Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist who has been detained without charge in Eritrea for over 23 years, was honored on Monday with the Edelstam Prize, a Swedish human rights award. The accolade recognizes Isaak’s relentless commitment to freedom of expression, a principle he has embodied under harrowing conditions, according to the Edelstam Foundation.

Isaak’s detention dates back to September 2001, when he was among two dozen individuals—including government officials, parliament members, and fellow journalists—swept up in a political purge. Since then, he has been held incommunicado, and Eritrean authorities have provided no information on his condition or location, leaving grave doubts about his well-being. Amnesty International has labeled Isaak a prisoner of conscience, while Reporters Without Borders (RSF) identifies him and his colleagues as the world’s longest-held journalists.

The Edelstam Prize, named after Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam, is awarded for exceptional courage in defending human rights. Edelstam himself gained renown during Augusto Pinochet’s 1973 coup in Chile, where, as Sweden’s ambassador, he extended political asylum to thousands fleeing the military regime.

Accepting the prize on Isaak’s behalf will be his daughter, Betlehem Isaak, who will attend the ceremony in Stockholm on November 19. For Betlehem, this moment underscores her father’s sacrifice and the impact of his dedication to Eritrea’s media freedom.

Isaak’s journey to journalism was marked by both exile and a deep-rooted commitment to Eritrea’s nascent independence. Fleeing to Sweden in 1987 during the Eritrean liberation struggle, he later acquired Swedish citizenship. However, in 2001, Isaak returned to Eritrea, eager to contribute to the country’s media landscape. He co-founded Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, which published articles advocating for political reforms—positions that soon made him a target of the state’s crackdown.

In 2021, United Nations human rights experts described Isaak’s indefinite detention as “extremely concerning,” noting, however, that a credible source suggested Isaak was alive as recently as September 2020. U.N. officials have repeatedly urged Eritrea to release Isaak and his colleagues, but Asmara has thus far remained silent on their status.

This latest recognition of Isaak’s work not only highlights the personal cost of his stand for press freedom but also renews calls from human rights advocates worldwide for his release. As Dawit Isaak remains symbolically—and for now, physically—absent from the prize ceremony, his story serves as a somber reminder of the price many pay for free expression.

A Taliban delegation from Afghanistan arrived in Azerbaijan on Sunday to participate in a United Nations climate change conference, marking the group’s first appearance at an international climate summit since taking control of Afghanistan three years ago. Led by Muti-ul-Haq Khalis, the head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, the Taliban officials are expected to hold observer status rather than full participation at the COP29 conference, which starts Monday in Baku and runs through November 22.

Afghan state-run media confirmed the Taliban’s presence, underscoring their intention to engage on climate issues despite their continued political isolation. Although Afghanistan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, facing severe flash floods and enduring droughts, the Taliban’s rule has left the country without formal international recognition, barring it from a seat at the United Nations General Assembly.

COP29’s host nation, Azerbaijan, invited Afghan officials to the summit in a capacity that allows for limited participation, according to sources who spoke with Reuters. “They will likely engage in periphery discussions and may have opportunities for bilateral meetings,” a diplomatic source said. However, the delegation will remain without full voting or decision-making privileges.

Afghanistan’s mounting environmental challenges have intensified since the Taliban took power, with extreme weather patterns compounding humanitarian struggles. Flash floods earlier this year killed over 350 people, demolished thousands of homes, and devastated agricultural lands across the country. According to U.N. agencies, Afghanistan’s recent climate-related disasters signal the escalating climate crisis gripping the region, where already vulnerable populations are increasingly at risk.

The Taliban have argued that Afghanistan’s lack of recognition should not impede its participation in climate discussions, citing the existential threat that climate change poses to Afghan livelihoods. They maintain that involvement in climate action could help address the country’s environmental and humanitarian needs, which are urgent despite Afghanistan’s political situation.

Yet, the Taliban’s harsh policies on women’s rights have stalled formal engagement with their government on the global stage. Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops, Afghan women’s rights have been severely restricted. Under Taliban law, girls cannot receive an education past the sixth grade, and female students are barred from attending universities. Taliban-enforced dress codes require women to cover their faces and bodies in public, and women are prohibited from undertaking extended road or air travel without a male guardian.

Taliban leaders insist these policies align with their interpretation of Sharia law and resist calls for policy changes, condemning international critiques as undue interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.

Ukraine launched at least 34 drones toward Moscow on Sunday, marking the largest drone attack on the Russian capital since the conflict began in 2022. The assault, which injured at least one person, led to significant disruptions at three of Moscow’s main airports—Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky—forcing the temporary diversion of 36 flights. Moscow’s sprawling metropolitan area, home to over 21 million people, has rarely seen attacks of this scale, underscoring the increasing reach and intensity of Ukraine’s retaliatory drone tactics.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that air defenses intercepted and destroyed an additional 36 drones across Western Russia in the same timeframe. “An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using airplane-type drones on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted,” the ministry stated.

Parallel Attacks and Intensifying Drone Warfare

Ukraine, which has weathered relentless drone and missile strikes from Russian forces, mirrored its own response with a record 145 drones targeting various parts of Ukraine overnight, according to Ukrainian military officials. Kyiv claimed to have downed 62 of these incoming drones. Additionally, Ukraine reported targeting an ammunition depot in Russia’s Bryansk region, where Russian officials confirmed intercepting 14 drones.

Video footage circulating on Russian social media showed drones zipping across Moscow’s skyline, signaling a heightened visibility of the conflict within Russian borders.

A War Defined by Drones

As the Ukraine-Russia war approaches what some analysts speculate could be a final, decisive stage, drone warfare has emerged as one of the conflict’s defining characteristics. Along the 1,000-kilometer front—often a brutal landscape of entrenched positions and artillery duels reminiscent of World War I—both Moscow and Kyiv have invested heavily in drone technology, rapidly evolving tactics to either deploy or neutralize unmanned aerial systems.

For Moscow, this has involved building complex electronic “umbrellas” over critical infrastructure and layering advanced anti-drone defenses over strategic buildings, including a fortified perimeter around the Kremlin. However, despite these measures, Ukrainian drones have continued to penetrate Russian defenses, targeting oil refineries, airfields, and radar stations with increasing frequency.

Both nations have resorted to adapting commercial drones for military use, transforming them into lethal tools of war while significantly scaling up their indigenous production capabilities. Soldiers on both sides report a visceral fear of drones, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces sharing stark footage of drone strikes as propaganda tools. The chilling sight of low-flying drones has added a new psychological layer to the battlefield experience, fostering a sense of constant vulnerability among ground troops.

Escalating Rhetoric and Broader Implications

In response to the latest wave of Ukrainian drone strikes, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has sought to shield Moscow from the war’s harsher realities, condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure as acts of “terrorism.” He warned of consequences for strikes that target key installations, including nuclear power plants.

Moscow itself has largely continued to prosper amid the conflict, buoyed by defense expenditures not seen since the Cold War era. The Russian capital, with its broad boulevards, luxury shops, and iconic Orthodox churches, has maintained a sense of normalcy, with residents seemingly unfazed by the military developments. On Sunday, life continued as usual; Muscovites walked their dogs, and church bells rang out across the city.

A New Administration’s Impact on the Conflict

Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, recent political changes in the United States have sparked speculation about a shift in the war’s trajectory. President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office in January, has previously claimed that he could broker peace in Ukraine within 24 hours, though specifics on his proposed strategy remain vague. In a congratulatory call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Tesla CEO and Trump ally Elon Musk reportedly joined the conversation. Musk’s SpaceX provides the Starlink satellite services that have been critical for Ukrainian military communications.

While it remains uncertain how Trump’s administration might alter U.S. involvement or policy toward the conflict, the incoming administration’s stance could profoundly affect Ukraine’s support and its capacity to sustain the fight against Russia’s superior military forces.

For now, as Ukraine ramps up its drone counteroffensives and Russia bolsters its defenses, the conflict’s intensity shows little sign of abating. Both nations appear determined to shape the battlefield to their advantage, raising the stakes—and the risks—as winter approaches.

Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley has become the first Kenya-born immigrant elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her achievement, celebrated on November 5, marks a significant milestone not only for her own journey but also for the immigrant and African communities in Minnesota and beyond. Hiltsley describes her win as a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of the American dream.

As she stood in the Minnesota State Capitol for the first time, preparing for orientation, Hiltsley expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to serve. “To be standing in this Capitol as an African immigrant woman is a tremendous honor. I’m just overexcited right now,” she said, emphasizing the significance of her accomplishment as a symbol of possibility.

Her journey to this moment, however, was not without challenges. Hiltsley’s path to citizenship was fraught with difficulties, including a long battle with the immigration system that nearly led to her family’s deportation. She credits much of her success to the community support she received and the efforts of the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, whose advocacy helped secure her family’s residency and eventual citizenship. Reflecting on her achievement, Hiltsley noted, “Getting to this moment honestly is just a testament to the struggles that my family has gone through to be in this country.”

Her story has captured the attention of both American and Kenyan media, with celebrations in her hometown of Nyamemiso, eight hours from Nairobi. Despite the recognition, Hiltsley remains grounded, attributing her success to her roots. “I’m that little girl from that little village in the middle of Kenya, and now I’m in the spotlight of this media frenzy. I’m still trying to really appreciate the magnitude of the moment,” she said.

Beyond her personal accomplishment, Hiltsley hopes her story will inspire others, particularly young girls in both Kenya and the United States. “If I can make it to this point, I can be a role model to somebody to remind them that our wildest dreams are possible,” she said.

Legislative Priorities and Community Vision

As she steps into her new role representing Minnesota’s Legislative District 38A, Hiltsley has outlined key priorities that reflect her commitment to her community. She plans to focus on community-centered public safety initiatives, affordable housing, workers’ rights, and support for small businesses—many of which are run by African immigrants. Her objective is to empower her constituents by connecting them with resources and guiding them through navigating state systems.

“It is my job to go back to my community and tell them, ‘Hey, there are resources here. This is how this system works. Let’s work together to make sure that we are also taking a piece of the pie,’” she said.

Hiltsley is mindful of the weight her position carries as the first Kenyan-American woman in Minnesota’s Legislature. Viewing it as a responsibility to represent a growing, diverse constituency, she aims to make space for future immigrant leaders. “I don’t want to be the last,” she said, underscoring her hope that her election will inspire others to pursue public service. “This moment right here is a testimony that you can come to this country, work hard, and get to where you want to be.”

To those who have faced setbacks in their own political pursuits, Hiltsley offers a message of perseverance: “Be consistent. Keep going. There’s enough space in this Legislature for more people of color, especially immigrants, because that’s the voice that is missing.”

Reflections on Politics and a Vision for Unity

As she prepares to serve in a rapidly changing political environment, Hiltsley remains focused on her constituents, regardless of partisan divisions. With the recent election of President-elect Donald Trump, she acknowledges that the political climate presents challenges, yet she emphasizes her commitment to bipartisan service. “We are here to serve the people, and it doesn’t matter if you are Democrat or Republican,” she said. “We are here as legislators to serve the people of Minnesota.”

Her victory has resonated deeply with Kenyans who view her achievement as a shared triumph. Hiltsley’s message to her fellow Kenyans is one of unity and responsibility. “This is a historical moment, and I’m honored to be a Kenyan American,” she said. “Let’s continue celebrating this victory, but after that, we have work to do.”

Looking beyond Minnesota, Hiltsley aspires to foster connections between her adopted home and her country of birth. She expressed a desire to work with Kenyan leaders on issues of governance, including the need for stronger leadership and anti-corruption measures. “Kenya has unlimited potential,” she said. “It’s up to our leaders to do right by the people.”

As she prepares to take her seat officially on January 7, Hiltsley’s journey from a small Kenyan village to the halls of the Minnesota State Capitol stands as an inspiring testament to perseverance and the promise of opportunity. Her story embodies the values of both the American and Kenyan communities she represents, with a commitment to public service and a vision for empowering others to pursue their dreams.

Top Kenyan business executives gathered in Nairobi today to chart a course for regional and international expansion, focusing on leveraging Africa’s emerging trade landscape. Convened by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in collaboration with Ecobank Kenya, the forum comes as African economies look toward strengthening intra-continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark free trade initiative expected to reshape economic relations across the continent.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, poised to be the largest such initiative since the establishment of the World Trade Organization, promises to unite a population that could rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. Among its anticipated benefits are expanding trade among African countries, which currently accounts for a modest 15-18% of total trade, and stimulating industries across sectors such as manufacturing and agro-processing. Additionally, AfCFTA seeks to enhance African companies’ access to global markets, helping to establish the continent as a formidable player in international trade.

Kenya has shown strong support for AfCFTA, aligning its own trade strategies with the agreement’s objectives. The country’s commitment is reflected in policies aimed at consolidating, diversifying, and scaling up Kenyan exports across African markets. Today’s gathering reinforces Kenya’s ambition to strengthen its regional trade presence and capitalize on new opportunities offered by AfCFTA.

With Ecobank’s presence in 35 African countries and KNCCI’s vast network, the partnership aims to equip Kenyan businesses with tools to navigate and capitalize on cross-border trade. Under the theme “Powering Trade across Africa,” the breakfast forum introduced strategies that could empower Kenyan businesses to overcome obstacles and tap into the expanding African marketplace.

Breaking Barriers to Regional Trade

Ecobank and KNCCI’s joint statement emphasized that the collaboration provides Kenyan companies with verified access to trade partners across the continent. By using Ecobank’s integrated payment network, Kenyan businesses can conduct secure, efficient transactions in 35 countries, reducing costs, time, and operational complexity.

Ecobank’s Single Market Trade Hub Portal, a key platform highlighted at the event, offers Kenyan traders access to over 6,000 businesses across Africa. This resource allows companies to identify trade partners, expand into new markets, and build reliable cross-border relationships. KNCCI members, often hindered by high transaction costs, currency fluctuations, limited trade finance, and partner verification challenges, can expect tailored solutions designed to streamline cross-border business operations.

In her address, Ecobank Kenya’s Managing Director and Regional Executive Josephine Anan-Ankomah underscored the bank’s expertise in trade finance, foreign exchange, and cross-border payment solutions. She pointed to the Single Market Trade Hub Portal as a game-changer for Kenyan traders, reducing the financial and logistical barriers associated with cross-border operations.

“Additionally, the partnership will create opportunities for businesses to connect with potential partners and investors across the region, facilitating trade deals and enhancing market access,” said Anan-Ankomah.

The KNCCI-Ecobank collaboration aims to address several significant hurdles Kenyan traders face in regional markets, such as high transaction costs, exchange rate volatility, and limited access to trade finance. By offering competitive exchange rates and customized trade finance options, Ecobank hopes to empower Kenyan businesses to better manage financial risks. The Single Market Trade Hub Portal further strengthens these efforts by connecting traders to verified African businesses, fostering secure, sustainable business partnerships.

Ecobank and KNCCI’s Vision for Kenyan Businesses

KNCCI President Erick Rutto voiced optimism about the partnership’s impact on Kenyan businesses. “Together, we are building a pathway for Kenyan businesses to excel regionally and globally,” Rutto said, emphasizing the joint mission to overcome barriers that currently limit Kenyan companies’ ability to engage in regional trade.

The session also explored how Ecobank’s infrastructure and financial products could address the needs of Kenyan businesses seeking to expand regionally. By offering solutions such as competitive exchange rates, accessible trade financing, and enhanced payment platforms, the bank seeks to help companies mitigate the financial risks of cross-border operations while enhancing profitability and competitiveness.

As the AfCFTA continues to gain momentum, Kenyan businesses find themselves in a unique position to leverage Africa’s interconnected economy. Through partnerships like the one between KNCCI and Ecobank, Kenyan executives are not only preparing to navigate the continent’s dynamic trade environment but are also poised to become leaders in the African market.

The forum underscored Kenya’s readiness to capitalize on Africa’s economic integration and laid a foundation for sustainable growth as businesses pursue new markets across borders. With the launch of AfCFTA, the continent stands at the brink of a new trade era, and Kenya’s business community appears prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities on the horizon.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that an American-operated MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone crashed on Tuesday in Somalia, clearing up earlier reports from local media that misidentified the aircraft as a Turkish Bayraktar TB2. According to AFRICOM, the crash occurred around 12:40 p.m. on November 5, near Farsooley, a village under Al-Shabaab control approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.

Shortly after the crash, Al-Shabaab fighters reportedly secured the wreckage, concealing it with branches to evade aerial detection. Initial reports from sources like Hiiraan Online incorrectly attributed the crash to a Turkish TB2, likely due to Turkey’s active military support for Somalia’s efforts against Al-Shabaab.

AFRICOM clarified that the MQ-1C Gray Eagle’s crash was not likely caused by hostile fire. An investigation is underway to determine the technical reasons behind the incident, with AFRICOM pledging to release further information as findings develop.

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle, produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is a highly capable unmanned aircraft system designed for long-endurance missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes. Originally entering service with the U.S. Army in 2009, the drone has since seen multiple upgrades, such as improved sensors and increased payload. With an endurance of up to 25 hours and the capacity to carry four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, the Gray Eagle provides real-time intelligence and targeted strike capabilities at altitudes up to 29,000 feet.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, maintains significant influence over parts of southern Somalia. The crash site’s proximity to an Al-Shabaab stronghold highlights the challenges international forces face in supporting Somalia’s counter-terrorism operations. While the U.S. primarily aids through intelligence and aerial support, Turkey has also become a critical ally, offering Somali forces training and equipment in the fight against the militant group.

As AFRICOM’s investigation progresses, further details are expected to shed light on the technical failure that led to the loss of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, a drone valued at approximately $21 million.