East Africa

An Ethiopian delegation led by Mr. Adem Farah—Vice President of the ruling Prosperity Party and boss of the Democratic System Building Center with Deputy Prime Minister rank—has landed in Djibouti. Mr. Adem Farah brought an entourage of bigwigs, including Finance Minister Mr. Ahmed Shide, the Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian Defense Forces, Field Marshall Berhanu Jula, and Oromia region’s top honcho, Mr. Shimels Abdissa. A post on social media spilled the beans from the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti: the squad is…

In May 2024, the Somali government's endeavors to crush corruption hit a snag, as top officials got off scot-free. This blow to their anti-corruption crusade shouldn't be seen as a crushing defeat but as a spark for a reinvigorated and more potent campaign for a corruption-free tomorrow.A key component of this renewed crusade is a sturdy, independent anti-corruption entity. This body needs unshakeable legal clout to chase down and nail corrupt actors without bending to political whims. Empowering the commission with the…

The re-election of Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia marked a significant historical moment, celebrated by the populace, hoping for a transition from a weak governance system. Here are some reasons why his second term was welcomed: 1. Hassan assured to avoid past mistakes and mismanagement that plagued his first term. His initial failure led to the jubilant 2017 election of President Farmajo by Benadir residents. Hassan now promises balanced decisions, appointing reputable and capable…

By Mohamed TrunjiThursday June 27, 2024 After the chaotic 1991 Somali Civil War, Northeastern State carved out its autonomous niche in 1998. Distinct from North Western of Somalia, Northeastern State remains under the Federal State of Somalia's umbrella. The name "Northeastern State" harkens back to the ancient land of Punt, immortalized by Egyptian texts. A constitution steers the state with three pillars: executive, legislature, and judiciary. The heart of Northeastern State, Garowe, lies in Nogal region. This bustling…

Türkiye clinched a top 16 spot as Group F’s runner-up, with goals from Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun ejecting a tenacious Czech Republic 2-1. Meanwhile, third-placed Georgia advanced by toppling leader Portugal 2-0 in the last group matches on Wednesday. The Czechs needed a win to move forward, but Antonin Barak’s repeated fouls saw him sent off just 20 minutes into the game, giving Türkiye a one-player advantage. Taking control, Türkiye almost seized an opportunity in the 27th minute, but Arda Guler’s acrobatic attempt…

Julian Assange has returned to his homeland of Australia, courtesy of a plea bargain granting him liberty from a London jail.Raw emotions spilled at Canberra Airport when the Wikileaks icon embraced his wife and father, with his attorneys tearfully observing."Julian needs time to recuperate and acquaint himself with freedom again," declared Stella Assange at a press briefing shortly after her spouse's arrival.For over 14 years, Assange wrestled legally with U.S. authorities, accused of leaking classified data, endangering…

Somalia, a destitute nation nestled in Africa's Horn, is now commemorating 65 years of independence, albeit amid burgeoning disunity and a crucial shift in security protocols. Every year from June 26 to July 1, Somalia rejoices Independence Week, an ode to the 1960 merger of British North Western of Somalia and Italian Somalia. This union birthed a single nation brimming with dreams of progress that remain largely unfulfilled, says Sokor Jama, ex-director of Somalia’s Defense Ministry. “This isn't a moment for jubilation,”…

Kenya's President William Ruto fronts the media at Nairobi's State House on June 26, 2024. © Simon Maina, AFPPresident Ruto of Kenya has pledged to retract a finance bill proposing controversial tax hikes following violent protests that culminated in the torching of parliament on Tuesday.In a national address, he admitted that the Kenyan populace “wants nothing to do” with the bill."I concede," he stated, committing to not enacting the legislation.At least 22 individuals perished during the Tuesday uprisings, as reported by…

Oxfam's been hauling water to parched regions. Over three million souls in Somalia are battling dire food scarcity, with upwards of 700,000 uprooted by the calamity. Snapped by Allan Gichigi/OxfamThe Australian government has pledged more greenbacks for humanitarian relief in the Horn of Africa.On Saturday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, International Development and the Pacific Minister Pat Conroy, along with Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts declared a new funding package worth 23 million Australian dollars (15.2 million…

Mogadishu (AX) - In Mogadishu, officers nabbed nine soldiers popping off celebratory gunfire during the Independence Day festivities on Tuesday night.According to the Banadir Regional Police Command, these troops flouted an order prohibiting the firing of live rounds by anyone, including military personnel, during Independence Week celebrations."We're digging into this case of reckless shooting, with injuries already reported," said the Banadir police in a bite-sized statement on Wednesday. "Security forces are also tracking…