East Africa

Somalia's President Declines Meeting with Ethiopia's PM in Beijing MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly refused an audience with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during their time in Beijing, a departure from the usual trend of informal gatherings at significant global events where discussions on bilateral relations often take place. Both dignitaries attended the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation, where they were spotted engaging with numerous leaders from Africa and beyond. In the past,…

Chaos and Confusion Following Explosions in Mogadishu Mogadishu experienced a wave of tumult on Saturday due to a series of powerful explosions that resonated throughout various neighborhoods. Initially, authorities attributed these jarring sounds to large plastic bags that had been strategically placed. "We would like to assure Mogadishu residents that what they heard resulted from plastic bags, and thankfully, no injuries or fatalities occurred," the police announced. Light damage to tin-roofed houses did merit mention,…

Mortar Strikes Rattle Mogadishu, Instilling Fear Among Residents Earlier this evening, a barrage of mortar fire struck multiple areas within the Somali capital, sending shockwaves through various neighborhoods and igniting widespread panic. Witnesses reported that projectiles landed close to significant sites, such as the Presidential Palace, the entrance of the Peace Garden, and the Yaaqshid district. In total, up to eight suspected mortar rounds pounded the city. The full scope of the destruction and the number of…

Somali Immigrants Challenge GOP Narratives in Tim Walz’s Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS – In the bustling atmosphere of Afrik Grocery located in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, Fardousa Yossuf, a proud Somali immigrant, grabbed my hand and declared herself a "storyteller." Her narrative dates back to 1999, a pivotal year when she sought refuge from the tumult of the civil war in Somalia. Over the years, she has witnessed significant transformations: Minneapolis has evolved into a more vibrant and prosperous city. "This…

Somalia's Speaker Prohibits Press Conferences at Parliamentary Site Mogadishu, September 8, 2024 - Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the Speaker of Somalia's House of the People, has enacted a sweeping ban on press conferences both within and around the parliamentary premises. This decision, unveiled last Friday, has ignited discussions surrounding the openness and accessibility of the media in Somalia. The announcement comes on the heels of heightened political strife, particularly after a recent press conference…

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,…