UK Leader Burnham Hints at Apology for Country’s Role in Slave Trade but Rejects Reparations

By DANICA KIRKA

3:27 PM EDT, October 31, 2026

LONDON (AP) — U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham says his government will consider apologizing for the first time for its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, but has rejected calls for the country to pay reparations.

Writing in the Guardian on Saturday, Burnham said Britain needed to acknowledge its “complicated history” in order to protect the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent nations that grew out of the British Empire.

Burnham travels to Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean next week for a meeting of Commonwealth leaders, which he hopes will bolster the U.K.'s relations with nations in Africa and the Caribbean, many of which were former colonies.

“For years, those members of the Commonwealth affected by the slave trade have asked for an honest conversation about the legacies of slavery,” Burnham said. “By sticking our heads in the sand, we have damaged the ability of the Commonwealth to function.”

Burnham said his government is offering to begin a “structured dialogue” with those affected by slavery and will listen to calls for a formal apology by the British state, which benefited hugely from the slave trade before it was outlawed in 1833 — the British Empire was arguably founded on it.

“I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part,” Burnham said.

Burnham gets former prime minister Brown on board to focus on debt

Instead, the prime minister said, he wants to address the issues that face the Commonwealth and other nations today, including high levels of debt faced by many developing countries.

Burnham said he would work with other wealthy nations and investors to help vulnerable countries pay off their debts over a longer period and at lower interest rates.

To help move this initiative forward, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a champion of debt relief for developing nations, will attend the Commonwealth meeting, he said.

The king has been in a bind as to what he can say

King Charles III faced calls for Britain to apologize and pay reparations during the first phase of a nine-day trip to the Caribbean that will end with the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting Sunday through Wednesday in St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, on Tuesday, Charles acknowledged “the great suffering and injustices of the past” but stopped short of an apology.

The king, whose forebears directly benefited from the slave trade, has been prevented from going further because it was government policy not to apologize for the country’s role in the slave trade and Britain’s constitutional monarch speaks on behalf of the elected government.

Britain seeks to shore up relations with former colonies

Burnham’s comments come as Britain seeks to shore up relations with its traditional allies in the Commonwealth in the face of economic, environmental and military challenges around the world.

A change in the government’s position could also respond to younger, more liberal voters at home, where activists have called for Britain to reexamine the legacy of its colonial history. It involved the transfer of several million people from Africa to work, often in the most arduous conditions, on plantations in the Caribbean, North America and elsewhere.

In 2020, anti-racism protesters in Bristol tore down the statue of Edward Colston, an English merchant and politician, saying the city should no longer glorify the life of a slave trader. Colston was a deputy governor of the Royal African Company, which shipped thousands of enslaved people to English colonies in the Americas.

The descendants of some British people who profited from the slave trade have already apologized and offered compensation. They include the owner of the Guardian, a liberal newspaper where leaders of Burnham’s Labour Party often lay out policy initiatives.

U.K. politicians have traditionally focused on the country’s role in banning the slave trade in 1807 and outlawing slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833.

But Burnham said it is now time for the country to acknowledge the other side of the story as well.

“We are a country where brave people led the way in abolishing slavery, but we are also a country that participated in the trade in human lives,” he said.

“The trans-Atlantic slave trade was a brutal and barbaric violation of those people,” Burnham said. “I want to express my sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions of people, and to recognize the way it still shapes our world today.”

Change of tack receives modest welcome

Barbados’ prime minister, Mia Mottley, welcomed Burnham’s acknowledgment of the “brutality of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, his openness to a formal apology and his offer of structured dialogue” but said there were differences on the issue of reparations.

“Those differences should not prevent progress on health, education, tackling poverty and inequality, and fairer debt terms for vulnerable states,” she said on X.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of nearby Antigua and Barbuda, echoed Mottley’s response, calling Burnham’s comments a “significant and welcome development.”

“The Caribbean’s longstanding position on reparatory justice remains unchanged,” he wrote on Facebook. “Differences over financial compensation should be addressed through dialogue, but they need not prevent progress in areas where agreement is possible.”

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Associated Press writer Pan Pylas in London contributed to this report.

Putin Describes Russia and Africa as “Natural Allies” in Multipolar World Order

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2026 (ENA) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Russia and Africa as "natural allies" in shaping a multipolar, democratic world order anchored in international law, sovereignty, and equality. 

Speaking on October 29 at the second plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, the president emphasized the strong friendship and close partnership connecting the two sides.

“We are natural allies in building a multipolar, genuinely democratic world order, a world order free from diktat and double standards, based on respect for the norms of international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnectedness,” he stated. 

 President Putin further reaffirmed Russia’s interest in supporting African countries as they defend their sovereignty, pursue independent development, and strengthen their economies and social sectors. 

 He also expressed Moscow’s readiness to maintain close cooperation with African nations to advance these shared objectives.

 Highlighting the growing economic partnership, the President said Russian companies have been implementing major investment projects across Africa in various sectors, including energy production, peaceful nuclear energy, mining, industrial cooperation, logistics, and tourism. 

 Russian businesses, he noted, conduct their operations with integrity and respect for their African partners, emphasizing equality and mutual benefit in their engagements.

 “They work on an equal footing with their partners and, rather than extracting profits as the former colonial powers once did,” he noted, adding, “they do the opposite: they invest and reinvest their earnings in the development of your national economies”.

He added that Russian companies also share advanced technologies and expertise, engage local subcontractors, establish production facilities and create employment opportunities.

 Russia’s role as a reliable supplier of food and agricultural products to African markets has been supporting food security across the continent, Putin underscored.

Turning to peace and security, he said Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, contributes to resolving existing conflicts and preventing new ones in Africa.

“In doing so, we consistently adhere to the fundamental principle you yourselves have proclaimed: African solutions to African problems,” he stressed.

The president also said Russia was undertaking various initiatives to support African countries in maintaining domestic stability, strengthening security and enhancing their defense and law enforcement capabilities.

Ethiopian News Agency Signs Agreement with ITAR-TASS and Russia Today (RT)

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Russia’s ITAR-TASS news agency and Russia Today (RT). 

The agreement was signed today in Moscow on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa Media Forum, ENA learned.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadera Abera and TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov signed the agreement on behalf of the two sides.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in exchanging information, building professional capacity through personnel training, and facilitating mutual staff visits.

The partnership is expected to enhance professional exchanges and strengthen collaboration between the two news agencies.

PM Abiy Invites Russian Institutions to Partner with Ethiopia’s AI University

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for deeper scientific cooperation with Russia, specifically inviting Russian institutions to partner with Ethiopia’s newly established Medemer University of Artificial Intelligence.

Addressing the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of building local technological capabilities.

“Ethiopia is establishing the Medemer University of Artificial Intelligence in Addis Ababa. We invite Russian universities and institutions to work with us in teaching and research.”

The initiative is part of Ethiopia’s broader push for ''technological sovereignty," ensuring that AI development reflects local needs. 

“An African researcher should be able to create tools in the language of our people, and our institutions should decide how those tools use our data,” he said.

Beyond AI, PM Abiy identified food security and energy as key pillars for cooperation, including the development of a nuclear power plant to diversify Ethiopia's energy mix. 

He stressed that these partnerships must focus on tangible outcomes. “Innovation must find its way into production and trade”, the Premier noted.

Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, which date back to the late 19th century, he emphasized that modern cooperation must be backed by clear action plans. 

The PM concluded by highlighting that true independence requires both the right to decide and the ability to execute those decisions.

“Independence gives us a right to decide. Capability gives us a means to put those decisions into action.”

UN Special Envoy Commends Ethiopia’s Role in Promoting Regional Peace, Security

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2026 (ENA) — United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong has commended Ethiopia for its contributions to promoting peace and security in the region through peacekeeping engagements and initiatives that foster regional dialogue.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Guang highlighted Ethiopia’s role in hosting platforms that bring together national, regional and international stakeholders to discuss peace and security challenges, particularly the Tana Forum, held annually in Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana.

He further described the forum as an important platform for exchanging views on regional challenges, exploring opportunities and identifying ways for international partners to work with regional and continental organizations in addressing common concerns.

He stressed the need for countries in the region to reaffirm their commitment to respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

Guang also underscored the importance of addressing regional geopolitical dynamics and strengthening regional and continental institutions so they can take the lead in resolving security challenges, with support from the United Nations and the wider international community.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic importance, he said the country, with a population of more than 130 million and a growing economy, plays a significant role in regional peace and security.

He further noted that Addis Ababa has established itself as a major diplomatic hub, while Ethiopia has made important contributions to peace initiatives across the Horn of Africa.

Recalling his experience working in South Sudan, Guang said Ethiopia, alongside other neighboring countries, played an important role in bringing conflicting parties together ahead of the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

On Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea, the Special Envoy emphasized that the issue should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations with the countries concerned.

He reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support initiatives aimed at easing regional tensions, including efforts to facilitate structured dialogue on sea access.

Former PM Hailemariam Says Ethiopia’s Pursuit of Sea Access Rational

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s pursuit of sustainable sea access is a rational and undeniable national aspiration that should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said.  

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Hailemariam said the central question should not be whether Ethiopia needs access to the sea, but how the country can secure it peacefully through mutually beneficial arrangements. 

He noted that Ethiopia, with a population of about 130 million, a growing economy and a vast land area, is the world’s most populous landlocked country.  

He described the loss of direct maritime access as a historical scar that continues to shape the country’s economic and strategic interests. 

The former premier also questioned the geographical circumstances that have left Ethiopia without direct access to the Red Sea despite its proximity, saying the issue deserves serious consideration. 

He traced the current regional arrangement to the European scramble for Africa in the 1880s, arguing that leaving the matter unresolved would pass the challenge from one generation to the next. 

 According to him, history, geography, culture and law are important considerations in discussions about Ethiopia’s maritime interests, particularly the role of sea access in trade, economic development and regional integration. 

He further urged neighboring countries to view Ethiopia’s aspirations in the context of shared economic growth, peace and security, emphasizing the need to find a solution that serves the interests of the region and future generations. 

“Access to a sea outlet should be viewed as a crucial catalyst for joint regional development”, he stressed, calling for constructive discussions to find a mutually beneficial solution.  

Hailemariam also warned that opposition to Ethiopia's maritime aspirations stems from a malicious intent to undermine the country's anchor role and regional power status.  

Drawing a parallel to past regional tensions, he recalled how Egypt previously argued that filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would severely harm downstream interests and demanded a 20-year timeline, only for the filling to be successfully completed in four years while Egypt ultimately received more water.  

Stakeholders should face the sea-access issue realistically and pursue a peaceful solution that supports shared development and regional stability rather than act out of unfounded fears, he concluded with a traditional proverb: "A dog chased by a hyena by moonlight will not venture outside by day."

World Bank Calls for Translating African Urbanization Into Growth, Jobs

Source: Xinhua| 2026-10-31 10:14:30|Editor: huaxia

ABIDJAN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank (WB) has called on countries in sub-Saharan Africa to turn the region's rapid urbanization into a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation.

The region's urban population grew from 170 million in 1975 to 913 million in 2025 and is projected to reach 1.7 billion by 2050, the international financial institution said in a report, adding that around 15 million young people enter the region's labor market each year.

Sustained population growth in particular underscores the need for creating more jobs correspondingly for youth while expanding access to productive, better-paying employment, according to the report titled "Africa's Urban Awakening: Catalyzing Economic Growth and Job Creation," which was published Wednesday.

The Bank recommends better planning for urban expansion, targeted investment in infrastructure and transport, and stronger regulatory frameworks and land governance. It also calls for greater mobilization of private capital to finance urban facilities and services.

Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, WB division director for Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, Guinea and Togo, noted that currently in the region, "productivity gains remain limited, incomes have grown slowly, and too many jobs remain informal and poorly paid."

In Cote d'Ivoire, official data showed it had 17.84 million urban residents out of an estimated total population of 32.8 million last year. The number of localities with more than 100,000 inhabitants increased from eight in 1998 to 17 in 2021.

The West African country has prioritized urban development, mobility and improvements in people's living conditions in its 2026-2030 national development plan.

China Grants 30 mln USD to Support Small-scale Development Project in Nigeria

Source: Xinhua| 2026-10-30 20:27:30|Editor: huaxia

ABUJA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday signed a 30-million-U.S. dollar grant agreement with Nigeria to support small-scale development projects across the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Nigerian Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai said China had recently granted 200 million yuan (about 29.79 million U.S. dollars) to support Nigeria's economic and social development, particularly through mutually agreed projects designed to directly benefit Nigerians.

Yu said the grant would support "small but beautiful" projects requiring limited investment, delivering quick results and improving people's livelihoods.

He expressed confidence that the Nigerian government would make effective use of the funds to achieve the intended development outcomes.

Abubakar Bagudu, Nigeria's minister of budget and economic planning, expressed deep appreciation for China's continued support, describing the newly signed agreement as "evidence of strong bilateral relations and shared development objectives" between the two countries.

Bagudu highlighted the Nigerian government's efforts to tackle poverty at the grassroots, saying more than 8,809 interventions had been recorded at the lowest level of the economic support program.

Bagudu said Nigeria could learn from China's poverty alleviation strategy to accelerate its national development.

Justice Department Seeks to Isolate Alaska Ballots as Criminal Probe Underway Over Senate Candidate

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, JOSHUA GOODMAN and BECKY BOHRER

12:29 AM EDT, October 31, 2026

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice pushed Friday for a court order to isolate certain Alaska ballots to investigate potential voter confusion, while federal officials confirmed the existence of a criminal probe over a Senate candidate who shares a name with the Republican incumbent.

The dueling developments came days before Tuesday’s ranked choice general election, in a race headlined by two-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola. The race is among a handful nationwide expected to determine control of the Senate.

Alaska U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman told reporters in Anchorage that the investigation has been ongoing for several months, but recent revelations from The New York Times that Peltola’s campaign appeared to be involved in recruiting retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan have resulted in a “significant surge of law enforcement assets to Alaska.”

Separately, the Justice Department — as part of a lawsuit it filed last week — asked a judge to order that state elections officials isolate ballots ranking Dan J. Sullivan to investigate potential voter “confusion” with the senator. The owner of a boat dealership in the candidate’s hometown of Petersburg who had donated to his campaign told The Associated Press that an FBI agent visited the business and wanted to know whether he had been misled by Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy. He said he had not and that “Everybody knows who the incumbent is.”

Alaska Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Bryan Wilson, in a filing, said the government “seeks to preserve and segregate all ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan for the purposes of investigating whether such ranking was the product of voter confusion, should such an investigation become necessary.”

The Department of Justice also filed with the court a list of proposed questions it seeks to compel the Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to answer as part of the civil case seeking to block certification of the Senate race if the incumbent loses. President Donald Trump has said he told the department to file the case.

Peltola denied Thursday that she knew anything about the effort to put Dan J. Sullivan on the ballot: “I am not interested in tricking voters,” she said.

Democrats, including the DSCC, have repeatedly denied that they were involved in any campaign trick. Dan J. Sullivan has long denied he was running at Democrats’ behest.

The request to segregate the ballots in Alaska comes after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Justice Department’s request for California to set aside disputed ballots received in the midterm election sent to some 20,000 people the administration contends may not be U.S. citizens. California officials argued the list is highly unreliable and most likely includes many people who are U.S. citizens.

Justice Department attorneys in the Alaska case said there is a “substantial risk” that Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy “will mislead voters and ultimately result in an electoral process that lacks integrity.”

“To guard against this danger, the United States seeks an order directing Defendants to preserve and segregate all ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan for the purposes of investigating whether such ranking was the product of voter confusion, should such an investigation become necessary,” the filing states. It requests a decision by Monday.

Attorneys for the state in response questioned how segregation would be possible, writing that voters’ ballots are commingled in the ballot box on Election Day and that election workers couldn’t segregate ballots ranking Dan J. Sullivan without violating ballot secrecy protections. Ballots segregated or not wouldn’t reveal any voter’s reason for voting for Dan J. Sullivan, they said.

They have asked a judge to dismiss the case and said Alaska elections officials already took steps to distinguish the two Sullivans on the ballot. The senator is listed as Dan S. Sullivan, Republican and incumbent, while the challenger is listed as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., with no party affiliation. That’s also how they appeared on the August open primary ballot.

Attorneys for the state also have argued that Alaska’s ranked voting system further addresses concerns about potential confusion by allowing voters to rank both Sullivans.

Timing of Justice Department announcements unusual

Heyman on Friday would not say what potential crimes authorities are looking into or the targets of the probe, but asked members of the public to come forward with tips that could help investigators.

It’s highly unusual for Justice Department officials to publicly discuss a criminal investigation or even confirm its existence. The timing of the press conference is particularly notable given the Justice Department has had a longstanding practice of avoiding taking public steps in the weeks leading up to an election that could be perceived as attempting to influence a political outcome.

Trump during a rally late Friday in Florida said Peltola and Dan J. Sullivan should be prosecuted. He noted U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche was in attendance and said, “He’s going to make his own decision.”

Trump, then addressing Blanche directly, said of decisions regarding the case, “Todd, please make your own,” and watched Blanche’s response.

Trump added: “OK, he said ‘yes.’”

Peltola, at a campaign rally in Anchorage late Friday, said she is “so deeply offended by these accusations about having any involvement with anyone else’s candidacy.” She said she doesn’t need any help in winning the race outside of the support of voters.

She was asked before the rally if it was possible that someone on her campaign was involved in recruiting Dan J. Sullivan: “I have no idea,” she told KTUU. “I honestly have no idea.”

The Times story revealing the potential recruitment of Dan J. Sullivan was based partly on interviews with a former campaign manager, Elisa Rios, who was fired before the August primary. Asked about Rios by the station, Peltola said certain people are “gone for a good reason. If I could fire them again, I’d be happy to fire them again.”

Federal prosecutors this week issued dozens of grand jury subpoenas and requests to preserve records, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said, following The New York Times’ reporting, that he’d ordered an investigation into whether any violations took place.

Meanwhile, the Alaska Democratic Party has sued state elections officials, alleging absentee in-person voting sites did not open as advertised in some rural communities. The director of the Division of Elections in a letter dated Monday said the agency signs agreements with local or tribal offices to operate the sites and that most of the 18 highlighted had opened. A message seeking comment from the state Department of Law was not immediately returned.

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Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska. AP reporter Will Weissert contributed from Washington.

Libya Halts Oil Pumping from Hamada Fields to Zawiya Refinery

Libyan Martyred Revolutionary Leader Col. Mummar Gaddafi was assassinated by the Pentagon-CIA and NATO mercenaries.

Source: Xinhua| 2026-10-30 23:10:15|Editor: huaxia

TRIPOLI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Friday the suspension of crude oil pumping from the Hamada oil fields to the Zawiya refinery after an armed group shut down a valve on the main Hamada pipeline.

The NOC said in a statement that the major pipeline carries crude from the northwestern inland fields of Hamada to the Zawiya refinery on Libya's northwest coast west of Tripoli.

It said the sudden closure caused a sharp pressure spike, forcing technical teams to halt pumping to protect facility safety, and warned the continued closure would result in the loss of around 15,000 barrels of crude per day.

The NOC called on relevant authorities to take necessary measures to reopen the valve and resume pumping as soon as possible, reiterating the need to protect oil facilities from attacks that threaten production and supply continuity.

Algeria Approves Troop Deployment to Niger: What is Their Mission?

By Clara Nabaa & Jeremiah Fisayo-Bambi

26 October 2026 - 14:09 GMT+1

This rare move comes amid strengthened security ties between Algeria and Niamey following the thwarting of an attempted coup in Niger in August.

Algeria has approved sending troops to neighbouring Niger to "protect energy installations", in particular oil projects operated by the state-owned company Sonatrach, marking what will be the country's first foreign deployment of military forces since the 1970s.

The rare measure comes as both countries strengthen security ties months after a thwarted mutiny in Niger, which has seen Algeria gift four military helicopters to Niamey.

The move was approved in a closed extraordinary session of the parliament on Sunday, where 148 of the 174 lawmakers were present in the upper house and voted in favour of the deployment.

The parliament's lower house said it also voted "by an absolute majority" to deploy the military unit in Niger, though it did not provide numbers.

Article 91 of the Algerian constitution stipulates that any deployment of troops abroad must be endorsed by two-thirds of the members of each chamber.

The overseas deployment will be a first since Algiers sent troops to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

So far, the authorities have not announced the size of the force to be sent or the start date of its mission, while stressing that the deployment will be limited and focused on protecting Algerian investments.

Growing military cooperation

Sunday's vote followed a visit last Wednesday by Niger's Defence Minister Salifou Modi to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the country's army chief Saïd Chengriha.

According to Algerian reports, a military cooperation protocol was signed by the two sides during the visit.

Tebboune had paved the way for this step on 3 October, declaring in a televised address that his country was ready to defend Niger. He said, "We will protect Niger whatever it takes," accusing unnamed states of plotting against it.

After providing the helicopters in August, Algeria dispatched four Su-30 fighter jets accompanied by an in-flight refuelling aircraft, to support Nigerien authorities when a coup attempt was foiled in the same month.

Oil and gas projects

Economic interests are a central driver of Algeria’s move, particularly as Sonatrach expands its investments in Niger through its international subsidiary SIPEX, which manages projects in the Kafra oil field in the north of the country, around 85 kilometres from the Algerian border.

The company began drilling one of its wells in the area on 13 August, as part of a project whose oil resources are estimated, according to figures reported by Anadolu Agency, to exceed 2.5 billion barrels, making it one of Sonatrach’s key investments outside Algeria.

Algeria’s interests go beyond the direct oil sector, as Niger forms a strategic corridor for the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, which will stretch for more than 4,000 kilometres to carry Nigerian gas to Europe via Niger and Algeria.

Algeria started work in June on the section of the pipeline that crosses its territory and inaugurated a 40-megawatt power plant to supply Niamey and surrounding areas with electricity.

Tebboune has linked the military moves to economic interests, referring to agreements signed with Niger in the oil and mining sectors and other fields, and warning of actors seeking to undermine these projects.

A historic shift in Algerian policy

Observers argue that the military support goes beyond protecting oil installations and reflects a broader shift in Algeria’s approach to regional crises, after decades in which the country relied on diplomacy and dialogue and remained wary of military action beyond its borders.

Relations between Algeria and Niger had been strained for months following Algeria's downing last year of a drone from Mali. The incident triggered a diplomatic row, with Niger joining fellow junta-led allies Mali and Burkina Faso in recalling its ambassador from Algiers.

The neighbours, who share a 960-kilometre desert border, have, however, in recent months committed to enhanced economic and security cooperation that includes combatting jihadist violence, cross-border crime and trafficking.

Since July 2023, Niger has been ruled by a military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, who deposed elected president Mohamed Bazoum, held in custody ever since, while the country continues to grapple with security turmoil and ongoing armed attacks.

Additional sources • AFP

President Abbas Congratulates Algerian President on Anniversary of Algeria’s Revolution

RAMALLAH, October 30, 2026 (WAFA) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday congratulated Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the occasion of the anniversary of Algeria’s Glorious Revolution.

In a congratulatory cable, President Abbas expressed his pride in the historic bonds of brotherhood between the two peoples and countries, and praised the Algerian president’s honorable fraternal positions and continued support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

He further said that as Palestinians remember the sacrifices of the Algerian people and their distinguished struggle for freedom and independence, they draw inspiration from their enduring legacy of resilience and determination to secure their legitimate rights. He added that these are the same values underpinning the Palestinian people’s ongoing struggle for freedom, self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Y.S

Algeria Senate Approves Sending Troops to Niger

https://arab.news/gsepp

AFP

October 25, 2026

The rare measure from Algeria comes as Algiers and Niamey strengthen security ties after moving earlier this year to repair strained relations and following a thwarted mutiny in Niger in August

ALGIERS, Algeria: Algeria’s upper house of parliament on Sunday approved a proposal to deploy troops to neighboring Niger to “protect energy facilities,” a senator speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP.

Any overseas deployment would mark a first since Algiers sent troops to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

The legislator said 148 senators in the 174-seat body voted in favor of the move. The parliament’s lower house is set to vote on the proposal later in the day, likely to approve it as well.

The rare measure from Algeria comes as Algiers and Niamey strengthen security ties after moving earlier this year to repair strained relations and following a thwarted mutiny in Niger in August.

Niger faces persistent attacks by armed groups, including in areas near the border with Algeria.

The neighbors, who share a 960-kilometer (600-mile) desert border, have agreed to deepen cooperation against jihadist violence, cross-border crime and trafficking.

“This decision marks a historic break with Algeria’s doctrine of non-intervention in military conflicts beyond its borders,” said Abdellah Akir, an international relations researcher.

“It’s driven by the need to protect Algeria’s strategic depth in the Sahel and to secure the future trans-Saharan gas pipeline,” Akir told AFP.

The two countries have been working to build the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a vast project to export natural gas to Europe from Nigeria via Niger.

‘STRONG SIGNAL’

Akir said the measure also sought to “send a strong signal to competing actors, including Morocco and the United Arab Emirates” — two countries with which Algiers no longer has diplomatic ties.

Geoff Porter, an analyst with the North Africa Risk Consulting group, said the move was “illustrative of a shift in Algerian policy.”

Algeria had tried to maintain its national interests and exert its regional influence through its customary means — dialogue, international law, multilateral forums,” Porter told AFP.

“But in a multipolar and transactional world, those don’t work anymore. Instead, Algeria moved toward more tangible means — actual physical presence.”

“Algeria is still committed to its foreign policy principles,” he added. “It’s just demonstrating them in a new way.”

Earlier this month, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune signalled the possibility of military involvement in the Sahel country.

“We will protect Niger no matter what,” he said in a televised address on October 3. “There are countries, which I will not name, that have conspired against (Niger). We stand by its side.”

“Today, we have interests,” Tebboune then said. “We have reached agreements (with Niger) in the oil, mining and other sectors, and some are seeking to destroy all of this overnight.”

Algeria’s highly unusual measure to deploy troops outside its territory requires the approval of two-thirds of its parliament, according to a constitutional amendment from 2020.

GIFTED WARPLANES

The vote followed a visit last Wednesday by Niger’s Defense Minister Salifou Modi to Algeria, where he met with Tebboune and army chief Said Chengriha.

A military cooperation protocol was signed by the two sides, according to Algerian reports, but no details were given at the time.

The move also comes months after Algiers gifted four military helicopters to Niamey.

The warplanes were deployed at the request of Nigerien authorities, the Algerian defense ministry said.

Additionally, Algeria inaugurated a 40-megawatt power plant in June intended to supply electricity to Niamey and surrounding areas.

Algeria and Niger’s relations had been strained for months following Algeria’s downing last year of a drone from Mali.

The incident triggered a diplomatic row, with Niger joining fellow junta-led allies Mali and Burkina Faso in recalling its ambassador from Algiers.

Algeria and Mali have since resumed diplomatic ties.

Niger has been run by General Tiani since a coup in July 2023 that toppled the elected president Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained ever since.

Algeria to Send Troops to Niger in First Foreign Deployment in Over 50 Years

Algerian flags are waved outside the parliament building in Algeria, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Fateh Guidoum)

7:49 PM EDT, October 25, 2026

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria’s parliament approved a resolution Sunday to send troops to Niger, making it the first time Algerian soldiers will be deployed abroad since 1973, when they were sent to support Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war.

Authorities have not released any information about when and where exactly the Algerian army detachment will be deployed, or how many soldiers will be involved.

Algerian Sen. Belkacem Boulghiti said troops would be sent “to protect Algeria’s economic and strategic interests, particularly its oil facilities in Niger.”

“We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure,” he told reporters as he left the chamber after the vote. “It is simply an adaptation of our doctrine to evolving circumstances so we can rise to the new challenges imposed by the situation in the Sahel region.”

Algeria’s state-owned energy giant and the largest company in Africa, Sonatrach, has been working with the Sahelian country on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria, through Niger to Algeria for export to European markets.

The western Sahel region comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, has been shaken by violent extremism due to deadly attacks by armed groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group and the governments fighting them. All three countries have seen coups in recent years and struggled with overstretched security forces.

The move on Sunday emphasizes the thawing relations between Algeria and Niger.

In August, Algeria was the first country to express support for Niger after aggrieved soldiers staged a mutiny against the military junta under Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, which was repelled by loyalist forces aided by Russian troops.

After its foreign ministry assured Niger of its “full solidarity and firm support,” Algeria then sent a delegation to Niger’s capital, Niamey, with four combat fighter jets and a military transport aircraft in what Niger’s ruling council described as “the demonstration of the strategic support.”

The diplomatic rift between the two countries plunged to a historic low last year.

Last April, the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States — Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso — recalled their ambassadors from Algeria following an incident in which a Malian drone was shot down by Algeria’s army near the border.

Algeria’s foreign ministry also condemned the 2023 coup which brought Niger’s junta leader Tchiani to power.

First Body Retrieved from Kenyan Collapsed Building After Weeklong Search

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI

5:43 AM EDT, October 30, 2026

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The first body was recovered on Friday from the rubble of a multistory building that collapsed a week ago in Kenya’s capital, with 16 people still missing. Authorities had deployed thermal imaging technology to help search through the debris.

The body of a woman was found badly mutilated after being crushed by the heavy concrete and steel that made up the 18-story building in Nairobi’s busy Eastleigh commercial area.

The building, which was under construction, collapsed last Friday.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the building did not have the required construction approvals. He added that renting out completed shops on the ground and basement floors was illegal, as regulations require buildings to undergo inspection and obtain an occupation certificate before being occupied.

Families who believed their loved ones were still trapped beneath the rubble have been camping at the collapse site for a week, hoping for positive news.

However, some had begun losing hope after the critical 72-hour window following the collapse had passed. They said they were increasingly doubtful that their loved ones could survive more than three days under the rubble.

Since Saturday, no other survivors had been pulled from the debris. The four people rescued earlier recounted their traumatic experiences of being trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Earlier this week, authorities deployed thermal imaging technology provided by a team from China to assist in the search. Officials said the equipment had detected two human beings beneath the rubble.

South African Court Allows Anti-Illegal Immigration Marches Under Strict Conditions

Crowds of anti-illegal immigration protesters demonstrate in the streets in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (AP Photo)

By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME

11:07 AM EDT, October 30, 2026

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A South African court ruled Friday that anti-illegal immigration groups could hold demonstrations in the South African city of Durban under strict conditions, after police sought to ban the protests over fears of violence.

Police had asked the court to block planned marches by the March and March movement, alleging that demonstrators intended to burn down a refugee reception center during a protest scheduled for Thursday.

That march did not take place after the KwaZulu-Natal High Court issued a temporary order against the protests.

Under the new ruling, protesters must follow designated routes and cannot carry sticks or conceal their faces. They can only demonstrate between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Police argued that although South Africa protects the right to protest, that right is limited when demonstrations become disruptive.

“With the application, we don’t intend to prohibit lawful marches and protests of whatever nature, but what we’re against is breaking the law, damage to property, attacking people and injuring people,” South African national police chief Fannie Masemola said Friday.

Protesters have accused foreigners who are in the country illegally of stealing their jobs as the country’s unemployment rate remains high. They also blame them for overburdening public services and for high crime rates in the country.

Some African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, have repatriated their citizens following violence that began several weeks before an unofficial June 30 deadline set by protesters for immigrants living in the country illegally to leave.

Earlier this month, protests over a court ruling easing access to asylum turned violent, with at least 24 cars torched and shops looted.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has accused the government and the police of trying to deprive demonstrators of their right to protest.

The government recently deployed over 500 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal province, which includes Durban.

With South Africans set to vote in local elections next week, the issue of illegal immigration has featured prominently in the campaign.

Ancient Martian Meteorite Discovered in Mali Formed Over 4.1 Billion Years Ago: Study

NASA-funded study finds that Teghaza 001, found in the Sahara Desert in 2022, offers new insights into Mars' ancient crust and the role of water in its geological evolution

Gizem Nisa Demir

30 October 2026

ISTANBUL

A meteorite discovered in Mali in 2022 dates back more than 4.1 billion years, offering scientists rare insights into Mars' ancient crust and water history, according to a recent study.

NASA-funded researchers have determined that Teghaza 001, an approximately 800-gram (1.8-pound) meteorite found in the Sahara Desert, originated on Mars and is among the oldest Martian meteorites ever discovered on Earth.

Named after the salt plain in Mali where it was discovered, it is one of roughly 435 known Martian meteorites. The findings were published Thursday in the journal Science, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

The study provides an initial characterization of the meteorite, which contains a distinctive combination of igneous, or volcanic, minerals. These minerals offer clues about how Mars' crust formed as magma cooled and was later altered by subsurface water. A separate study published in Science Advances in June examined the meteorite's water content and its implications for the planet's early surface.

"It was only after we started looking closely that we realized this meteorite is really unique," said Yang Liu, the study's lead author and a researcher at JPL in Southern California. "One of the paper's reviewers called it a Rosetta Stone for Mars."

Teghaza 001 is among the three most ancient Martian meteorites found on Earth. The others include ALH84001, which is composed almost entirely of one mineral and is of a similar age, and "Black Beauty," which formed about 2.1 billion years ago.

The meteorite's mineral composition resembles material observed by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in the planet's cratered southern highlands. Although its exact origin remains unknown, researchers identified several potential locations consistent with its mineralogy and chemistry.

"This is really our first piece of Martian crust from a part of Mars we've never had a sample of before," said Lee Saper, the study's second author, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral scholar at JPL and is now a scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley.

"It records interactions of water and rock and maybe even an imprint of the Martian atmosphere as it was losing water," Saper said.

Evidence of ancient water

Researchers at the University of New Mexico initially identified Teghaza 001 as Martian by analyzing its oxygen isotopes, which act as geochemical fingerprints. It appeared to belong to the shergottite class, the most common type of Martian meteorite.

However, Liu noticed unusual textures and minerals that warranted further investigation. Her team discovered zircon crystals, which preserve information about a rock's formation and help scientists determine its age.

Francois Tissot, a co-author from the California Institute of Technology, helped apply an in-situ rubidium-strontium dating technique developed by his team. The method analyzes individual mineral grains using a fragment smaller than a fingernail, preserving most of the rare meteorite for future research.

"Right now, we are one of very few labs in the world able to perform this kind of age-dating, and the first to date such an ancient Martian meteorite," Tissot said. "Our hope is to pave the way for dating even more Martian meteorites, or samples returned from other planets, their moons and asteroids."

The results showed that water altered the rock around 4.1 billion years ago, suggesting it originally formed even earlier. Evidence from its oxygen isotopes, texture and chemistry points to a dynamic water cycle on early Mars.

Researchers say further studies of Teghaza 001 could help clarify how water interacted with rocks and shaped the planet's early geological history.

"We've only scratched the surface," Liu said.

Resolute Says Mali Mine Largely Stabilized After Disruptions, Output to Rebound

Kitco Media

Oct 29, 2026 - 3:53 PM

Resolute Mining’s (ASX: RSG) flagship Syama gold mine in Mali has largely stabilised after months of operational disruptions, with production expected to rebound sharply in the current quarter, company executives said on Thursday.

The Syama mine in southwestern Mali is Resolute’s largest asset, accounting for roughly three-quarters of group production guidance this year.

The Australian miner produced 31,777 ounces at Syama in the third quarter after explosives shortages, contractor mobilisation delays and supply-chain disruptions hampered operations, its third-quarter report showed.

Chief Operating Officer Gavin Harris told analysts the Mali operation had “largely stabilized after a turbulent four to five months”, adding that an on-site emulsion plant due to start operating in November should remove a key bottleneck.

Resolute expects Syama output to rise to 45,000-50,000 ounces in the fourth quarter as mining and processing performance improve.

It also expects grades to recover towards reserve levels and plant recoveries to improve to around 80% from about 73% in the third quarter.

CEO Chris Eger said the company was maintaining a “very, very constructive and productive dialogue” with Mali’s government and had seen progress in mining permit renewals.

(Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Editing by Jan Harvey)

Mali Drone Strike Kills 13 Civilians, Activists Say; Army Says it Targeted Militants

11:07 AM EDT, October 28, 2026

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — At least 13 civilians were killed in an overnight drone strike by Mali’s military earlier this week near the border with Mauritania, local human rights activists and a separatist armed group said Wednesday.

The Malian military said in a statement Wednesday that it had targeted terrorists “gathered under cover.”

Mali has been plagued for over a decade by al-Qaida-linked militants, including the JNIM alliance, and fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group, as well as a Tuareg separatist rebellion in the north.

“They had taken care to hide their motorcycles in an isolated location separate from their gathering place,” the military statement said. “After confirming the target, the position was successfully struck.”

A local human rights official said a Tuareg camp was bombed overnight Sunday into Monday in the town of Hassi Laghdaf near the border with Mauritania. “The bombs struck two tents and killed 13 people in their sleep, including women and children,” Tilla Ag Zeini, secretary-general of the Kal Akal Association, said.

Ag Zeini said the motorcycles belonged to a family of civilians from the Tuareg community, which he described as “peaceful.”

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front — the armed separatist group in northern Mali — posted images on social media allegedly showing what remained of the tents after the attack, along with a list of people reportedly killed in the strikes. The Associated Press could not immediately verify the photos.

Malian armed forces and their allies have responded to mounting attacks by Islamist and separatist armed groups with abusive counterinsurgency operations in central and northern Mali that often harm civilians, Human Rights Watch said in a report earlier this month.

It added that all sides of the conflict “are committing grave laws-of-war violations” and that “civilians are bearing the brunt of the Mali junta’s failure to rein in its abusive forces and allies.”

The landlocked country is part of the Sahel, a vast strip of land south of the Sahara Desert that has become the epicenter of extremist violence in recent years.

Niger Accuses Chad of Drone Attack that Killed Two Civilians

28/10 - 14:42

Niger

As their relations continue to deteriorate, Niger’s military government on Monday accused Chad of carrying out a deadly drone strike in which two civilians were killed and others wounded.

In a statement by the authorities read on national television, it said it had summoned the Chadian ambassador following the incident.

Niamey also demanded an immediate end to "hostile actions" and compensation for the damage caused.

The government said the attack hit the Salvador Pass early on Saturday in the mountainous Emi Lulu area of northern Niger.

The pass is located in a remote mining region near the borders with Algeria and Libya and is a key route for smuggling and militant activity.

Niger described the strike as an "act of aggression" and a "violation" of its sovereignty, accusing Chad of supporting mercenaries and targeting civilians and strategic infrastructure.

Niamey, which has severed ties with its former colonial ruler France, also claimed the attack was conducted "with the support” of Paris.

It said will refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Niger called for an independent international investigation and appealed to its partners for solidarity.

In September, Niamey accused Chad of involvement in a foiled mutiny, alleging that France was backing efforts to destabilise the military government.

France and Chad Resume Military Cooperation as They Mend Ties

Chad

Two Mirage fighter jets and a transport aircraft will soon make a stopover in Chad where they will carry out "training activities," the French army said Thursday.

The announcement comes as relations between France and its former colony have been on the mend. N’Djamena kicked French troops out of the country in 2024, ending a six-decade security arrangement.

But in mid-October, France’s President Emmanuel Macron hosted Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno for talks in Paris.

"There has been a resumption of cooperation with Chad, in full respect of Chad's sovereignty," Xavier Rival, spokesperson for the French chief of defence staff said.

He told reporters that France's objective was “to contribute to efforts against regional instability” and that it would help develop "the capabilities of the Chadian air force".

The stopover will take place as part of a joint military exercise involving the armed forces of Ivory Coast, Gabon, and France in November, he added.

During Deby's visit in October, France and Chad signed a declaration of intent to structure their defence cooperation "on a renewed basis".

According to the Elysee, security cooperation was restored at the beginning of the year, notably for military training, equipment supplies, and intelligence sharing.

Chad had been one of France's last military footholds in the Sahel.

Paris once deployed more than 5,000 soldiers in the region as part of the anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane, which ended in November 2022.

Coups between 2020 and 2023 in nearby Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger forced France to withdraw from those countries as their new leaders drew closer to Russia.

Ethiopia Retakes Rebel Stronghold in Tigray While Seeking to Stabilize Security Situation

Armed opposition groups have failed to make gains as the capital of Addis Ababa remains firmly under government control

By Abayomi Azikiwe

Editor, Pan-African News Wire

Wednesday October 28, 2026

Geostrategic Review

During September a group of armed opposition groups from various regions of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia declared that they would wage a war to seize power from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the ruling Prosperity Party. 

However, several weeks later the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) took control of the capital of the Tigray province resulting in the armed opposition group to abandon the capital of Mekelle.

The ENDF marched into Mekelle without any political or armed resistance from the then ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and its military wing, the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF). Although the TDF says that it abandoned its stronghold of Mekelle it claims that they will continue their fight outside of Mekelle.

As the TPLF fled the ENDF, another grouping aligned with the government in Addis Ababa, the Tigray Peace Forces (TPF), moved into Mekelle to take control of the day-to-day security issues. The TPF is a manifestation of the split within the opposition TPLF which occurred in the aftermath of the Pretoria Peace Agreement of 2022.

Many believe that the events of the last few months have effectively destroyed this peace agreement which was facilitated by several key members of the African Union (AU), primarily South Africa and Kenya. The negotiations which brought an end to the war between the TPLF based in Tigray and the central government in Addis Ababa was championed at the time as a prime example of the AU creating solutions to African problems. 

However, the joint statement issued by the opposition groupings in September which called themselves the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival (EPFAS) articulated no imminent threats which would warrant the initiation of a civil war. The groups which were encompassed in this coalition are the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF); Oromo Liberation Army (OLA); Amhara Fano National Movement (Fano); Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF); Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (ARDUF/ANURF); and the Benishangul Peoples' Liberation Movement (BPLM).

Several of these organizations historically have been in extreme conflict with each other. Within this reality, what is the basis of the alliance of these regional groupings? Although these rebel groups have stated that their aim is to overthrow the central government there is no firm explanation as to how they differ politically from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 

The TPLF which ruled the country from 1991-2018 after the collapse of the Ethiopia Worker’s Party under Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam, led a coalition called the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) that waged a war for the overthrow of the EWP. The ascendancy of the TPLF-EPRDF was heavily impacted by the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Socialist states in Eastern Europe which had supported the then Ethiopian government.  

A national rebellion during 2018 brought about the rise of Prime Minister Abiy. The Abiy government during 2018 signed a peace accord with neighboring Eritrea ending a war which had lasted for nearly two decades. However, in recent years relations with the State of Eritrea have deteriorated. 

Eritrea had been in congruence with the Ethiopian government when the TPLF-led province attempted to succeed from the authority of the central administration in Addis Ababa. After the defeat of the TPLF and the adoption of the Pretoria Agreement in 2022, tensions surfaced over the calls by Abiy for access to the Eritrean port at Massawa. 

Battlefield Reports from Tigray and Beyond

There have been reports of the defection of a leading figure within the TPLF. This compounds the internal splits inside the leading opposition rebel grouping.

According to a Substack post on the situation among the TPLF, it notes:

“The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused senior military commander Maj. Gen. Yohannes Woldegiorgis, also known as John Medid, of defecting to the Ethiopian Federal Government and disclosing military secrets. The accusation came a day after the pro-government Tigray Peace Force, which is allied with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), confirmed that the general was in government custody. In a statement, the TPLF faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael alleged that Yohannes had refused to participate in an internal military evaluation before defecting with a small group of associates. The group further accused him of establishing contacts with the Federal Government and sharing sensitive military information.” (https://wazema.substack.com/p/tplf-accuses-senior-military-commander)

Other reports from the battlefield suggest that the alliance of armed opposition groupings have failed to make gains in their efforts to seize power inside Ethiopia. In a series of articles and a briefing from the Ethiopian military, the rebels have been halted in their military operations.

An Associated Press report published by the United States based ABC News says of the present situation that:

“An official in Tigray’s new federal-backed administration urged rebel fighters to lay down their weapons Friday, hours after a rebel commander called for continued resistance despite losing the northern Ethiopian region’s capital. The calls came nearly three weeks after rebels trying to overthrow the government lost control of Mekelle, Tigray's capital. Government-allied fighters entered Mekelle on Oct. 4 after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, withdrew. Redae Halefom Woldeselassie, the caretaker administration’s chief executive for political and public mobilization, said rebel forces were collapsing and urged fighters to enter a disarmament and reintegration program. ‘This is not the time for settling scores, I call upon you to return to your homes and continue your civilian lives,’ he said in Mekelle. He dismissed the prospect of the rebels retaking the city and portrayed the conflict as serving a small group of leaders rather than the people of Tigray.” (https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/ethiopias-tigray-rebels-urged-disarm-commander-vows-fight-137511160)

Meanwhile, the Ethiopia government has announced that they have received the first batch of Su-35 fighter jets from the Russian Federation. The SU-35s will be accompanied by a number of S-400s as well which are designed to bolster their national security. (https://www.aol.com/articles/ethiopia-says-taken-delivery-12-122823000.html)

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted that the jets were delivered a year earlier than anticipated, saying that this was done due to Moscow’s concern over the security of the Horn of Africa state which is the headquarters of the 55 member-states AU in Addis Ababa. This announcement came on the eve of the convening of the Russia-Africa Summit on October 27-28 in Moscow.

Additional reports of refugees fleeing from Ethiopia into Kenya at Moyale is the result of conflicts between residents of the regional states of Oromia and Somalia. This displacement appears not to be connected with the rebel insurgents seeking to remove Prime Minister Abiy. 

Status of the Renewed Tensions with Eritrea

There have been several news articles claiming that Eritrean troops have been sighted on the border areas with Ethiopia during mid-October. However, there have not been any confirmed reports of serious fighting between the two states.

The Russian Federation has offered to serve as a neutral location for mediation talks between Addis Ababa and Asmara. This offer was renewed during the Russia-Africa Summit.

A regional summit was held in Egypt during early October which excluded the Ethiopian government. Those present were the leaders of Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. The meeting participants issued a joint statement, yet no further reports on the results of the gathering has been released.

Egypt has opposed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project which President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi says would undermine the country’s water supply. However, it was British colonialism which established the current arrangements involving the Nile Rivers aimed at benefitting Egypt at the expense of Ethiopia.

There can be no benefit to the people of the Horn of Africa if a full-scale war erupts in Ethiopia prompting widespread dislocation, injuries and deaths. The offer to mediate by the Russian Federation could provide an opening for the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the near future.

Turkey to Deploy Two Warships to Somalia as Political Tensions Mount

By Al Mayadeen English

28 Oct 2026 22:01

Turkey is preparing to deploy two warships to Somalia amid security pressures, federal troop movements, and tensions involving forces loyal to Laftagareen.

Turkey will send two warships to Somalia on Friday to transport supplies and rotate military personnel, as the Somali federal government reportedly deploys reinforcements to several areas of the Lower Shabelle region in the country's south amid escalating security and political tensions.

The Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that the frigates TCG Gökçeada and TCG Yıldırım would begin their voyage to Somalia on October 30 as part of missions to transport supplies by sea and rotate military personnel stationed there.

The ministry did not specify the nature of the equipment and supplies to be transported or clarify whether they were intended for Turkish forces stationed in Somalia or the Somali armed forces.

Turkey and Somalia deepen military cooperation

The planned deployment comes amid ongoing military and defense cooperation between Ankara and Mogadishu, which includes training Somali forces, developing their military capabilities, and cooperation on maritime security.

Turkey's Defense Ministry also said the Turkish Land Forces commander received his Somali counterpart and an accompanying delegation on October 24, as part of continued military contacts between the two countries.

Turkey maintains a military and training presence in Somalia, where it helps train and develop units of the Somali armed forces under bilateral arrangements aimed at strengthening the country's military and security institutions.

Somali government deploys reinforcements to Lower Shabelle

On the ground, local reports indicate that Somalia's federal government has sent additional military reinforcements to several areas of the Lower Shabelle region, including Marka, Qoryoley, Janale, and Bali Dogle.

The reported reinforcements include soldiers and military equipment, although the size of the deployment and the specific tasks assigned to the forces have not been disclosed.

The deployments come amid an escalating dispute between the federal government and forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen, the former president of South West State. His forces have expanded their presence in parts of the Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle regions in recent weeks.

Local reports previously indicated that forces loyal to Laftagareen had entered Qoryoley, amid reciprocal military movements and concerns that confrontations could spread to additional areas.

Somalia faces overlapping security and political challenges

The latest military movements come as the Somali government continues military operations against Al-Shabaab while facing mounting political and military competition over control of the country's southwestern administration.

The deployment of competing forces has raised concerns about civilian security and freedom of movement, particularly in areas where rival military formations are present.

Against this backdrop, Turkey's planned naval deployment and the Somali government's reported reinforcements underscore the continuing security pressures facing Somalia, where counterinsurgency operations and internal political disputes are unfolding simultaneously.

Niger Imposes Overnight Fuel Sales Curfew Amid Nationwide Shortage

26/10 - 10:02

Niger

Niger’s government has announced an overnight curfew on the sale of petrol across the country, except at designated stations.

As of this week, they are not able to sell fuel between nine at night and six in the morning to enable suppliers, including the Nigerien Petroleum Company (Sonidep), to restock them.

It said this temporary measure aimed to improve the smooth running of operations while guaranteeing deliveries and the availability of petrol, following a countrywide shortage.

But the measure is impacting taxis drivers, like Moussa Idé Boubacar, who said he has not been able to make his payments for two days.

“Normally, we generate revenue of around 20,000 a day, of which 8,000 is for payments and 12,000 is for fuel. With this shortage, we’ve had some management issues,” he said.

As the fuel shortage spread, motorists have been facing increasingly long queues at stations.

Residents in the capital, Niamey, and elsewhere said this was disrupting daily life, making it difficult to get to work and carry out their daily activities.

The taxi union, Synctaxi, has called for the new curfew to be relaxed for operators who are struggling to make ends meet.

“To obtain fuel, you need authorisation. The petrol station must be open around the clock,” said it secretary-general, Ganda Sanda.

“We are appealing to the governorate and the governor as well to reconsider because it does not suit us,” he said.

Sanda added that the union wanted to draw the authorities’ attention to the fact that the transport sector “makes a significant contribution to the country’s development”.

In addition to the curfew, the sale of fuel in jerry cans outside stations has also been prohibited in all areas that have at least one petrol station.

The authorities have called on Nigeriens to show “understanding and civic-mindedness” saying the measures were aimed at improving supply.

Tanzania Announces First Major Gas Discovery in a Decade

Natural gas

Tanzania has announced its first natural gas discovery in a decade, with an estimated 223 billion cubic feet found at the Kasa-1X ST2 well in the Mnazi Bay area.

Energy Minister Juma Homera called the discovery a major milestone for the country’s oil and gas sector. Production is expected to begin early next month, boosting supplies for households, industry and vehicles.

The well is jointly owned by Tanzania’s state-run Petroleum Development Corporation and French energy company Maurel & Prom.

Natural gas already accounts for nearly 80 percent of Tanzania’s electricity generation. Authorities say the new discovery will help provide more reliable and affordable energy as demand grows.

Kenya Confirms Third Ebola Case as Health Ministry Says Public Risk Remains Low

Kenyan Ministry of Health officials check the temperature of travelers and disinfect their hands at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the Kenya-Uganda border as health authorities step up Ebola screening measures, in Busia on October 12, 2026. Kenya reported its first-ever Ebola death, the health minister announced on October 6, 2026, after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo died after returning to the country. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in May. The deadly disease has killed more than 15,000 people in Africa over the past 50 years. (Photo by Bright Emoja / AFP) Track Outbreaks

Addis Abeba – Kenya has confirmed its third #Ebola case, involving a 65-year-old woman who is a close relative of the country’s first two patients, the  health ministry said on Friday, as authorities continued efforts to trace and quarantine contacts.

According to AFP, the ministry said the woman had been in quarantine since 6 October after being identified as a primary contact of the two earlier cases. She developed symptoms, including fever, sore throat and malaise, and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

The ministry said the risk to the public remained low, adding that there was no evidence of community transmission. Of 130 identified contacts, 127 had been traced and placed in quarantine, while efforts continued to locate the remaining three.Get Health Tips

Kenya confirmed its second case on Wednesday, involving a 39-year-old relative of the first patient, who also tested positive while in quarantine.

The country's first confirmed Ebola patient was a 40-year-old Kenyan businessman who had been receiving treatment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He travelled overland to Uganda's capital, Kampala, before flying to Nairobi on 3 October. He was hospitalised in Nairobi and died on 5 October, according to Health Minister Aden Duale.

The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in May. Congolese health authorities have reported 9,066 infections and 4,381 deaths associated with the outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Neighbouring Uganda recorded 20 Ebola infections and two deaths during its outbreak, which was declared over in August. The latest cases mark Kenya's first reported Ebola infections.