Ethiopia: Deluge, Defense, and Demolition - Themes in PM Abiy's AAU Lecture

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- When Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appeared at Addis Ababa University (AAU) on 02 January 2026, to mark its 75th anniversary, many expected him to reflect on the university's journey and its contributions to Ethiopian society. As the occasion was the first time Prime Minister Abiy addressed the AAU community, the moment called for more than ceremony. It invited a vision for higher education, one that could articulate national ambition, shape expectations, signal priorities, and set the tone for how a society Source

Ethiopia: Allied Gold Sells Kurmuk Project to China's Zijin

[Reporter] Egyptian firm poised to earn USD 375mln from sale, Ethiopian gov't likely to get nothing Source

Nigeria: NUPRC Courts Global Investors Ahead of 2025 Oil Licensing Round

[Premium Times] NUPRC said the webinar is designed to provide investment clarity and execution certainty for companies seeking to participate in the licensing round, which will offer 50 oil and gas blocks across frontier, onshore, shallow-water and deepwater terrains. Source

Africa: Joint U.S. - African Union Statement on Launch of a Strategic Investment Working Group

[State Department] Addis Ababa -- The following joint statement was released by the Government of the United States of America and the African Union Commission on the occasion of today's agreement to establish a Strategic Investment Working Group. Source

Africa: AUC Chairperson Received a High-Level U.S. Delegation Led By Deputy Secretary of State Landau

[African Union] The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon received a high-level United States delegation led by the Deputy Secretary of State, H.E. Christopher Landau. The delegation also included the Commander of U.S. AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson. Source

Nigeria: Police Open Fire On Peaceful Lagos Protesters, Journalists

[Premium Times] Peaceful protesters demanding entry into the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa were met with gunfire and aggressive police action on Wednesday, leaving several residents injured and blood covering parts of the road. Source

Africa: AU, Qatar Officials Meet in Mogadishu to Discuss Peace and Security Cooperation

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- The African Union's Special Representative and Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, met today in Mogadishu with Qatar's Ambassador to Somalia, Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Nuaimi. Source

Kenya: Transport Lobby Warns of Nationwide Road Shutdown

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Transport operators have issued a warning of a nationwide road shutdown starting Monday, threatening massive disruption across major towns and highways as they protest what they describe as the government's failure to guarantee security for road users and investors in the transport sector. Source

Nigeria: Tinubu Mourns Father of Super Eagles' Captain, Sunday Ndidi

[This Day] Abuja -- President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the captain of the Super Eagles, Wilfred Ndidi, on the passing of his father, Sunday Ndidi. Source

Gambia: Judiciary Still Faces Shortage of Courtrooms & Office Space

[The Point] Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has highlighted the Judiciary's challenges, including shortage of courtrooms and office space, hindering judicial officers' effectiveness. Source

Somalia: Al-Shabaab Commander Surrenders to Galmudug Forces in Central Somalia

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- A senior Al-Shabaab commander, identified as Abdirahman Talxo Shuuke, surrendered to Galmudug Darawiish forces, specifically the Galayr unit responsible for protecting the regional presidency, following recent operations against the militant group in the Labadulle and Ceelahelay areas. Source

Algeria: U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos Visits Algeria

[U.S. Embassy Algiers] U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos returned to Algeria on January 26 to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, and Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab. His visit reaffirms the United States' ongoing cooperation with Algeria and its commitment to supporting stability throughout the region. Source