Nairobi — President William Ruto on Thursday held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which the two leaders discussed efforts to end ongoing conflicts across Africa and strengthen Kenya-Germany bilateral cooperation, particularly in labour mobility and skills exchange.
According to a statement from State House, the discussion focused on regional peace and security, with both leaders expressing concern over persistent instability in parts of the Horn of Africa, Sudan, and the Great Lakes region.
President Ruto and Chancellor Merz emphasized the need for African-led solutions, continued diplomatic engagement, and stronger international partnerships to restore peace and stability on the continent.
“Kenya remains committed to working with Germany and other partners to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development across Africa,” President Ruto said.
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The leaders also reviewed progress on the Kenya-Germany Bilateral Labour Agreement, which aims to expand opportunities for skilled Kenyan workers in various sectors of the German economy.
President Ruto noted that the partnership aligns with his administration’s labour mobility strategy, designed to create employment opportunities abroad while strengthening bilateral ties.
Chancellor Merz welcomed Kenya’s efforts to train and certify skilled workers, saying Germany looked forward to “a structured and mutually beneficial framework” that supports both countries’ economic needs.
The two leaders further discussed green energy cooperation, vocational training, and investment opportunities, reaffirming their commitment to deepening Kenya-Germany relations.
The phone conversation comes ahead of the planned opening of the Qatari Visa Centre in Nairobi in 2026, part of Kenya’s broader push to expand labour and economic partnerships with international allies.
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Morocco Declares ‘Unity Day’ Holiday to Mark UN Support for Western Sahara Autonomy
Morocco declared 31 October a national holiday, known as Unity Day, to commemorate the UN Security Council’s approval of a resolution supporting its autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara region. The holiday celebrated Morocco’s “national unity and territorial integrity,” following the UN’s endorsement of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most feasible solution to the decades-long conflict. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, backed by 11 countries, also renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force, Minurso, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria opposed it. Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich desert once under Spanish rule, was annexed by Morocco in 1975 but remains partly controlled by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks full independence for the Sahrawi people. Despite ceasefires since the 1990s and UN peacekeeping efforts since 1991, the long-promised referendum on independence never occurred. While the African Union recognizes Western Sahara’s independence, Morocco, having rejoined the AU in 2017 after leaving its predecessor in 1984, continued to pursue diplomatic efforts to secure international recognition of its sovereignty.
Egypt Renews Calls for Return of Nefertiti Bust as Grand Museum Opens
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The opening of Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum reignited calls for the return of the famous Nefertiti bust, which had been housed in Berlin’s Neues Museum since its discovery by a German archaeological team in 1912. Once found by Ludwig Borchardt, the painted limestone bust became one of Berlin’s most prized artifacts, though Egypt has long disputed its removal. Former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Zahi Hawass launched a petition urging Germany to return the bust, describing it as a step toward justice and national pride. German authorities maintained that the bust was legally acquired under the excavation laws of the time and said there had been no formal restitution request from Egypt.
Mali Junta Struggles to Contain Jihadist Blockade and Worsening Fuel Crisis
The Mali military junta has been struggling to contain armed groups, particularly the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which imposed a blockade on the country since the back-to-back coups of 2020 and 2021. Beginning in September, JNIM targeted fuel tankers entering from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire in retaliation for the authorities’ ban on rural fuel sales aimed at cutting off jihadist supply lines. The resulting fuel shortage worsened long-standing power outages that had crippled Mali’s economy for years, forcing the junta to suspend classes nationwide for two weeks. Reports confirmed that JNIM released several foreign hostages in exchange for a ransom of up to $73.46   million, military equipment, and a prisoner swap, deals viewed as evidence of the junta’s weakness. Meanwhile, the Malian army claimed to have struck back by destroying a major jihadist base near Sirakoro, killing over a dozen fighters and seizing equipment.
Italy Donates $3.46  Million to WFP to Aid Sudanese Refugees in Libya
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Libya announced that it had received a $3.46  million contribution from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to support the urgent food needs of Sudanese refugees and Libyan host communities. The number of Sudanese refugees in Libya had risen to over 357,000 by August 2025, with projections suggesting that the number may reach 550,000 by the end of the year. Previously constrained by limited resources, WFP Libya had been able to assist around 50,000 refugees monthly; with Italy’s contribution, the agency planned to expand support to 75,000 people per month between November 2025 and January 2026. WFP Libya Country Director Mohamed Sheikh said the funding would enable the agency to continue providing life-saving food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable groups, including pregnant and nursing women and children under five. He urged the international community to increase its support for Libya’s growing humanitarian needs.
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Zimbabwe’s Harare Residents Protest Borehole Demolition Amid Cholera Fears
The residents of Glenview, one of Harare’s cholera hotspots, have petitioned Mayor Jacob Mafume to prevent the demolition of a public borehole that serves more than 2,800 people.  A 48-hour removal notice was issued by the City of Harare, ordering the borehole site cleared to make way for four residential infill stands. The council cited “illegal occupation” under municipal by-laws. The borehole, drilled in 2019 under the Presidential Borehole Scheme, remains the community’s main source of clean water in an area already suffering from severe shortages. No alternative water source has been proposed to replace it. An estimated 280 residents signed a petition urging the council to establish a special committee under Section 100 of the Urban Councils Act to investigate land allocations and determine how many boreholes would be affected. The residents warned that demolishing the borehole without replacing it would violate their constitutional right to water and risk triggering another cholera outbreak.
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Global Citizen has announced that its flagship Global Citizen NOW action summit will be held in South Africa for the first time on November 21, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The event, taking place on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, will convene world leaders, business executives, and activists to accelerate investment in renewable energy across Africa. Distinguished speakers include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen; Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema; Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre; and former UN Under-Secretary-General Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. The summit will be hosted by actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha.
Other key participants include Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners; Yvonne Chaka Chaka; Sabrina Dhowre Elba; Sherwin Charles; Akinwole Omoboriowo II; Gqi Raoleka; and the Mzansi Youth Choir.
The summit forms part of the year-long “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa” campaign, co-hosted by Ursula von der Leyen and Cyril Ramaphosa with support from the International Energy Agency. It seeks to “quadruple Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030,” addressing unmet power needs for an estimated 600 million people and contributing to the World Bank and African Development Bank’s Mission 300. Global Citizen says the initiative aims to secure “clean energy access for 10 million households, with 4.6 million already pledged to date.”
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At the heart of the discussions will be financing Africa’s energy transition, advancing climate resilience, and bolstering global health security.
“Africa’s moment is now,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa. “Our continent holds the key to a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous world. Through decisive action and global solidarity, we can accelerate Africa’s clean energy future through a just transition, creating enduring opportunities for our people and strengthening the foundations of shared progress.”
Ursula von der Leyen stressed the continent’s untapped power potential. “Africa holds immense potential for renewable energy and the world is taking notice… now is the time to invest in powering Africa’s future.”
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema said, “By investing in solar, hydro, and wind power, we can drive our continent’s industrial growth and create a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.”
Sipho Makhubela added: “Partnering with Global Citizen… reinforces our shared commitment to advancing our clean energy future… driving jobs, innovation and transformative opportunities across our continent.”
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Mbatha described the summit as “a critical platform to turn ambition into action… This is about more than powering homes; it’s about empowering communities, driving inclusive growth, and ensuring a greener future for generations to come.”
Hugh Evans, Global Citizen Co-Founder & CEO, called for bold investment, saying, “Together, we can mobilize the investments needed to power homes and businesses, and deliver electricity to the 600 million people still living without it.”
In the lead-up to the summit, the Reverse Power Panel on November 17 will spotlight young African leaders presenting renewable-energy solutions, alongside government figures including Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy Samantha Graham-Maré.
The Johannesburg edition marks the summit’s African debut, following previous gatherings in cities such as New York, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Detroit, Belém, and Seville. The event is hosted with partners including Harith General Partners, Octopus Energy, Pele Energy Group, Transenergy Global, Genesis Energy, and PayPal.
Vanguard News
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