Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf elected as AU Commission Chairperson with 33 votes, marking a major political victory for President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Minister Ilyas M. Dawaleh.

Djibouti has officially seized the reins of African diplomacy as Mahamoud Ali Youssouf clinched the African Union Commission chairmanship with a commanding 33-vote victory. This is not just a personal triumph for Youssouf but a strategic masterstroke orchestrated by President Ismail Omar Guelleh and his closest political tacticians.

Behind the scenes, Ilyas M. Dawaleh—Djibouti’s Economy Minister—played a decisive role, securing critical endorsements from French-speaking African nations and leveraging Djibouti’s influence with key power players. His cryptic yet celebratory post on X summed it up: “We made it! Thank you to all African leaders who made this happen. Above all, thankful to Allah. History is made.”

This victory shifts the balance of power in the African Union, placing Djibouti at the center of the continent’s political agenda. With Guelleh’s steady leadership, Dawaleh’s strategic maneuvering, and Youssouf’s diplomatic prowess, Djibouti is now positioned to steer the AU through an era of transformation. The next moves of this powerhouse trio will define Africa’s future—and waryatv.com will be tracking every step.

Why Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf Will Win the AU Chairmanship

Jubbaland security forces raid Al-Shabaab stronghold, killing four militants and capturing a high-ranking judge in a strategic counterterrorism operation.

Jubbaland security forces have scored a major counterterrorism victory after capturing a senior Al-Shabaab judicial official and killing four militants in a targeted raid near Dhoobley, southern Somalia.

The high-stakes operation, conducted in the Lafo-Gari area of Lower Juba, led to the arrest of Moalim Mohamed, who served as deputy judge in one of Al-Shabaab’s shadow courts. These courts have been instrumental in enforcing the group’s brutal form of Islamic law, issuing arbitrary punishments and controlling local populations through fear.

According to Colonel Mohamed Heybe, the security commander of Dhoobley district, intelligence reports pinpointed Al-Shabaab activity in the area, prompting a surprise raid by Jubbaland forces.

Upon arrival, around 20 militants engaged the security forces in a fierce gunfight. After a brief but intense battle, four Al-Shabaab fighters, including the group’s financial chief for Lafo-Gari, were eliminated, and two others were wounded before the remaining insurgents fled.

The capture of Moalim Mohamed is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational and financial networks in Lower Juba. The group has long relied on informal taxation and judicial control to enforce its rule and fund its operations.

This latest operation highlights the increasing effectiveness of Somali federal and regional forces, backed by international partners, in combating the al-Qaeda-linked insurgency that has terrorized Somalia and spilled over into Kenya for more than 15 years.

The Somali government has intensified its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in recent months, with coordinated offensives across multiple regions. The successful raid near Dhoobley underscores Jubbaland’s commitment to eliminating militant strongholds and cutting off Al-Shabaab’s revenue sources.

With continuous operations targeting militant leaders, financiers, and enforcers, the noose is tightening around Al-Shabaab, setting the stage for further counterterrorism successes in southern Somalia.

Kenya reaffirms its full support for Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission chairmanship as the election nears.

As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections near, Kenya has intensified its diplomatic push to ensure Raila Odinga secures the chairmanship, reaffirming its full support and commitment to his victory.

Over the past several months, Odinga has conducted an aggressive campaign, directly engaging over 40 African Heads of State, earning endorsements from the East African Community (EAC) and key Pan-African allies. This broad-based support positions him as a front-runner to take over the continental body’s leadership.

Kenya’s government, led by President William Ruto, remains at the forefront of Odinga’s campaign, with Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura reaffirming that Nairobi is fully engaged in ensuring victory.

“The government reaffirms its unwavering support for Mr. Odinga’s bid and remains committed to rallying regional and continental backing,” Dr. Mwaura stated in a press release.

He emphasized that an Odinga-led AUC would align with President Ruto’s institutional reform agenda, making the African Union more effective, people-centered, and responsive to continental challenges.

Thousands of Kenyans, including diaspora members in Ethiopia, have voluntarily traveled to Addis Ababa ahead of the elections on February 15-16, showcasing an extraordinary display of patriotism.

“This overwhelming support from Kenyans at home and abroad is a testament to their belief in Odinga’s leadership,” Dr. Mwaura noted.

The Kenyan delegation in Addis Ababa remains standard-sized and in line with diplomatic protocols, while the additional presence of Kenyans in Ethiopia reflects a strong show of solidarity.

Kenya is confident that Odinga’s vast experience, commitment to Pan-Africanism, and transformative leadership will resonate with AU member states, leading to a successful election outcome.

With the AUC elections just days away, all eyes are now on Addis Ababa, where Odinga’s diplomatic maneuvering and strategic alliances will be put to the ultimate test. If successful, his leadership could steer the AU towards a new era of unity, economic transformation, and institutional efficiency.

President Irro denies Somaliland’s involvement in U.S. refugee relocation plans, reaffirms support for Palestinian rights.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has firmly denied reports that his government is engaged in talks with the United States regarding the resettlement of Palestinian refugees. Speaking to Sky News Arabia, Irro made it clear that no formal discussions have taken place and stressed that Somaliland’s foreign policy remains aligned with Arab nations regarding the Palestinian issue.

“Somaliland values its strategic partnership with the United States in economic and security matters, but we have not been approached about this issue. Any decision of this scale requires broad diplomatic engagement,” Irro stated.

His remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other nations, sparking widespread speculation about potential host countries. Reports from media suggested that Somaliland and Puntland were among the considered locations, though neither Washington nor Hargeisa has provided official confirmation.

Irro reaffirmed Somaliland’s unwavering stance in support of Palestinian sovereignty, calling for a diplomatic resolution that aligns with broader Arab consensus. He also emphasized Somaliland’s priority of strengthening economic ties, securing regional stability, and maintaining its growing geopolitical influence.

His statements come amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland continues to assert itself as a key player. Irro, who recently attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai, underscored his administration’s commitment to economic development and international recognition while maintaining neutrality on external conflicts.

Under pressure from Arab leaders, Trump shifts Gaza stance, asking regional powers to present an alternative peace plan.

The Trump administration is adjusting its approach to Gaza after intense backlash from Arab nations, signaling a willingness to consider alternative plans. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump has asked Arab countries to submit a proposal, despite previously insisting on relocating Palestinians and turning Gaza into a “Middle East Riviera.”

The move follows a tense meeting between Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah, who reportedly opposed any mass displacement. Meanwhile, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are set to discuss a reconstruction-led plan to stabilize Gaza without forced expulsions. However, tensions remain high—Saudi leaders have postponed visits to Washington, and Egypt has warned that aid contributions may bypass the U.S. if its stance does not change.

Trump’s sudden shift could be a tactical maneuver, offering room for negotiation while maintaining his original vision of an economic redevelopment project. However, with Hamas halting hostage releases and Israel hinting at renewed military action, the fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance. The next steps in Cairo’s emergency summit may determine whether Trump’s revised Gaza strategy holds or if regional tensions explode once again.

With conflicts raging worldwide, US allies await Trump’s stance on Ukraine, NATO, and Middle East policy in Munich.

The 2025 Munich Security Conference kicks off under intense global scrutiny as US allies push for clarity on President Trump’s foreign policy. With Ukraine’s war entering its fourth year, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead Washington’s delegation, engaging with NATO partners and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump’s recent push for a swift Ukraine-Russia ceasefire has left Europe questioning America’s long-term commitment. While the US president has not repeated his past threats to withdraw from NATO, he has ruled out American troops in Ukraine and dismissed Kyiv’s ambitions for NATO membership. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK officials are reportedly exploring European-led peacekeeping efforts, should a ceasefire materialize.

Beyond Ukraine, the conference will tackle Middle Eastern instability, China’s growing assertiveness, and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the DRC. Trump’s controversial remarks about relocating Palestinians from Gaza are expected to dominate side discussions, further straining US-European relations. Meanwhile, China’s delegation arrives as tensions with Washington escalate over Taiwan, with recent US naval maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait fueling Beijing’s anger.

As world leaders gather in Munich, the question remains: will Trump’s “America First” stance reshape global alliances, or will US allies take the lead in securing Europe’s future?

Several injured after driver plows into demonstrators in Munich ahead of high-profile global security summit.

A shocking incident unfolded in Munich on Thursday when a motorist drove into a crowd, leaving several injured, just a day before the city hosts the high-stakes Munich Security Conference. Police swiftly detained the driver, ruling out any ongoing threat, but the attack has raised alarms as global leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are set to arrive.

Reports indicate that the victims were part of a demonstration linked to a Verdi union strike, though the union has yet to confirm details. The location of the incident, near Munich’s central train station, has led to a large-scale police response, with heightened security measures in place as the city braces for a gathering of world leaders.

With tensions already running high due to geopolitical conflicts and security threats across Europe, this attack in the heart of Germany signals another grim reminder of the vulnerabilities even in highly guarded urban centers. Authorities are expected to release further updates as investigations unfold.

Kizza Besigye refuses food as Uganda defies court ruling on military trials for civilians.

Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has begun a hunger strike while facing trial in a military tribunal, his wife Winnie Byanyima revealed. His detention comes despite a Supreme Court ruling banning the prosecution of civilians in military courts.

The Museveni government has dismissed the court ruling, vowing to continue trying civilians in military courts. Besigye, a longtime critic of President Museveni, was arrested in Kenya in November in what officials described as an abduction, later charged in Uganda with treachery and illegal possession of firearms—charges that could lead to the death penalty.

Byanyima, who heads UNAIDS, condemned the trial as politically motivated. “They think they can break his spirit, but they underestimate his resolve,” she wrote on X.

Uganda’s prisons spokesperson denied Besigye’s hunger strike, claiming he is “OK.” But rights groups accuse Museveni’s government of systematic human rights violations, including torture and arbitrary detentions—claims Kampala has consistently denied.

Besigye, once Museveni’s personal doctor, has run against him in four elections, rejecting all results as fraudulent. His detention and military trial underscore Uganda’s deepening crackdown on dissent ahead of the next elections.