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The agreement was reached during a meeting in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on a working visit to Ethiopia.

The leaders held constructive discussions on regional and bilateral issues, aiming to deepen the fraternal bond between their peoples, according to a joint communique released Saturday evening.

Both leaders agreed to “restore and enhance” bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. They also emphasized closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, the communique said.

Noting that the stability of the region requires the two countries’ strong cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect, the two leaders pledged to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.

The leaders further underscored the need to enhance security cooperation, particularly in countering the threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region. They agreed to direct their security agencies to deepen collaboration in promoting peace and stability, it noted.

Reaffirming their commitment to the Ankara Declaration, the two leaders pledged to expedite technical negotiations outlined in the agreement.

The Somali president’s visit to Ethiopia followed last month’s Turkish-mediated talks in Ankara, which helped resolve misunderstandings and de-escalate diplomatic tensions that had strained relations throughout 2024.

The diplomatic rift had been escalating between the two neighboring countries after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.

As part of the normalization efforts, Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed led a high-level delegation to Somalia earlier this month, reiterating both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The agreement was reached during a meeting in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on a working visit to Ethiopia.

Xinhua

This 15th edition of the training program was attracted 45 participants, including 15 officers from South Sudan, 21 from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), three from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), four from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), and two from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Vincent Sano, officiated the closing ceremony, emphasizing that capacity-building is key to addressing evolving security challenges in an increasingly dynamic world.

'In today’s security operations, it is essential for personnel across all relevant institutions to possess the necessary knowledge and skills to address security threats effectively within our countries, the region, and globally. This is why the Government of Rwanda, particularly the Rwanda National Police, invests heavily in capacity building,' said Sano.

He highlighted the importance of the training for all participants: 'The training you completed today is significant for the Rwanda National Police, the South Sudan National Police, and for you as individuals.
Successfully completing it is an achievement that reflects your journey, the dedication of the institution’s leadership, faculty, and the collaboration among yourselves.'

Sano encouraged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the program while upholding discipline and a strong work ethic in their respective roles.

'This training aims to equip participants with advanced skills in strategic thinking, planning, and implementing security operations beyond traditional methods, aligned with modern challenges. The expertise and professionalism you have gained, combined with your exemplary conduct and commitment, will enable you to excel in your assignments and deliver impactful results,' he added.

This 15th edition of the training program was attracted 45 participants.

IGIHE

The leadership group will guide the institution as it continues its mission to promote academic excellence and innovation in governance across the African continent. The ASG initiative, launched in October 2024, aims to be a transformative force in leadership development across Africa.

In a statement, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG, highlighted the significance of the appointments, emphasizing that the new leadership team is composed of world-class executives committed to advancing governance education.

'This exceptional group of leaders embodies the values of the African School of Governance. Their collective expertise, vision, and commitment to education and governance will drive our mission to shape the next generation of leaders in Africa,' Prof. Moghalu said.

Professor Anna Lucy Mdee, a renowned academic in the Politics of Global Development, has been appointed Acting Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Prof. Mdee, currently based at the University of Leeds, UK, brings over 25 years of experience in development research across Africa, with a focus on sustainable development, local governance, and social protection. She holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in International Development from the University of Bradford, UK.

Dr. Edward Kadozi has been appointed Director of Academic Affairs. With a PhD in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and vast experience in environmental economics and development economics, Dr. Kadozi previously taught at the University of Rwanda and Kigali Independent University. He is also the founder of the Center for Development Policy, a Pan-African research think tank.

Dr. Lite J. Nartey has been named Director of Executive Education. Holding a PhD from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Nartey has extensive experience designing educational programs at top global institutions such as INSEAD and Tufts University. She is also a Managing Partner at Saense Strategy Consulting LLC.

In addition to the academic leaders, Ms. Ngozichukwu C. Njemanze has been appointed Director and Senior Policy Adviser to the President of ASG. A governance expert with vast experience in corporate governance, Ms. Njemanze has previously worked at the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Ms. Aissatou Diajhate will serve as the Director of External Affairs and Acting Director of Admissions. With a strong background in institutional partnerships and philanthropy, Ms. Diajhate has held leadership roles at institutions such as Mastercard Foundation and Suffolk University.

The appointments mark a new phase for ASG, which is committed to shaping future African leaders capable of tackling the continent’s governance challenges. The institution’s curriculum will integrate African socio-economic contexts, offering Master’s programs such as the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) for professionals.

ASG is also building research centres dedicated to generating evidence-based solutions tailored to African governance challenges. These initiatives will engage with governments and other stakeholders to promote good governance and sustainable development across Africa.

With its distinguished leadership team and continued focus on innovation in governance education, ASG is poised to play a critical role in advancing leadership and governance excellence on the continent.

The African School of Governance is a pioneering institution focused on transforming leadership and governance in Africa.

ASG offers graduate-level programs and conducts research to develop innovative solutions to governance challenges.

The institution is backed by leading African figures, including President Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and receives support from the Mastercard Foundation.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of the newly established African School of Governance (ASG) university, located in Kigali, Rwanda.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday officially launched the country’s first stock exchange in more than 50 years, describing it as a “historic milestone” for the nation’s economy.

The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) is seen as a significant step toward establishing “a vibrant capital market ecosystem” in the East African nation, aligning with the Ethiopian government’s recent efforts to liberalize the country’s economy and financial sector.

“In a historic milestone for our economic and financial landscape, we have officially rung the bell to launch the Ethiopian Securities Exchange,” Abiy said after ringing the bell to mark the opening of the stock exchange.

The launch of the ESX would enhance the country’s financial system and contribute to the development of an inclusive economy, he said, adding that the government has invested significant time and conducted extensive research to ensure the exchange’s effectiveness.

The ESX, which operates across various market segments and offers a range of financial products and services tailored to businesses, government entities and institutions, will serve as a platform for both Ethiopian and foreign investors to easily trade in listed equity and debt instruments.

The Ethiopian government said that the ESX aims to provide “a modern, reliable and efficient environment for securities trading through adaptation of modern exchange business operations, skill, technology and trust.”

It also noted that the establishment of Ethiopia’s stock exchange would significantly boost the country’s economic development while building “a sustainable institution that meets the needs of both Ethiopian and regional issuers and investors.”

Meanwhile, Abiy invited investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia, saying it is “a fast-growing economy with immense potential and a dynamic trajectory toward prosperity.”

The launch of the ESX marks the first stock exchange in Ethiopia since the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974.

As part of its recent economic liberalization measures, the Ethiopian government last year opened the retail sector to foreign investors, a move that reversed its previous policy of reserving the sector exclusively for local entrepreneurs.

According to the World Bank, Ethiopia, with a population of about 126.5 million, is the second most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday officially launched the country’s first stock exchange in more than 50 years, describing it as a “historic milestone” for the nation’s economy.

Xinhua

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for an end to subsistence farming, emphasizing the importance of commercial agriculture to secure food and economic prosperity.

Highlighting Uganda’s progress, Museveni said, '67% of Ugandan homesteads are now part of the money economy compared to only 9% at independence.' He credited strategies like improved seed distribution, farmer sensitization, and disease control for this success.

'With these measures, Africa will be a superpower economically. This Africa of having no food and begging is not the real Africa but a shameful legacy of colonialism,' he declared.

Museveni underscored the need to add value within Africa to retain wealth and jobs. 'A shirt like the one I’m wearing now involves six job levels—from growing cotton to tailoring. Africa often stops at level two, exporting raw materials while losing jobs and money,' he said.

He also called for environmental preservation and innovative solutions like desalinization technologies to address water challenges.

Leaders at the summit agreed to remove non-tariff barriers and strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 'Non-tariff barriers are crippling intra-African trade. We must eliminate these obstacles urgently,' Museveni added.

African leaders have pledged renewed action to transform the continent’s agricultural sector.

The African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, lamented the slow progress in implementing the agricultural targets set in the 2003 Maputo and 2014 Malabo Declarations.

'Despite 60% of the world’s uncultivated land and a youthful population, millions of Africans remain food insecure,' Faki said. He called for increased investment in mechanization, modern farming technologies, and governance reforms to ensure accountability.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized linking smallholder farmers to urban markets. 'The AfCFTA provides a vital framework to allow African agricultural products to compete freely across the continent,' he said, urging member states to implement the CAADP Kampala Declaration effectively.

Angolan President João Lourenço stressed the need for rigorous monitoring of commitments. 'We must double our efforts to meet the targets outlined in our action plans, including producing fertilizers and vaccines for food security,' he said.

Norway’s State Secretary for International Development, Bjorg Sandkjær, reaffirmed international support for Africa’s agricultural agenda. 'The bold vision of the new CAADP strategy aligns with Africa’s broader goals for resilience and prosperity,' she said, pledging continued financial and technical assistance.

The summit adopted the CAADP Kampala Declaration, a ten-year blueprint emphasizing agricultural modernization, climate resilience, and value addition.

The summit adopted the CAADP Kampala Declaration, a ten-year blueprint emphasizing agricultural modernization, climate resilience, and value addition. Uganda’s Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze, hailed the summit as a milestone. 'The Kampala Declaration validates Uganda’s remarkable journey in agricultural development,' he noted.

As leaders return to their countries, the challenge remains to translate these commitments into concrete actions, unlocking Africa’s potential to ensure food security and economic prosperity for its 1.4 billion citizens.

Leaders at the summit agreed to remove non-tariff barriers and strengthen intra-African trade.

Sam K Nkururnziza

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced on last week that the winner’s prize money had been raised to $3.5 million, sparking discussions in both nations.

Initially, Egypt and Algeria had pulled out of the tournament, citing scheduling conflicts. However, the substantial prize boost has led both countries to call emergency meetings to reassess their decisions.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is reportedly considering sending its U23 team to participate in the tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Similarly, Algeria is also revisiting its stance and evaluating the possibility of rejoining the competition.
If both countries confirm their participation, the total number of teams in the tournament will rise to 21, promising an even more competitive and dynamic CHAN finals.

CAF’s prize increase has reinvigorated interest in the tournament, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the profile of African football on the global stage.

Algeria and Egypt meet during a FIFA Arab Cup in 2021. Both teams have renewed their interest in participating in the 2024 CHAN tournament.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Kilifi County Police Commander Joseph Ongwae reported that the aircraft, identified as 5Y-CDC, took off from Malindi Airport headed to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Shortly after takeoff, it experienced mechanical issues and crash-landed approximately two kilometers from the airport at around 2:52 p.m.

The aircraft, carrying a pilot, an instructor, and a student, landed on motorcycles in the area. All three onboard survived the crash, but two motorcycle taxi riders and a pillion passenger were killed. Three others sustained injuries.

Video footage shared online showed the plane engulfed in flames on the road, with nearby makeshift structures also catching fire. Firefighters quickly responded to contain the blaze.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. In a statement, the KCAA confirmed that all onboard the aircraft survived and were hospitalized, while expressing regret over the ground fatalities.

Emergency teams and government agencies remain on-site as investigations continue.

A light aircraft crash-landed on a roadside in Malindi, Kenya, on Friday, killing three people on the ground and injuring others.

IGIHE

The purpose was to streamline the substance of various NCIP agreements, namely the mechanisms for the mutual defence pact; coordinating foreign affairs, defence, peace, and security policies; and methods for comprehensive conflict prevention, management, and resolution.

During the three-day meetings, the Defence Cooperation Cluster Technical Committee proposed practical recommendations to pave the way for the next senior officials’ session in preparation for the 15th NCIPs Summit.

In his closing remarks at the meeting, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General of International Military Cooperation, Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa commended collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue with the selected Technical Committee.

'I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all of you for your hard work and commitment. The collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue we have witnessed here have been truly commendable, and I am confident that the work you have done will provide a solid foundation for the upcoming consultations at Ministerial and, ultimately, Heads of State Level.

“This collaborative momentum will therefore continue to drive our collective efforts going forward. ' Gen Karuretwa stressed.

The General further applauded the key outcomes of these discussions and said 'Your dedication to advancing the NCIPs and strengthening our mutual defence cooperation is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and partnership that defines our shared objectives”.

The Defence Cooperation Cluster Technical Committee proposed practical recommendations to pave the way for the next senior officials’ session in preparation for the 15th NCIPs Summit.

The meeting was successfully concluded in Kigali.

Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa commended collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue with the selected Technical Committee.

IGIHE

As of 6 p.m. local time on Friday, a total of 119 cholera cases have been recorded, with 14 cases confirmed through laboratory testing, while 12 samples remained under analysis.

In the past 24 hours, 24 new cholera cases were identified, with 20 concentrated in Cacuaco Municipality, the epicenter of the outbreak. Cacuaco, a suburban area in Angola’s capital province of Luanda, is home to over 1.2 million people.

Of the 119 cases reported, 53 percent are female and 47 percent male. Eleven of the 12 deaths occurred in Cacuaco.

The bulletin defines a cholera case as “a patient with severe or extreme dehydration, or death due to acute watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting, in individuals over the age of two in areas where cholera is present.”

A confirmed case is “a suspected case where the cholera vibrio has been isolated in stool samples.”

A timeline chart in the bulletin indicated cholera symptoms were first observed in a patient on December 31, 2024.

Xinhua