond. 

As ENA learned, the briefing underscores the importance of direct engagement between Ethiopia and the international military community as the country addresses its security challenges, counters misinformation surrounding developments on the ground, and reinforces the imperative of regional stability across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

The Military Attachés Association expressed appreciation to the ENDF’s Directorate of International Relations and Military Cooperation for organizing the briefing.

Egypt’s Strategic Doctrine in Bab el-Mandeb and the Asmara Axis as a Proxy Regime

By Bruno Jomba

October 17, 2026 (ENA) 

For more than a century, Cairo’s policy toward the Horn of Africa and the strategic waters of Bab-el-Mandeb has been defined by a single, zero-sum security doctrine: total control over the Nile Basin and absolute dominance over the maritime choke-points of the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. Cairo’s national security framework explicitly securitizes both the Nile River and the Suez–Bab-el-Mandeb maritime corridor, treating any autonomous development along these lifelines as a direct challenge to its hegemony.

Under this strategic view, a strong, unified, and economically thriving Ethiopia—the natural geographic anchor of East Africa, is perceived not as a partner for shared growth, but as an existential threat. To prevent Ethiopia from realizing its true potential and securing its natural position along the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb corridor, Egypt has consistently sought to project instability onto Ethiopian soil. Whether supporting armed secessionist movements, exploiting internal fractures, or backing anti-state elements across different eras, Cairo's strategy in the Horn of Africa has remained unchanged: keep Ethiopia turned inward, consumed by domestic crises, and stripped of its sovereign maritime reach.

The Asmara Axis: A Proxy Regime Designed to Encircle

The enduring nature of the Shabia regime in Eritrea must be understood within a wider geopolitical framework. During the colonial era, Eritrean patriots fought valiantly against fascist Italian occupation, rallying behind the rallying cry "Ethiopia or Death"—a testament to their desire for unity and independence.

So what happens after Eritrean secession from Ethiopia? Well, the rise of Shabia in Cairo was not merely a domestic development but a calculated geopolitical move aimed at weakening Ethiopia. In the mid-twentieth century, as Ethiopia asserted its sovereignty and regional influence—particularly over the vital Nile headwaters—Egypt sought to extend control over the Red Sea corridor and counter Ethiopia’s growing regional role. By providing safe haven, financial support, and diplomatic infrastructure to exiled political groups and students in Cairo, Egypt effectively fostered a political base that transformed internal grievances into external armed rebellion. State-backed media outlets, such as Cairo-based radio broadcasts, amplified secessionist narratives deep into northern Ethiopia, fueling divisions and eroding national unity. This strategy created a protracted conflict—lasting decades—that drained Ethiopia’s human and material resources, deliberately fragmenting its national fabric and distracting the country from long-term development and regional leadership.

Even after secession from Ethiopia, Shabia instead of channeling its resources into infrastructure, economic development, or the welfare of its citizens, the regime in Asmara turned the state into a tool for regional destabilization. 

The Cairo-backed axis engineered a geopolitical strategy aimed at permanently severing Ethiopia from its historic coastlines at Assab and Massawa. Since its inception, the Eritrean regime has served as a strategic hub for foreign interests intent on keeping Ethiopia landlocked, vulnerable, and economically constrained. Its record across the Horn of Africa speaks volumes: provoking armed clashes with Yemen, engaging in border disputes with Djibouti, waging devastating wars against Ethiopia, and repeatedly intervening in the internal affairs of Sudan and Somalia.

External Aggression in Sudan and Regional Impunity

The real-world consequences of this aggressive intervention are starkly evident across the region today. In Sudan, as the nation suffers through a devastating internal conflict, foreign meddling has reached alarming levels. Recent Egyptian military strikes targeting civilian artisanal gold miners in Sudan—conducted without mercy for human life—demonstrate a severe disregard for international norms and regional sovereignty.

The Sudanese authorities, entangled in an existential conflict, feel compelled to exercise restraint rather than forcefully confront these violations underscores how deeply Egypt exploits regional vulnerabilities to project power without accountability. From the Nile Valley to the Red Sea coast, external interference continues to delay peace and tear apart the social fabric of the Horn.

The Heavy Economic Toll of Forced Landlockedness

The most severe consequence of this geopolitical containment has been the artificial stripping of Ethiopia’s sea access, turning a proud nation of over 135 million people into the most populous landlocked country on Earth.

The loss of Ethiopia’s Red Sea access after 1991 remains an unpardonable betrayal of Ethiopia’s sovereignty. An un-elected transitional administration, lacking any mandate or constitutional authority, unilaterally acquiesced to the separation of Eritrea and the surrender of vital ports like Assab without consulting the Ethiopian people. By endorsing that referendum while denying the nation a voice, this rushed and illegal process stripped a historic power of its coastline without due legal process, leaving over 135 million Ethiopians landlocked and dependent on foreign ports.

Every year, Ethiopia is forced to siphon billions of USD out of its national treasury into foreign port and transit fees. This massive financial drain strips the nation of capital that should be building modern hospitals, expanding universities, constructing industrial parks, and modernizing agriculture. High logistics costs burden domestic producers, make Ethiopian exports less competitive on the global market, and leave the economy vulnerable to external supply chain shocks. Had Ethiopia not been systematically cut off from its maritime outlets, those billions of USD would have been reinvested directly into domestic development, elevating Ethiopia into a vastly larger economic superpower and uplifting the entire Horn region.

Ethiopia's Two-Water Doctrine

To secure its future and guarantee regional stability across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Bab-el-Mandeb corridor, Ethiopia stands firmly on its fundamental Two-Water Doctrine:

First, Ethiopia asserts its absolute right to equitably utilize the waters of the Blue Nile. Projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) represent a triumph of self-reliance, designed to generate clean hydro-energy, power regional industrialization, and lift millions out of poverty without harming downstream nations.

Second, Ethiopia maintains its imperative for direct, reliable, and sovereign access to the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. Sovereign sea access is not a luxury; it is a core requirement for national defense, economic growth, and regional integration. No sovereign nation of over 135 million people can be expected to accept permanent maritime imprisonment or surrender its natural geographic rights.

A Peaceful Horn Anchored by Ethiopia

Despite decades of foreign intervention, proxy aggression, and deliberate encirclement, Ethiopia remains the resilient anchor state of East Africa. The future of the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb must not be dictated by foreign subversion or zero-sum military doctrines.

The peoples of Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti share intertwined histories, cultures, and destinies. When Ethiopia thrives, the entire region gains through shared clean energy grids, cross-border trade corridors, and collective security. The Horn of Africa deserves lasting peace, uncompromised sovereignty, and sustainable development—and an empowered, secure Ethiopia with guaranteed access to the sea is the key to unlocking that prosperous future.

Nile and Red Sea Inseparable Pillars Capable of Creating Regional Cooperation, Integration: Researchers

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —The Nile River and the Red Sea are inseparable strategic pillars capable of driving regional cooperation, economic integration, and shared security across the Horn of Africa, according to researchers.

The insights were shared during a high-level panel discussion held at the Nile and Red Sea Strategic Forum today.

Opening the panel under the theme “Nile, Red Sea and the New Politics of Survival in the Horn of Africa: Water Geography and Power in a Changing Horn”, Aregawi Berhe, CEO of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation in the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said that the two water bodies are inseparable components that strategically foster cooperation in the region. 

Although the Abay is known as the Blue Nile beyond Ethiopia’s borders, its source lies in Ethiopia, giving the country an undeniable and tangible stake in the river, he noted.  

However, Ethiopia has not benefited equitably from this resource as the country has not yet fully utilized the Blue Nile’s waters, he added.

 Having maintained international relations through the Red Sea for centuries, the CEO pointed out that Ethiopia has a historical and natural connection to the Red Sea. 

He recalled that Ethiopia has developed and utilized ports, including Adulis, Zeila, and Assab, along the Red Sea since ancient times.

Aregawi stated that the Red Sea has long served as a security guarantee for Ethiopia, underscoring that history supports this assertion. 

Ethiopia's separation from the Red Sea was the result of conspiracy, according to the CEO who stressed that respecting Ethiopia's sovereignty and interests requires collective participation.

He underscored the importance of developing a common understanding and urged that Ethiopians must strive for the respect of their sovereignty and national interests.  

Highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape, Shimelis Hailu, a Maritime Diplomacy Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, addressed the complexities surrounding the Red Sea. 

He described the region as a vital global shipping lane characterized by both immense economic opportunity and acute security challenges, including illicit activities and the weaponization of maritime chokepoints like Bab el-Mandeb.

The researcher noted that securing diversified, and sustainable access to the sea is an existential necessity for Ethiopia’s long-term economic survival, prosperity, and status as a regional anchor state. 

He outlined three potential modalities for achieving this: de facto sovereign access through shared transit corridors, joint port ownership and co-development, and full sovereign ownership. 

Similarly, Senior African Affairs Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Gashaw Ayferam, said water security and maritime access must be evaluated within a unified strategic framework.

He pointed out that the successful completion of the GERD marks a major technical milestone that has been translated into geopolitical and geo-economic victories. 

Nile can play a decisive role in the region’s energy security, agriculture, food production, tourism, and economic development.

In this regard, the Renaissance dam is poised to foster broader geopolitical and economic benefits through regional electricity trade, infrastructure development, and cooperation among Nile Basin countries.

Stressing the need to strengthen regional water governance and establishing effective institutions to ensure equitable and cooperative utilization of the river, he emphasized on transforming Nile water from a source of historical tension into a catalyst for regional integration and cooperation.

The researcher underscored the need for regional cooperation like the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) anchored in equitable utilization. 

For his part, Mulugeta Ayele, a Peace and Security Researcher at Addis Ababa University, analyzed the intersection of water diplomacy and maritime strategy under the "politics of survival."

He warned that intersecting security risks, climate pressures, and the rising involvement of global powers underscore the urgency of cooperative governance in the Horn of Africa. 

According to Mulugeta, trans-boundary water resources and maritime access should not inevitably breed conflict, provided that regional actors prioritize institutionalized legal agreements, mutual benefits, and transparent dialogue over zero-sum competition.

He underlined that the future stability of the Horn of Africa relies on shifting the regional paradigm away from competition and toward cooperation, transforming shared natural resources into instruments of collective prosperity and enduring peace.

Egypt Views Ethiopia’s Rise as Strategic Threat, Says Political Scientist Al Mariam

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign Red Sea access and its position on Abay (Nile) waters reflect a broader strategy to constrain Ethiopia’s economic development and regional influence, Ethiopian American scholar Emeritus Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam, underscored. 

Speaking The Pulse of Africa, Al Mariam, who taught at California State University, San Bernardino, said Egypt’s strategic concerns extend beyond water security to the wider balance of power in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

He traced Egypt’s ambitions concerning Ethiopia and the Nile Basin to the 1820s, when Egyptian forces advanced through Sudan in an unsuccessful attempt to extend control over the Nile region.

Egypt subsequently launched military expeditions against Ethiopia in 1875 and 1876, suffering defeats at the battles of Gundet and Gura, respectively.

These historical confrontations reflect a longstanding pattern of Egyptian efforts to secure strategic advantages over Ethiopia, particularly regarding the Nile waters originating in the Ethiopian highlands, he stated. 

He argued that successive Egyptian governments have sought to preserve their country’s dominant position in Nile water utilization, while colonial-era agreements and subsequent diplomatic initiatives have been used to reinforce arrangements that Ethiopia considers restrictive.

The professor maintained that Ethiopia’s right to use its natural resources for development has long been at odds with Egypt’s efforts to preserve its historical position on the Nile.

He further argued that Egypt’s strategic calculations extend beyond the river, with Ethiopia’s potential economic transformation and growing regional influence increasingly central to the geopolitical rivalry.

In his assessment, a stronger Ethiopia could emerge as an economic engine for the Horn of Africa, expand its international commercial connections and become a major regional power.

Al Mariam contended that securing reliable access to the Red Sea would strengthen Ethiopia’s economic prospects by expanding trade opportunities, improving access to international markets and supporting the development of commercial corridors.

He argued that Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions reflects concerns that greater economic and commercial connectivity could enhance Ethiopia’s geopolitical influence.

The professor characterized this opposition as part of an effort to keep Ethiopia economically constrained and limit its emergence as a more influential regional actor.

He also argued that Egypt has increasingly sought to advance its regional interests through political alliances and relationships, particularly involving Eritrea and Sudan, rather than direct military confrontation.

According to Al Mariam, such regional maneuvering risks increasing pressure on Ethiopia and complicating its efforts to achieve domestic stability, economic growth and greater regional influence.

Turning specifically to maritime access, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s landlocked status affects more than its geography, imposing economic costs and limiting its options for international trade.

He pointed to Ethiopia’s historical connection with the Red Sea, including its federation with Eritrea in 1952, to underscore that maritime access has long been a significant issue in the country’s political and economic history.

Al Mariam further noted that reliable access to a seaport could help Ethiopia expand imports and exports, strengthen regional trade and increase its economic weight across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.

He also highlighted what he considers a contradiction in Egypt’s position: while Egypt emphasizes its dependence on Nile waters originating largely in Ethiopia, he argued, it opposes Ethiopia’s efforts to secure maritime access.

The professor cited the presence of military bases operated by multiple countries in Djibouti as evidence of the Red Sea region’s strategic importance and the geopolitical interests surrounding maritime routes.

Al Mariam stressed, however, that his criticism is directed at the policies and strategic ambitions of Egypt’s political leadership, not the Egyptian people.

His assessment frames the disputes over Nile waters and Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea as interconnected dimensions of a broader regional competition involving economic development, resource utilization and geopolitical influence.

Abay River and Red Sea Inseparable Components of Regional Cooperation, Says GERD Coordination Office Chief

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —The Abay River and the Red Sea are inseparable components that strategically foster cooperation in the region, according to Aregawi Berhe, CEO of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation in the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Speaking at the Nile and Strategic Forum held at the GERD national coordination office, Aregawi emphasized the interconnectedness of the Abay River and the Red Sea. 

He pointed out that Ethiopia has a historical and natural connection to the Red Sea, having maintained international relations through this vital waterway for centuries.

 He recalled that Ethiopia has developed and utilized ports along the Red Sea since ancient times, including Adulis, Zeila, and Assab, highlighting these as examples of economic collaboration.

The CEO stated that the Red Sea has long served as a security guarantee for Ethiopia, underscoring that history supports this assertion. 

He explained that Ethiopia's separation from the Red Sea was the result of conspiracy and stressed that respecting Ethiopia's sovereignty and interests requires collective participation.

Aregawi emphasized the importance of developing a common understanding and urged that Ethiopians must strive for the respect of their sovereignty and national interests.

Massive Rallies Held in Support of Ethiopian National Defense Force in Amhara Reginal Cities

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (ENA) —Huge rallies were held today in various cities and towns across the Amhara region to demonstrate support for the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). 

The demonstrations took place in Gondar, Woldiya, Genda Wuha, Sekota, Debre Tabor, and several other towns.

The rallies supported the ENDF's efforts in strengthening national unity and safeguarding sovereignty. 

Community elders, religious leaders, youth, and other segments participated in the demonstrations, chanting various slogans in support of the defense forces.

Among the slogans chanted at the rallies were: "Our Defense Force, for the honor and unity of the people! We strongly condemn forces allying with our historical enemies to disrupt the country's peace! Our Defense Force are the symbol and emblem of our multinational unity! We support the measures taken by the government to establish peace!"

In Gondar City, one of the locations where the rallies were held in the region, Mayor Chalachew Dagnachew said the demonstration reflected residents’ solidarity with the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and regional security forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The people of Gondar would continue supporting the security forces while working to maintain peace and advance development in the city, he stressed.

The Mayor also highlighted Ethiopia’s aspiration for access to the Red Sea, describing it as a national vision linked to the country’s economic and strategic future. He called for unity and collective commitment to national interests.

A participant in the rally, Ambachew Belay said the defense force is working dedicatedly to ensure the public's peace and development, expressing his firm belief that the public needs to stand alongside the army by providing necessary support and solidarity.

The other participant, Bethelhem Degu, stated that she is committed to standing by the defense force at all times and under any condition as the ENDF is the guarantee of national sovereignty and the shield of the people. 

The participants noted that it is fitting and appropriate to support, assist, and express gratitude to the military force, which serves as a benefactor to the nation and a pillar of reliance for its people.

In Woldiya City, North Wollo Zone, residents and local officials expressed appreciation for the sacrifices being made by the ENDF, federal security forces, and regional security forces in protecting the country’s sovereignty and public peace.

Mayor Tamirat Demisse said the demonstration aimed to show solidarity with security personnel and strengthen public commitment to preserving peace and national unity.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between residents and local authorities, calling on civil servants to improve public service delivery and young people to contribute to peace and security in their communities.

Speaking at the rally in Debark, Mayor Getinet Tsegaw said Ethiopia’s history of resisting foreign invaders is being carried forward by the National Defense Force in the ongoing conflict in the north. 

He noted that the force is protecting the country’s borders through sacrifice and reaffirmed the town’s support for its members.

Getinet also stressed that the Defense Force remains central to safeguarding Ethiopia’s sovereignty and preserving the country’s honor, expressing confidence in the nation’s continued resilience.

Participants at the Debark rally voiced support for the National Defense Force and other security forces, describing them as symbol of national unity and calling for peace, sovereignty and stronger national cohesion. 

Their slogans also expressed support for government measures to maintain peace and highlighted Ethiopia’s aspiration for seaport.

Speaking at the rally in Sekota, Deputy Mayor Getinet Eshetu expressed gratitude to the National Defense Force for its role in defending Ethiopia’s sovereignty and preserving national dignity.

He said the force’s sustained military efforts thwarted the enemy’s plans in Sekota, describing its sacrifices as instrumental in protecting the country’s territorial integrity.

Participants of the rally also echoed similar messages. 

Tsehayu Alemu noted that since the ENDF is the guarantee of national security, the public must always support it. 

He added that the army is actively demonstrating the same heroic history of safeguarding national sovereignty that it inherited from past patriots.

Another resident, Wagaye Admasse, said "the defense force has preserved the honor of the nation."

She emphasized that it is a civic duty to support members of the ENDF who are making the ultimate sacrifice with their precious lives for their motherland. 

A youth representative, Gebrehiwot Mede, also stated that the actions undertaken by the defense force for the unity of the country is a source of pride.

In Dansha Town, Welkait Tegede Setit Humera Zone, Chief Administrator Ashete Demlew said residents were supporting the Defense Force while working to maintain local peace and pursue development.

He stated that the community’s commitment to local stability and development goes hand in hand with its support for the country’s defense efforts

Ethiopia Sets Up Tigray Caretaker Government as Ex-fighters Seek Return to Civilian Life

By KHALED KAZZIHA

2:06 PM EDT, October 16, 2026

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopia’s government set up a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray following renewed fighting in the region, as hundreds of former combatants registered Friday for a program to help them return to civilian life.

The new administration is expected to restore public services, help displaced people return and prepare for an election within six months under federal oversight, according to the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The announcement follows the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front rebel group, or TPLF, from Mekelle and the entry of government-allied fighters into the regional capital on Oct. 4.

Renewed fighting in the northern region in recent weeks has effectively shattered a 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war. Ethiopia also has accused Eritrean troops of occupying parts of its territory, while Eritrea condemned Ethiopia for what it called a declaration of war.

Former combatants seek to return to civilian life

At Mekelle’s Tigray Martyrs’ Memorial Monument, former fighters lined up to register with the authorities, some carrying papers or sheltering under umbrellas. Registration began Wednesday. Authorities declined to say how many former fighters had signed up.

“We were called upon by the TPLF to rejoin our former comrades and units, and doing so was even considered mandatory,” said Filmon Gebreselassie, a 33-year-old day laborer. “However, I did not want to return (to war). I decided instead to focus on raising my children.”

He said that he had disarmed after the 2022 peace agreement in Tigray, but had been unable to register before the reintegration program was suspended as new tensions rose.

Other former fighters were also signing up because they didn’t want to fight again, he said.

Many young men at the registration office declined interviews, citing fear of retaliation from the TPLF.

In an Oct. 14 statement on its official Facebook page, the TPLF denounced Tigrayans collaborating with the federal government as “traitors” and said they would face “accountability and public judgment.”

Human Rights Watch reported in June that Tigrayan authorities then in charge of Mekelle had ordered former fighters back to their units in a compulsory recruitment campaign. A TPLF spokesperson said those defending the region were volunteers, according to the watchdog.

The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former Tigrayan fighters is part of the 2022 peace agreement.

Abiy’s office accused the TPLF of obstructing the agreement and said that the latest fighting ended in its defeat. The rebels urged their forces to continue fighting and called on Tigrayans to support them.

Fighting is far from over, analyst says

Magnus Taylor, deputy Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group, cautioned against equating the loss of towns with an end to fighting.

“We shouldn’t imagine that this conflict is completely over just because the TPLF has lost Mekelle,” he told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Capturing towns and roads would hamper Tigrayan fighters without necessarily securing the vast rural areas where the rebel forces regrouped during the previous war, Taylor said.

Ethiopia also has accused Eritrean troops of occupying its territory, an allegation that the AP couldn’t independently verify. Eritrea described Ethiopia’s assertion that it was taking self-defense measures as a declaration of war.

Taylor warned that the proximity of the countries’ forces increased the risk of a wider conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation in a call with Abiy on Wednesday, according to the U.S. State Department.

Eritrean troops fought alongside Ethiopian forces during the 2020-2022 war, which caused about 500,000 civilian deaths through violence, famine and collapsed health services, according to researchers at Ghent University in Belgium.

___

Amir Aman Kiyaro in Hamburg, Germany, Filmon Equar Hailu in Mekelle, Ethiopia, and Desmond Tiro in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report.

Kenya’s Ebola Cases Rise to 7, Including Health Workers Who Cared for the First Patient

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI

11:43 AM EDT, October 17, 2026

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Three Kenyan health workers have tested positive for Ebola after caring for the country’s first confirmed case, the Health Ministry said Saturday.

Another person linked to the first Ebola case also tested positive while in quarantine, bringing the total number of infections in Kenya to seven.

The ministry said the four new patients were in isolation and receiving care. The other two patients were in stable condition. The first patient died on Oct. 5, days after he arrived in Kenya from Congo, where an outbreak has killed at least 4,300 people since May, accounting for nearly half of all confirmed cases there.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

Ebola is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, including blood and vomit, or through contact with contaminated materials and surfaces, such as bedding and clothing.

About 130 people who had been in contact with the first patient, a 40-year-old Kenyan man, were identified, the ministry said. Of those, 128 were in quarantine and two were being traced, it said.

Kenya has strengthened screening and established an emergency hotline for anyone who suspects they may have been in contact with an Ebola patient or develops symptoms.

An Increase in Killings of Women in Cameroon Spurs Protests and Demands for Better Laws

By NALOVA AKUA

9:54 PM EDT, October 15, 2026

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Geraldine Achiah, an elementary school teacher in her 30s, died barely two months into her marriage in September. Her relatives allege her husband beat her over a marital dispute and demand justice in what they say is a gender-based crime.

Her only child, Courage Abombi, 18, fondly remembers her support for his dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. “My mom died an unexpected and painful death,” said Abombi, who had to take a university entrance exam a day after his mother’s burial.

Achiah, who died in September, is one of nearly 70 women who were killed in Cameroon this year for reasons related to their gender, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs says. That’s up from government estimates of at least 50 in 2023 and 67 in 2024. The rise in such killings has sparked protests and calls for government action as many of the killings remain unsolved while others go unreported.

Manfred Amambua, Achiah’s husband, has denied killing his wife, the police said, while his lawyer wasn’t available for comment. He has been charged with murder and is in jail awaiting trial.

Femicide — the killing of women and girls for gender-related reasons — in Cameroon is mostly driven by economic dependence, unequal control over family property and lack of adequate laws in what’s widely viewed as a patriarchal society, activists say. The crisis reflects a global pattern with an estimated 50,000 women and girls killed by intimate partners or relatives in 2024, U.N. data shows.

Femicide cases in Cameroon have reached a “cruel” and “alarming” proportion, Women’s Affairs Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa recently told the state broadcaster as she promised more action from the government.

“The current economic situation in the country is not helping matters. With limited resources, many women tend to endure violence in their marriages, hoping that their men will change, which is not usually the case,” she added.

Limited laws, justice system contribute to such killings

At the root of the crisis is inadequate laws to punish offenders and a poor judicial system, activists say. While Cameroon’s Penal Code recognizes crimes such as rape, it does not have explicit laws or provisions on femicide, leaving judges to rely on general laws on harmful acts.

It is a common trend across many African countries where femicide is addressed through general homicide laws rather than expressly defining it as a distinct offense, although some have taken limited legal or policy steps that acknowledge femicide.

The Cameroonian government is working on a new bill that would establish femicide as a standalone criminal offense while also strengthening broader protections against gender-based violence. For rights groups and activists, that is only one of several hurdles to stop the killings.

Cases can be delayed with different tactics, including intimidation, corruption and procedural mistakes that can reduce charges or even lead to acquit

Even when convictions in such cases happen, the punishments are usually light and short of expectations, such as in 2025, when a man who pleaded guilty to killing his wife was handed a suspended five-year sentence and a fine of 52,000 CFA francs ($90).

‘A painful death’

Family and friends recently gathered in Yaounde for the burial of Achiah, who had just married her husband in July.

Her relatives are grappling with the loss and told the AP they’re not only worried about justice for her, but also for other victims of femicide.

“I pray that justice will follow its due course and that her killer will face the law,” Abombi said.

The AP obtained hospital records that noted Achiah had “several bruises on her face and lips” before she died.

Ndzana Bienvenu, an officer involved in investigating the case, said police gathered other evidence including phone footage of her and her husband after the alleged beating, as well as blood-stained bedsheet.

“We want justice for our daughter who died a violent death. This was a teacher who imparted knowledge on thousands of young Cameroonians,” said Regina Ngukum, Achiah’s cousin.

Protests demand justice and government action

Anti-femicide protests have been held in major cities in the country, including Douala and Yaounde, with thousands demanding more action from the government.

The proposed law against femicide is expected to be submitted to parliament for consideration in November. But in addition to the law, systemic barriers and support for victims should also be addressed, said Laura Sen, one of the protest organizers.

For many Cameroonian women who face violence at home, they often have to contend with hardship and stigma, especially when they already have children.

In the case of Achiah, her child said he is praying for justice for her death and “that her killer will face the law.”

“She keeps appearing to me in a dream, consoling me not to despair and that she is still with me,” he said.

South African Police Chief to Return to Work After Suspension Lifted

FILE -South Africa's national police commissioner Fannie Masemola appears in the Pretoria Magistrates Court in Pretoria, South Africa, April 21, 2026. (AP Photo/ Mogomotsi Magome, File)

8:41 AM EDT, October 16, 2026

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the suspension of the country’s national police chief, Fannie Masemola, his office announced on Friday.

Masemola is expected to resume his duties on Monday after he was suspended in April when he was charged with breaking finance laws related to an allegedly corrupt police contract.

He was charged alongside other senior officers who are suspected of fraud, corruption and money laundering in connection with the contract, but those charges were dropped by the country’s National Prosecuting Authority in September this year.

It is alleged that some of the officers received bribes from the $21 million contract’s winning bidder. The contract was for providing health and well-being services to police officers.

“President Ramaphosa welcomes the National Police Commissioner on his return to his full duties and expresses his appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane who served with distinction as Acting National Police Commissioner in the interim,” Ramaphosa said in a statement on Friday.

Masemola’s suspension came as the country’s criminal justice system faced scrutiny at a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by retired Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, where wide-ranging allegations of corruption within the police have been made.

His return to office comes in the same week that his former deputy police chief, Shadrack Sibiya, resigned from the police service amid allegations of corruption and sexual offense charges that he faces.

He is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman and sexually grooming a minor. There are also allegations made at the commission of inquiry that he has links to alleged members of criminal networks in the country.

He is currently in prison and a judgment on whether he should be released on bail has been postponed until next week.

Sibiya denies the allegations.

UNHRC and UNESCO Ignore Kiev’s Crimes — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the organizations are effectively participating in the West’s undeclared war against Russia

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Russian Foreign Ministry press service/TASS

© Russian Foreign Ministry press service/TASS

MOSCOW, October 17. /TASS/. The UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO are failing to notice the crimes of the Kiev regime and are effectively participating in the West’s undeclared war against Russia, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Izvestia.

"We have to admit that, for now, the UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO, and other bodies have little to boast about. They completely ignore the crimes of the Kiev regime against its own people and Russians, becoming in many ways part of an undeclared war of the collective West against Russia. Their prospects will depend on their willingness to listen to our arguments based on facts. The next test will be the reaction to the report we submitted to the aforementioned International Public Tribunal on the falsification in Bucha," she said.

The diplomat added that the professionalism and impartiality of the UN’s main judicial body — the International Court of Justice  inspire optimism.

"It has consistently made well-founded decisions on the claims brought by Ukraine, which accused Russia of 'terrorism', 'racial discrimination', and 'abuse of the Genocide Convention'. These claims were rejected. At the same time, the court is still considering the issue of Ukraine itself carrying out genocide in Donbass. We submitted the collected evidence and are awaiting a verdict," Zakharova noted.

Dmitriev Calls Suspension of Graham Act Historic Moment

Special representative of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries Kirill Dmitriev stressed that economic cooperation between Russia and the United States is in the interests of both countries

Russia’s Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev

© Kristina Solovyova/POOL/TASS

MOSCOW, October 17. /TASS/. The suspension of the law of the deceased Senator Lindsey Graham (recognized in Russia as a terrorist and extremist) is a historic moment, said Kirill Dmitriev, special representative of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

"Suspension of the Graham Act by the administration of President [Donald] Trump is an important and truly historic moment. Instead of sanctions and confrontation, we have dialogue, mutually beneficial cooperation, and shared responsibility for global stability," Dmitriev wrote on Telegram.

According to him, the Graham Act could have completely halted economic cooperation between Russia and the United States and caused serious damage to the American economy and global markets.

"Economic cooperation between Russia and the United States is in the interests of both countries, contributes to the stability of the global economy, and creates the foundation for building trust and achieving lasting peace," he said.

Trump issued an executive order saying that he would not impose a number of sanctions under the law tightening restrictions against Russia.

On September 18, Trump signed a bill passed by Congress that provides for sanctions against Russia’s top political and military leadership, state·owned companies, as well as secondary sanctions against Russia’s trading partners. According to the document, within 30 days after signing — or by October 18 — the Washington administration must determine which companies and individuals may be subject to the restrictions, or determine that such new restrictive measures are not in the interests of the United States, and notify Congress of this.

Russian Forces Hammer Ukrainian Metallurgical Enterprises in Overnight Strike

The facilities were used for the needs of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector and the Ukrainian army

© Alexander Polegenko/TASS

Russian forces delivered a massive overnight strike on major Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises, a transformer factory and an energy site in Krivoi Rog, Zaporozhye and Zhitomir. The facilities were used for the needs of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector and the Ukrainian army.

TASS has gathered key information about Russia’s strikes.

Strikes on metallurgical enterprises

In Krivoi Rog, the strike hit a metals plant - Ukraine’s largest metallurgical enterprise supplying metals products to the Ukrainian military-industrial sector.

In Zaporozhye, the strike hit the Zaporozhstal metals works, Ukraine’s largest metallurgical enterprise, part of SCM Group of Rinat Akhmetov. Previously, the plant’s annual output amounted to 1.44 million metric tons of pig iron and over 1.3 million metric tons of rolled steel. The products were largely used for the needs of the military industry

Attacks on power substation, industrial enterprise

In Zhitomir, the strike hit a substation engaged in distributing power from Ukraine’s western to central regions to provide for the operation of Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises.

In the city of Zaporozhye, the strike hit the industrial enterprise Zaporozhtransformator PJSC that produced 220-750 kV oil-filled power transformers. Since 2022, the plant has been managed by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and used for the needs of the Ukrainian army.

Strike on sea vessel carrying military supplies

The strike hit a dry cargo ship at sea delivering military cargo to the Odessa port.

Zelensky Reports One of Most Massive Strikes on Country’s Energy System

Over 15 major power generation and transmission facilities were attacked in various regions of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky said

Vladimir Zelensky Suzanne Plunkett - WPA Pool/ Getty Images

© Suzanne Plunkett - WPA Pool/ Getty Images

MOSCOW, October 17. /TASS/. The Ukrainian energy sector was confronted by one of the most massive strikes on its facilities on October 16 when over 15 major electric power generation and transmission sites were attacked, Vladimir Zelensky said on his Telegram channel.

"Over 15 major power generation and transmission facilities were attacked in various regions of Ukraine. <…> The most difficult situation has emerged in Lutsk, Rovno, Zhitomir, Vinnitsa, Shepetovka, Slavuta and Neteshin. The strikes were also delivered on energy sites in the Kharkov, Kiev, Dnepropetrovsk and other regions," he said.

On October 16, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops had begun delivering massive strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities.

Russian Presidential Envoy Describes Situation Around Ukraine as "Checkmate"

Kirill Dmitriev gave a comment on a post where independent UK political observer David Vance suggested that US President Donald Trump will no longer "allow Zelensky to play war games at a huge cost to the globe"

Russian Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev Sergey Bulkin/TASS

Russian Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev

© Sergey Bulkin/TASS

MOSCOW, October 17. /TASS/. The situation around Ukraine can be described as "checkmate," said Kirill Dmitriev, special representative of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

He wrote "checkmate," commenting on a post where independent UK political observer David Vance suggested that US President Donald Trump will no longer "allow Zelensky to play war games at a huge cost to the globe."

Earlier, Vance wrote that Brussels and Kiev are growing increasingly worried by Trump’s approach to the Ukrainian conflict, adding that the situation seems to be moving towards peace.

Egypt’s FM Mourns Journalist Gamal Nkrumah, Son of Ghana’s Founding President

Ahram Online 

Thursday 15 Oct 2026

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty mourned Al-Ahram Weekly veteran journalist Gamal Nkrumah, son of Ghana’s founding president Kwame Nkrumah, on Thursday following his death in Cairo.

Al-Ahram Weekly veteran journalist Gamal Nkrumah dies in Cairo

Nkrumah worked as a journalist and editor at Al-Ahram Weekly and was the son of the Ghanaian leader and his Egyptian wife, Fathia.

“With deep sorrow, I mourn Mr. Gamal Nkrumah, son of African leader Kwame Nkrumah, named after Gamal Abdel Nasser,” Abdelatty wrote on his official X account.

Nkrumah died on Wednesday, 14 October, after a prolonged illness, according to Ghana’s Graphic Online, which carried a statement from his sister, Samia Nkrumah. The family said he had been receiving care at a rehabilitation centre after suffering a stroke.

The family paid tribute to his commitment to justice, human dignity, African unity and international solidarity, saying his journalism examined the political, social, and cultural forces shaping Africa and the wider world.

It thanked the medical professionals and caregivers who supported him in Cairo, as well as the governments and people of Egypt and Ghana. The family said the memorial arrangements would be announced in due course.

Egypt’s National Press Authority has also mourned veteran journalist Gamal Nkrumah, who spent three decades at Al-Ahram Weekly, covering African and international affairs.

In a statement, the authority said Nkrumah made significant journalistic and intellectual contributions, bringing extensive knowledge to his work and highlighting issues of freedom and people’s independence, with a particular focus on Africa’s history, cultures, and challenges.

The authority noted that Nkrumah embodied a connection between Egypt and Ghana. He was the son of Ghanaian independence leader Kwame Nkrumah and his Egyptian wife, Fathia Nkrumah.

The authority’s chairman and members extended their condolences to Nkrumah’s family, friends, Al-Ahram Establishment, and his colleagues at Al-Ahram Weekly, praying for his soul to rest in peace.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Director Ahmed Zayed also offered condolences for the death of the veteran journalist.

In a statement, Zayed extended condolences on behalf of himself and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina staff to Samia Nkrumah, a prominent Ghanaian politician and member of the library’s Board of Trustees, who was the deceased’s sister, as well as to Nkrumah’s children and the editorial staff of Al-Ahram Weekly.

“Gamal Nkrumah helped establish Al-Ahram Weekly, one of the Al-Ahram Establishment’s leading English-language publications. Over four decades of journalistic work, he became an expert on African affairs and one of the continent’s leading analysts based in Cairo,” he said in his statement.

Al-Ahram Weekly Veteran Journalist Gamal Nkrumah Dies in Cairo

Ahram Online 

Thursday 15 Oct 2026

​The son of Ghana’s founding president and his Egyptian wife, Nkrumah spent three decades at Al-Ahram Weekly covering African and international affairs.

Gamal Nkrumah, the veteran Al-Ahram Weekly journalist and son of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, died in Cairo on Wednesday, 14 October, following a prolonged illness, according to his family and reports in the Ghanaian press.

Al-Ahram’s chairman, board members, editors-in-chief, journalists and staff mourned Nkrumah, paying tribute to his contribution to Al-Ahram Weekly over three decades. The institution honoured his journalistic and intellectual work, particularly his coverage of African and international affairs and his commitment to the aspirations of African peoples for freedom, justice and development.

Al-Ahram said his life and work embodied the depth of Egyptian-African ties and extended its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at Al-Ahram Weekly.

In a statement carried by Ghana’s Citi Newsroom, the family said Nkrumah had died peacefully while receiving care at a rehabilitation centre after suffering a stroke. It paid tribute to his intellectual independence and lifelong commitment to justice, human dignity, African unity and international solidarity.

His burial is scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, in Egypt, according to a family source quoted by Ghana’s MyJoyOnline.

Nkrumah’s career at Al-Ahram Weekly spanned three decades. A journalist and editor specialising in international affairs, he wrote extensively about African politics, the legacy of colonialism and the continent’s relations with the wider world. Ghanaian coverage of his death highlighted his engagement with Pan-Africanism and his role in connecting Ghana’s political heritage with Egypt’s media landscape.

Born in Accra, Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah was the son of Kwame Nkrumah and his Egyptian wife, Fathia. His father led Ghana to independence from Britain in 1957 and became the country’s first president in 1960. Gamal was named after Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser, whose close relationship with his father formed part of the wider cooperation between African liberation leaders.

His ties to Egypt deepened after the military coup that overthrew his father in February 1966. With Nasser’s assistance, his mother brought Gamal and his siblings, Samia and Sekou, to Cairo, where they attended Al-Nasr College in Maadi. In a 2002 interview with Al-Bayan, Nkrumah recalled Nasser’s support for the family and the impression his personal warmth had left on him as a child.

According to biographical accounts cited by MyJoyOnline, Nkrumah studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where he obtained a doctorate in political science. He also spent several years teaching development and economics in Zimbabwe before eventually settling in Cairo with his Egyptian wife, as he recounted in the Al-Bayan interview.

His work in Egypt extended beyond political reporting to an interest in African literature and cultural exchange. He advocated closer contact between Arab and sub-Saharan African intellectual communities, arguing that limited translation and reliance on Western cultural channels impeded their knowledge of one another.

Tributes in Ghana reflected his continuing connection to his father’s political ideals. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, described him as “an accomplished journalist and a proud Pan-Africanist” and offered condolences to the Nkrumah family on behalf of the constituency.

His sister, Samia Nkrumah, previously represented Jomoro in Ghana’s parliament and chaired the Convention People’s Party, founded by their father. His younger brother, Sekou, is a writer and political activist.

The family thanked the medical professionals and caregivers who had cared for Nkrumah in Cairo, as well as the governments and peoples of Egypt and Ghana for their support, and requested privacy as it mourned.

Egyptian Analyst Rebukes Egypt's Leaders for Trying to Block Ethiopia’s Sovereign Right to Red Sea

Addis Ababa, October 15, 2026 (ENA) — The Egyptian political analyst Magdi Khalil has strongly criticized the leaders of Egypt for opposing and fighting Ethiopia's right of access to the Red Sea. 

“If there were leaders in Egypt with vision and foresight, they would work to help Ethiopia gain access to the Red Sea instead of opposing and fighting it,” he said.

The Egyptian analyst criticized the country's opposition to Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to the Red Sea and called on Egypt to reassess its policy toward Ethiopia and shift from confrontation to cooperation.

In a Zoom interview with ENA, Khalil said that Ethiopia, as a large landlocked country, has the sovereign right to gain access to the Red Sea.

“Ethiopia has the sovereign right to conclude agreements with countries to secure one or more outlets on the Red Sea, provided this is done peacefully, whether for fifty or one hundred years,” he added.

The analyst further questioned the reasons behind opposition to Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea, noting that Ethiopia’s historical coastal presence had not been a source of harm to neighboring countries.

Ethiopia’s demands should therefore be addressed through cooperation and mutual interests rather than political confrontation and hostility.

Khalil called for a meeting involving the countries bordering the Red Sea to discuss shared interests and reach regional understandings.

The Egyptian analyst stressed the importance of replacing hostile competition with cooperation, emphasizing that peaceful agreements could provide a practical framework for addressing Ethiopia’s maritime needs.

According to him, some countries were willing to reach agreements with Ethiopia to provide maritime access, arguing that long-term arrangements could strengthen cooperation and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

Furthermore, Khalil criticized Egypt’s historical position on the Eritrean issue, noting that Egypt, alongside other Arab countries, participated in supporting the Eritrean Liberation Front, which was established in Cairo in 1960.

He argued that Eritrea’s independence in 1991 and Ethiopia’s subsequent landlocked status necessitate a reassessment of the regional positions that contributed to this situation. 

The analyst described Egypt’s support for the Eritrean movement as a historical mistake that harmed relations that should have been based on cooperation between the two countries.

Ethiopia’s New Political Chapter: Sovereign Sea Access at the Heart of National Ambition

By Staff Writer

October 15, 2026 (ENA) 

Ethiopia’s new five-year political chapter opens with a defining national ambition: building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous state while pursuing sovereign access to the sea. Under the Medemer Government, the government is highly anticipated to translating its electoral mandate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives while strengthening Ethiopia’s strategic position in the Horn of Africa.

At the heart of this agenda lies Ethiopia’s sovereign sea access aspiration. As one of the world’s most populous landlocked countries, Ethiopia has a compelling economic interest in reliable access to maritime trade. Securing such access through mutually beneficial arrangements could ease logistical constraints, improve export competitiveness, attract investment and deepen regional economic integration. 

Yet, maritime access is part of a broader national transformation. The success of Ethiopia’s new political chapter will depend equally on consolidating peace, strengthening democratic institutions, advancing national reconciliation and building an inclusive economy. The Medemer philosophy, which emphasizes cooperation, synergy and collective progress, offers a framework for pursuing these priorities. Its credibility will ultimately rest on the government’s ability to translate political commitments into measurable results.

Ethiopia’s domestic progress also carries regional significance. As host of the African Union headquarters and a major political and economic actor in the Horn of Africa, the country has both a strategic interest in regional stability and an opportunity to contribute to it. A stronger Ethiopia, supported by trusted institutions and a resilient economy, would be better positioned to advance its national interests while promoting peace and cooperation across the region.

Sovereign Sea Access: A Strategic National Priority

For Ethiopia, access to the sea is more than a question of geography. It is closely connected to security, trade, economic competitiveness, national development and long-term strategic interests. Dependence on external maritime corridors exposes the country’s economy to transport costs, logistical bottlenecks and disruptions in international trade. Reliable and diversified access to maritime infrastructure could help Ethiopian businesses reach international markets more efficiently, strengthen supply chains and improve the competitiveness of exports.

Ethiopia must be an integral part of the Red Sea security architecture. As a major regional actor with longstanding contributions to peacekeeping under the United Nations and peace and security efforts across the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has a compelling strategic interest in the security of this vital maritime corridor and a meaningful contribution to make. Excluding a country of Ethiopia’s regional significance from decisions affecting Red Sea security would leave a critical stakeholder outside a process with direct implications for its economic and national interests. Ethiopia should therefore have a meaningful seat at the table, enabling it to contribute to maritime security, protect international shipping, strengthen regional stability and help safeguard one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. 

Ultimately, the measure of progress will be whether Ethiopia can expand its maritime options, reduce trade constraints and strengthen its economic resilience while contributing to stability across the Horn of Africa.

National Unity as Foundation of Strategic Ambition

No national ambition can be sustained without internal stability and a shared sense of purpose. Ethiopia’s new political chapter must therefore begin with the responsibility to strengthen national unity, address longstanding grievances and rebuild public confidence. The country’s cultural diversity, complex history and competing political interests make inclusive state building essential. Unity cannot be achieved through declarations alone. It requires equal citizenship, constitutional protection, fair access to opportunities and institutions capable of managing disagreements peacefully.

The Medemer approach can help create common ground among political parties, government institutions, civil society organizations, religious institutions, traditional leaders and communities. The national dialogue process offers an opportunity to address historical grievances, identify shared interests and build a stronger foundation for consensus.

For this process to succeed, participation must be meaningful, diverse perspectives must be heard, and recommendations must inform practical reforms. National reconciliation should not be reduced to a political slogan; it must produce greater trust, improved relations among communities and more effective mechanisms for resolving disputes.

Democratic Institutions: Turning the Mandate into Public Trust

The durability of Ethiopia’s political transition will depend heavily on the performance of its democratic institutions. Parliament, the judiciary, electoral bodies and executive institutions must operate within their constitutional mandates and provide effective mechanisms for accountability.

The House of Peoples’ Representatives has a responsibility not only to enact legislation but also to scrutinize government performance, examine public expenditure and ensure that national policies respond to citizens’ needs. Effective parliamentary oversight can help identify implementation gaps, improve public spending and strengthen accountability. An independent and accessible judiciary is equally important. Citizens must be able to seek remedies when their rights are violated, while disputes should be resolved through impartial legal procedures. Consistent application of the law would reinforce equal protection and improve confidence in public institutions.

Political parties also have a responsibility to strengthen democratic practices by presenting credible policy alternatives, engaging in constructive debate and respecting constitutional procedures. The government, in turn, must protect lawful political participation, civic engagement and public criticism.

Combating corruption, reducing administrative inefficiency and improving public services are equally important. Transparent procurement, responsible financial management and accessible complaint mechanisms would help ensure that public resources serve their intended purposes.

These reforms are directly connected to Ethiopia’s broader strategic ambitions. Predictable institutions and accountable governance can strengthen investor confidence, improve the business environment and support the effective implementation of infrastructure and development projects. A government that earns public trust at home is also better positioned to build credible partnerships abroad. Democratic accountability is therefore not separate from national strategy; it is one of the foundations on which sustainable national progress depends.

Economic Transformation and Building the Capacity for Sovereignty

Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access must be supported by an economy capable of turning improved connectivity into prosperity. Access to ports and international markets can create opportunities, but the benefits will depend on domestic productivity, competitive industries and the capacity to generate value.

In this regard, Ethiopia’s “Made in Ethiopia” industrial movement is playing an important role in strengthening domestic production, advancing import substitution and expanding the country’s manufacturing capacity. By encouraging local industries to produce goods previously sourced from abroad, the initiative supports economic self-reliance, reduces import dependence and creates opportunities for domestic investment and job creation.

Agriculture remains central to Ethiopia’s food security and economy. Under the Medemer philosophy, the country has made notable progress, particularly in wheat production. Expanding irrigation, mechanization, research and agro-processing can further boost productivity, reduce climate vulnerability and increase farmers’ incomes.

Industrialization, manufacturing and digital transformation are equally vital to diversifying exports, creating jobs and strengthening domestic production. Reliable power, efficient logistics, access to finance and a skilled workforce will be essential to building competitive businesses.

Improved maritime connectivity could lower trade barriers and connect Ethiopian producers to global markets, while stronger domestic industries would help the country capture greater value from international trade.

Horn of Africa and Red Sea Region Cooperation for Shared Prosperity

Ethiopia’s national future is closely connected to developments across the Horn of Africa. Conflict, displacement, food insecurity and climate pressures frequently cross borders, while political tensions can disrupt trade and threaten the livelihoods of border communities.

The pursuit of sea access must therefore be approached within a wider framework of regional cooperation. Ethiopia’s strategic and economic interests must be connected to the Red Sea coast in the near future for mutual benefits. 

Port operations, transport corridors, logistics services and cross-border infrastructure can create commercial opportunities for participating countries. Improved connectivity can strengthen regional supply chains, expand markets and encourage investment in transport, manufacturing and trade-related services. A more stable and connected Horn of Africa would benefit Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations while supporting the development priorities of its neighbors. 

Ethiopia’s regional influence will therefore depend not only on the scale of its ambitions but also on its ability to build trust, sustain dialogue and demonstrate that cooperation can deliver tangible benefits.

Climate Resilience and Water Security on Nile River 

Equally important to Ethiopia’s ambition for sovereign sea access, the new Medemer Government must maximize the development potential of the Abay (Blue Nile) River by advancing additional hydropower and irrigation projects. Harnessing this strategic resource is vital to expanding electricity generation, strengthening food security and accelerating economic transformation.

Climate resilience remains central to this ambition. Droughts, floods and shifting rainfall patterns threaten agriculture, water supplies, infrastructure and livelihoods across the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s investment in hydropower and irrigation must therefore go hand in hand with sustainable water management, environmental protection and climate adaptation.

For Ethiopia, maximizing the Abay River’s potential is not merely an energy or irrigation priority; it is a strategic pillar of economic sovereignty, food security and long-term national development.

Youth and Women: Expanding the Foundations of National Progress

Ethiopia’s young population represents a major opportunity for economic growth, innovation and national renewal. Realizing this potential requires more than expanding education; it demands relevant skills, productive employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in public life.

Limited employment opportunities can deepen frustration, particularly when young people feel excluded from decisions affecting their future. Investment in technical and vocational education, digital skills and employment-intensive sectors would help connect education with the needs of the economy. Stronger links between schools, universities, training institutions and employers could improve the transition from education to employment. Support for entrepreneurship and small businesses could also enable young people to turn their skills and ideas into productive economic activity.

Youth participation is equally important in national reconciliation, community development and public debate. Providing meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute to public affairs would strengthen social cohesion and ensure that national policies respond to their priorities.

Women’s participation is another essential component of inclusive development. Expanding access to education, employment, finance, public services and leadership would allow more citizens to contribute to national progress and strengthen household welfare.

These investments have strategic significance. A skilled, productive and economically empowered population would strengthen domestic industries, improve export competitiveness and help Ethiopia benefit from expanded regional and international trade.

National ambition becomes more sustainable when citizens have a genuine stake in its realization. Empowering young people and women is therefore not simply a social objective; it is an investment in Ethiopia’s productive capacity, stability and long-term prosperity.

From National Ambition to Measurable Results

The credibility of Ethiopia’s new political chapter will ultimately depend on implementation. The government must translate its priorities into clear targets, allocate resources according to national needs and establish mechanisms for assessing progress.  Security, employment, public service delivery, institutional accountability and economic resilience should be central measures of performance. 

Public reporting would enable citizens to evaluate government commitments and identify areas requiring corrective action. Federal and regional authorities must coordinate their responsibilities while respecting constitutional mandates and local circumstances.

Consultation with communities, businesses, professional associations and civil society can improve decision-making and help identify emerging problems. Efficient public financial management, stronger procurement systems and effective anti-corruption measures would help ensure that limited resources deliver meaningful results.

The government must also balance long-term infrastructure investments with immediate public needs. Citizens expect improved access to health care, education, affordable food, employment and personal security. Progress in these areas will shape public confidence in the administration.

Strategic ambitions and domestic responsibilities should reinforce each other. Maritime access can expand economic opportunities and its full value should depend on productive industries, capable institutions, skilled workers and a stable political environment.

The ultimate test is whether national policies improve the lives of citizens while strengthening Ethiopia’s ability to pursue its interests through peaceful and constructive engagement.

All in all, Ethiopia’s new five-year political chapter presents an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous state. Its success will depend on the government’s ability to translate its electoral mandate and the Medemer philosophy into tangible progress in national unity, security, institutional accountability and living standards.

At the heart of the country’s strategic ambition is sovereign access to the sea. Pursued through mutually beneficial arrangements, maritime connectivity could help ease trade constraints, strengthen export competitiveness and deepen regional economic integration as well as ensure lasting peace.

Beyond its borders, Ethiopia must strengthen constructive relations with neighboring states, advance cooperation on trade, infrastructure, energy and climate resilience, and support regional efforts to prevent conflict. Its engagement with the African Union and IGAD can help advance these goals when backed by consistent diplomacy and practical commitments.

The government’s responsibility is therefore both national and regional: to build a state that citizens trust, an economy that expands opportunities and a foreign policy that advances national interests while respecting the legitimate interests of others.

Sovereign access to the sea may be at the heart of Ethiopia’s national ambition, but national unity, democratic governance and economic transformation will determine its success.

The defining measure of the Medemer State will be its ability to turn this ambition into lasting improvements in citizens’ lives while contributing to a more peaceful, stable and economically integrated Horn of Africa.