East Africa

ADDIS ABABA: As another day dawns in Ethiopia, shadows of an "escalating crackdown" on civil society grow longer, according to Human Rights Watch. Lately, the country has witnessed the suspension of two pivotal human rights organizations, causing a stir in both local and international circles. Last December, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC), renowned for its enduring legacy, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) found themselves curtailed by a governmental watchdog. This was on grounds that…

President Paul Kagame has firmly rejected the assertions made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concerning the turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a spirited response, Kagame accused Ramaphosa of twisting the narrative surrounding their discussions. This heated exchange comes on the heels of Goma, a strategic city, falling under the control of M23 rebels, a move that has sent shockwaves through the region. With a tone that resonated with frustration, Kagame did not pull any punches when addressing…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a remarkable step towards fostering bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, inked a trio of pivotal agreements with Tanzanian counterparts on Wednesday. The accords, focusing on enhancing security, cultural enrichment, and prisoner exchange, underscore a deliberate stride towards regional collaboration. The signing ceremony unfolded with distinct formality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Fiqi was joined by Tanzanian officials,…

In a recent diplomatic move, the United Kingdom has urged conflicting parties in North Western State of Somalia and SSC Khaatumo to begin peace processes by exchanging prisoners. This development comes amidst a turbulent backdrop, where ongoing hostilities have displaced thousands and severely affected regional trade. British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, after conversing with a newly established peace committee in North Western State of Somalia, emphasized, “A durable peace must begin with the exchange of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a harrowing turn of events at Rosslare Europort, a mere whisper of alarm echoed through the grim silence of a shipping container. Nine migrants, hailing from Somalia and Eritrea, had endured an unimaginable ordeal. Starved and parched, they spent four days in the stifling dark, stuffed like sardines, all in a desperate bid for freedom. Why endure such hardship, one might wonder? A phone call for help stirred a chain of actions that led to their rescue on a brisk Monday morning. Upon their discovery, the…

An intriguing development is taking shape in the diplomatic relationships that intertwine Turkey with Ethiopia and Somalia. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey, a dominant political force known for its astute strategies over the past two decades, is embarking on an ambitious diplomatic endeavor. But what does this mean for the Eastern African countries involved? Zafer Sirakaya, the AKP's deputy chairman, recently met with Somalia's Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the secretary-general of the ruling Union…

International Operation Yields Major Arrests in East Africa Mogadishu, a city often beset by the shadows of conflict, has borne witness to an unfolding drama of international significance. In a concerted effort to stem the tide of extremism, 37 individuals have been apprehended under a sweeping counterterrorism initiative orchestrated by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL. Their offenses? Alleged associations with infamous entities like Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and other radical factions that haunt the East…

For nearly a month now, the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State in Somalia has become a theater of military operations as security forces advance against Islamic State militants entrenched in its rugged mountains. It’s a tense standoff, a test of endurance and strategy. What makes these events profoundly compelling? It could be the frenetic chess game unfolding between the regional forces and a disciplined insurgent group. The crescendo of this operation seemed to reach new heights late last week. The regional…

The scene in Garowe was tense yet purposeful on Wednesday, as Northeastern State authorities embarked on a significant, perhaps controversial, operation. They deported close to a thousand undocumented Ethiopians, a move that underscores the region's determination to address the thorny issue of undocumented migration. The individuals were held for a brief period, just two days, before being transported in trucks—an image stark in its human implication—to the Somali-Ethiopian border. Why, one might ponder, has this policy…

In a dazzling display of football fervor, the much-anticipated draw for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 was held in Rabat, Morocco, illuminating the path for the 24 countries aiming to take home the coveted trophy from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of anticipation and the whispers of fans eager to see how their beloved teams would fare against the competition. At the focal point of the event, the host nation—Morocco—was assigned to Group A alongside Mali, Zambia,…