East Africa

China and Somalia Forge Strategic Diplomatic Alliance In a momentous turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the historic Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on September 6, 2024. During their meeting, the two leaders unveiled a significant upgrade to their bilateral relations, declaring a strategic partnership. This announcement coincided with Mohamud's attendance at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi was quick to highlight Somalia's…

Ethiopian Forces Intensify Presence Near Somalia Border Amid Rising Strain MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent reports reveal that Ethiopia has shifted additional troops to its frontier with Somalia, a development that many fear could exacerbate the already fragile situation in the Horn of Africa, a region grappling with significant instability and international concern. For nearly eight months, the Ethiopian and Somali governments have been at an impasse. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and…

Italy Triumphs Over France in Nations League After Early Setback In a stunning UEFA Nations League showdown in Paris, Italy rebounded impressively from conceding a goal just 13 seconds into the match, ultimately defeating France 3-1. The goals came from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori, showcasing Italy's resilience. Photo captured Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy's revered goalkeeper, celebrating alongside his teammates after clinching victory at the Parc des Princes during this Group A2 encounter on…

Frozen Bank Account Forces Ethiopian Airlines to Halt Eritrean Flights ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopian Airlines has officially announced the suspension of its flights to Eritrea due to the freezing of its bank account. This announcement came just hours prior to Eritrea's declaration of a curfew for foreign aircraft, which they described as a response to alleged 'harassment and lost luggage' incidents. Initially, Ethiopian Airlines attributed the flight suspension to “challenging operating conditions” in Eritrea, which they…

Ethiopian Military Leader Critiques Somali Authorities, Pledges to Safeguard National Progress Jigjiga (AX) — In a bold declaration, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, the head of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), has expressed unwavering commitment to protect Ethiopia's integrity against any looming dangers. He has pointed fingers at Somali officials, alleging their collusion with enemies of the state. His remarks came during the 47th anniversary festivities of Ethiopia's eastern command forces, celebrated in Jigjiga,…

Somalia: Government Forces Seize Al-Shabaab Supplies MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali security forces have successfully intercepted a shipment of supplies intended for Al-Shabaab in the northern regions of the nation. This operation was executed by the Somali National Army (SNA), strategically positioned in a zone marked by porous borders. Reports indicate that troops in the Mudug region halted a vehicle that was heading toward territories held by Al-Shabaab. These militants have developed a pattern of infiltrating areas where…

Ruto Engages with Somalia's President Amid Rising Terrorism by al Shabaab On Thursday, September 5, President William Ruto convened with Somalia's leader, Hassan Mohamud, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China. Their dialogue covered pivotal matters concerning regional security, especially the escalating threats posed by extremist factions like Al-Shabab. Both heads of state reflected on the achievements of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with Kenya actively…

Serious Allegations Emerge Against Somalia's Federal Health Ministry MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) - Health ministers from various Somali regional states have launched strong accusations against the Federal Ministry of Health, claiming severe mismanagement and interference with vital healthcare initiatives. These officials assert that such actions have significantly hindered the progress of the country's healthcare framework. In a letter, addressed to the leaders of regional governments and the Banaadir Region Governor,…

Major Human Trafficking Network Cracked Down in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AXADLE) — On Friday, the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) declared the dismantling of one of the country's most extensive human trafficking rings. This crackdown comes at a time when Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya grapple with escalating crises affecting countless lives. The operation led to the apprehension of 49 owners of travel agencies. Authorities seized an array of documents, including Ethiopian passports, birth…

Tragic Boarding School Fire Claims Lives of 17 Students in Kenya A devastating inferno swept through a dormitory at a boarding school in central Kenya, claiming the lives of 17 boys who were fast asleep while injuring 14 others, as reported by police and government representatives. Authorities have indicated that the death toll might increase following the disaster at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri county, with survivors currently receiving care in various hospitals. According to government spokesman Isaac…