Ibrahim Traoré has condemned the Ugandan elections

Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso, has publicly condemned the Ugandan elections

of January 15, 2026, as rigged and expressed his solidarity with Bobi Wine and Ugandan youth. Traoré portrays the Ugandan election as part of a broader African struggle against deeply entrenched authoritarianism. Africa must "rise together," and the outcome of the 2026 Ugandan election was "rigged." He explicitly questions the credibility of the announced results, arguing that widespread irregularities, repression, and a lack of transparency mean the official result does not reflect the will of the people. In statements and videos circulating on social media, Traoré, or the speech attributed to him, presented Bobi Wine as the "people's president" and claimed that Robert Kyaogulanyi won in a free and fair process. The commentaries highlight the internet shutdown and restrictions on civil society organizations and human rights NGOs before and during the election, presenting this as evidence of a “digital dictatorship” and a classic tactic for election manipulation. They point to banned or suspended human rights groups and the massive security presence on the streets to argue that the election environment did not meet democratic standards. Traoré’s position is decidedly pan-African. He calls for solidarity from Africa, and especially from its youth, with the Ugandans, linking Uganda’s struggle to the democratic demands championed by young people across the continent. He contrasts the West’s “soft diplomatic rhetoric” toward Uganda with what he describes as harsh repression on the ground, suggesting that external actors tolerate and rely on “silent digital dictators.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IDpSK6DaIE https://www.facebook.com/jubaglobal/videos/ibrahim-traor%C3%A9s-comments-on-ugandas-election/3160411330829889/ https://amaniafrica-et.org/author/amani/ https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/refugees-hope-for-peaceful-elections-in-ugand-NV_226263 https://carleton.ca/news/story/uganda-autocratic-political-system-failing/

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam must compensate Egypt and Sudan.

Egyptian Minister: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam must compensate Egypt and Sudan.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is Africa's largest hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. Construction began in 2011 and was officially commissioned in September 2025. The dam is 145 to 175 meters high and 1,800 to 1,820 meters long, with a reservoir capacity of up to 74 billion cubic meters of water. The associated power plant generates 5,000 to 5,150 megawatts through 13 to 16 turbines. The reservoir was filled in stages from 2020 to 2024, despite international tensions. The project cost approximately US$4.6 billion and is intended to make Ethiopia an energy exporter. Egypt and Sudan feared water shortages, leading to diplomatic crises, but Ethiopia emphasized the benefits for regional energy supplies. Abiy Ahmed celebrated the dam as a symbol of Ethiopian strength. "There is no precedent for the construction of a dam of this magnitude through unilateral action," said Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Sewilam. He explained the damage to his country to the Egyptian Senate, pointing out that Egypt's water supply had decreased from 55 billion cubic meters to 38 billion cubic meters due to the dam. The repeated statements by Egyptian officials invoking colonial-era agreements and citing "historical rights" demonstrate their reliance on such claims, which the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry had already condemned in a previous statement. “The Blue Nile, which originates in the Ethiopian Highlands, contributes 86% of the water to the Nile Basin. The Blue Nile catchment area accounts for 70% of Ethiopia’s surface water,” the statement read. At the dam’s inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was built to change the history of the Black population and certainly not to harm their brethren. While Sudan acknowledges the dam’s benefits for agriculture and power generation, it accuses Ethiopia of causing river flooding by releasing water from the dam. When questioned in late September, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa Geleta, emphasized that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam had helped reduce flooding in Sudan, stating, “We have not released any excess water.” Ethiopia also declared that Egypt's accusations that Ethiopia was responsible for the floods in Sudan were baseless. https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/gerd-groesster-staudamm-afrikas-in-betrieb-genommen/100154127.html https://taz.de/Grand-Ethiopian-Renaissance-Dam/!6111919/ https://www.srf.ch/news/international/aethiopien-afrikas-groesster-staudamm-ist-offiziell-eroeffnet https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand-Ethiopian-Renaissance-Talsperre

Armed RSF Fighters In Chad

The Chadian government has condemned the RSF rebels (a Sudanese paramilitary group that emerged from the Janjaweed militias active during the Darfur conflict and now waging a civil war against the Sudanese armed forces) for attacks on Chadian military and civilian targets, in which, according to an official statement, at least seven Chadian soldiers were killed. Armed RSF fighters,

involved in the internal conflict in Sudan, launched an operation on Chadian territory, injuring several other soldiers, according to authorities. On January 15, 2026, RSF fighters illegally crossed into Chad near the border town of Tine, killing seven Chadian soldiers and injuring others. The Chadian government strongly condemned the incident and warned that it was a "final warning" against further violations of its territory. On December 26, 2025, two Chadian soldiers were killed in an RSF drone strike on the border. Since the RSF's capture of El-Fasher in October 2025, the group has increased its activity along the border, leading to several clashes. Tscad, whom Khartoum accuses of allowing foreign military supplies to cross the shared border to the rebels, and government spokesman Gassim Cherif assert their neutrality and reaffirm their non-interference in the Sudanese civil war.

Liberia wants investment

Liberia wants investment

, not a battleground for minerals, the minister said. Liberia is positioning itself as an open and neutral location in the global race for critical minerals. Investment, value creation, and stability are the priorities, not geopolitical rivalry, explained Minister of Mines and Energy Matenokay Tingban. Liberia is actively seeking foreign investment to boost economic growth. The focus is on key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. Recent government strategies aim to attract billions in foreign direct investment through reforms and incentives. President Boakai has called on the diaspora to make strategic contributions. Agriculture offers opportunities in agricultural processing and exports due to fertile soils and global demand for sustainable products. The mining sector, rich in iron ore, gold, and newly discovered lithium and cobalt deposits, aims for annual revenues exceeding US$3 billion by 2029. A US$39.5 million modernization plan is earmarked to achieve this. Infrastructure, energy (hydropower and solar power), and tourism also represent areas with high potential in the post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Liberia's priority is to attract investors while avoiding becoming a battleground for global political conflicts, he said on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tingban noted that Liberia's mineral potential remains largely untapped due to a lack of detailed geological studies and geoscientific data, limiting the country's ability to move up the value chain. To address this, the government is focusing on welcoming investors, improving the investment climate, and securing property rights. He argued that the export of raw materials has negatively impacted government revenue and job creation. At the end of 2025, Liberia unveiled a mining and energy strategy for the period 2025–2029, supported by international partners such as the African Development Bank, France, China, and the United States. Among the megaprojects slated for completion in 2026 are railway lines, highways, and solar parks. OPEC provided a $20 million loan for road expansion. Offshore oil fields were awarded to TotalEnergies, indicating further resource ambitions. The minister emphasized that Liberia welcomes all partners equally—but on its own terms. Government reforms are improving the business environment, including through digitized processes, public-private partnerships, and access to ECOWAS/WTO for market expansion. Challenges persist in infrastructure and governance, but natural resources and incentives such as tax breaks enhance the country's attractiveness. https://jameskollie.net/2024/09/29/unlocking-liberias-investment-potential-key-sectors-for-economic-growth/ https://www.ecofinagency.com/news/0201-51730-liberia-plans-39-million-mining-investment-to-target-3-billion-a-year-in-revenue $20 million project on... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL9loUFDsOQ https://wadr.org/liberia-president-boakai-calls-for-diaspora-investment-in-development/ https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-investment-climate-statements/liberia https://www.africamining.co/liberia-eyes-3-billion-investment-following-mineral-discoveries/ https://t.me/s/sputnik_africa

The Mood in Uganda Ahead of the Election

The Mood in Uganda Ahead of the Election

The political atmosphere in Uganda is extremely tense in the run-up to today's parliamentary elections on January 15, 2026. Repression, threats, and a heavy security presence characterize the mood. President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term and is running against his main rival, Bobi Wine. There are fears of violence and election manipulation. Public opinion is deeply divided: youth frustration over high unemployment contrasts sharply with support for Museveni's stability. Youth unemployment affects 70% of the population under 35 and fuels calls for change. Economic stagnation, corruption, and government failure dominate the public debate. Many young voters value stability and opportunity and are torn between Museveni's experience and Bobi Wine's promises of reform. Human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and the crackdown on the opposition, have heightened concerns in the run-up to the elections. The cost of living in Uganda is relatively low, especially compared to Europe, and varies considerably between urban (e.g., Kampala) and rural areas. A single person's monthly expenses, including rent, are around €900, while a family of four needs approximately €1,850. Numbeo estimates the cost of living index (excluding rent) at 26.67, making Uganda one of the more affordable countries. - Single person: approx. €895 (UGX 3.7 million). - Family (4 people): approx. €1,855 (UGX 7.7 million). These estimates are based on expat data and should be considered as a guide, as they are based on limited data points. Rents are particularly low: A 45 m² apartment costs around €240 per month in average areas and up to €616 in expensive areas. In Kampala, two-bedroom apartments in the city center cost an average of 1.23 million UZ (approximately €300). Basic groceries are inexpensive, for example, 1 liter of milk costs €0.59, 1 kg of tomatoes costs €0.90, and a cheap lunch costs €2.94. Numbeo lists milk (1 liter) at 2,493 UZ (approximately €0.60) and a McDonald's meal at 30,000 UZ (approximately €7). - Utilities (85 m²): €84/month. - Transportation (monthly pass): €37; Petrol (1 liter): €1.21. - Dining (meal): 10,000 UZ (approximately €2.40). Authorities imposed an internet blackout for security reasons, evoking memories of the violence during the 2021 elections. The massive deployment of military and police forces in cities like Kampala and Jinja is intended to maintain order, but it is fueling fears of intimidation. Polling stations on military bases are reportedly being inspected. Election commission head Simon Byabakama reports threats from authorities to prevent Bobi Wine from declaring victory. Bobi Wine's National Unity Platform is facing disruptions of campaign events, arrests of supporters, and allegations of torture. The party is portraying the election as a "war" against the dictatorship. A December 2025 poll showed Museveni with 64% of the vote, ahead of Wine with 2%, although more recent polls are scarce. Wine denies past election results as rigged and is mobilizing young people with the slogan "protest vote." Over 21.6 million registered voters, predominantly young people, are showing enthusiasm. Some support Museveni because he promises a better quality of life in light of criticism of his life expectancy, while others see Wine as a potential successor. The divided views of young people highlight the generational shift, with the NRM (yellow) and the NUP (red) dominating the rallies. Analysts predict Museveni will "managed continuity" through repression to prevent change at the ballot box. https://ugandapolls.com/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62vd7542rno https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/15/polls-open-in-uganda-amid-crackdown-fears-of-violence-internet-blackout https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77k8pym06zo https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20260114-ugandans-prepare-to-vote-following-a-campaign-marked-by-intimidation https://www.forus-international.org/news/as-uganda-heads-to-2026-polls-civil-society-turns-to-peace-journalism-to-protect-democracy https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/uganda?currency=EUR https://de.numbeo.com/lebenshaltungskosten/land/Uganda https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Kampala https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Uganda https://auswandern-info.com/lebenshaltungskosten-und-mieten-uganda/

Trump against Somalis

“Fraud committed by the Somali people” “Have you ever heard of them? They’re nice people.” Trump says he’s cracking down hard on Somali fraud in Minnesota. Somali Americans have made significant contributions to the US economy, politics, and public services, particularly in states like Minnesota. Their community numbers around 260,000 nationwide, with the largest concentration of about 84,000 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. And that has for sure and impact. Somali Minnesotans generate at least $500 million in annual income, pay $67 million in state and local taxes, and contribute an $8 billion impact to the state's economy. They own thousands of small businesses, including restaurants like Afro Deli, which employs dozens and nears $2 million in revenue, revitalizing neighborhoods. Key sectors include healthcare, where they fill essential roles, retail, manufacturing, and transportation. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar became the first Somali American and one of the first Muslim women elected to the US House, representing Minnesota's 5th district since 2019. Somalis serve on Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils, in the state legislature, and in roles like Hamse Warfa, a senior State Department adviser under Biden. They form a key voting bloc in Minnesota politics. Community members work as doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, and in STEM fields, with rising homeownership and workforce participation. They support economic vitality through barber shops, daycare centers, and transportation companies.[10] Diaspora efforts also extend to global development in education and infrastructure. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/5-things-to-know-about-the-somali-community-in-minnesota-after-trumps-attacks https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/03/countrys-largest-somali-community-shocked-by-trumps-contempt-00676305 https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/somali-minnesotans-drive-economic-growth-pay-67m-taxes-annually/

"It’s important to keep me happy” – Donald Trump

“It’s important to keep me happy” – Donald Trump

While US President Donald Trump justified the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro with the Monroe Doctrine, he didn’t stop there. He also underscored a fundamental principle that guides his foreign operations: “It’s important to keep me happy,” he told reporters. The Monroe Doctrine, proclaimed by US President James Monroe in 1823, established a key tenet of American foreign policy by opposing further European colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere. The doctrine outlined four main principles: The US would not interfere in European affairs or existing colonies; America was closed to new European colonization; any European attempt to extend control there would be considered a threat to US security; and the New and Old Worlds should remain separate spheres. The doctrine arose from fears that European powers like Spain, France, and Russia might recolonize newly independent Latin American states or expand into North America. It was influenced by British proposals for a joint declaration. The doctrine evolved through amendments such as the Roosevelt Amendment of 1904, which justified US intervention in Latin America, and was invoked in events like the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. President Trump recently cited it in connection with Venezuela, presenting it as a tool against non-European influences like China on the continent. Maduro failed to comply with it after ignoring Trump's order to surrender—hence, he was taken by Delta Force commandos in the middle of the night to the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York. Yet, despite the US president's admonition to keep him in good spirits, with hints of possible future attacks on countries like Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico—which could very well be the case—a continent distinguished by its willingness to defy him. The arrest of Maduro was condemned sharply by African governments alike. South Africa was among the most vocal critics. The African Union, a continent-wide association of 54 recognized states, and the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also strongly condemned Trump's gunboat diplomacy. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni even dared to bluntly challenge Washington: Should the American armed forces try the same tactics in his country, he boasted, "we can defeat them." Africa's openness and unity towards Maduro stood in stark contrast to the rather fragmented reaction of Latin America and the largely muted reactions of Europe. In Europe, only Greenland matters. Criticism of the US approach is barely audible.