East Africa

Relations between Ethiopia and Sudan too deep to be shaken by conspirators: PM ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the historical ties between Ethiopia and Sudan are too deep to be shaken by the conspirators' desire. In a statement in Arabic today, he said that the social and cultural relations and ties between the peoples of the two nations go back to centuries ago and still shine. These…

The EU and the UK conclude a narrow Brexit agreement following torture negotiations LONDON - Britain concluded a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before leaving one of the world's largest trading blocs in its most significant global shift since the loss of empire. The deal means it has swung away from a chaotic finale to a tortuous divorce that has shaken the…

Small entrepreneurs benefit from free microfinance from a local bank MOGADISHU, Somalia - The private Salaam Somali Bank's branch in Hamarweyne, Mogadishu, on Thursday provided entrepreneurs with free microfinance as part of the annual non-profit investment program called "Qardu Hassan". The annual fund is aimed at developing and encouraging small businesses across Somalia, according to the bank's…

Northeastern State and Galmudug agree to help mediate Somalia's election change GALKAYO, Somalia - The president of Northeastern State and Galmudug Said Abdullahi Deni and Ahmed Abdi Kariye alias “Qoor-Qoor” have held a key meeting in the divided city of Galkayo on Thursday morning. In a joint communication issued at the conclusion of the talks, the leaders of the two neighboring federal states…

The Ethiopian military collided with alleged gunmen involved in a deadly attack in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region, killing 42, taking bows, arrows and other weapons, state-affiliated Fana TV reported on Thursday. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said on Wednesday that more than 100 people have been killed in the latest massacre along ethnic lines in the western part of the country. Amhara Media Bureau, affiliated with the country's Amhara region, quoted witnesses in a separate report as…

In Ethiopia, the federal army is deploying to the Benishangul-Gumuz region in the west following a large-scale ethnic massacre. According to human rights defenders, at least one hundred people were killed on Wednesday morning, December 23, in the village of Bekoji. With our regional correspondent, Sebastien nemethThis is the…

Somalia's bid to amend the constitution was delayed before the vote MOGADISHU, Somalia - Planned vote by Somali legislators on changes to the interim constitution has been canceled at the last minute as Parliament's four-year term expires this month. The decision was taken after Farmajo signed a presidential decree postponing the approval of the amendment to the interim constitution after the outgoing…

More than 100 killed in ethnic massacre in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission says more than 100 people have been killed in the latest massacre along ethnic lines in the western part of the country. Amhara Mass Media Agency, affiliated with the country's Amhara region, quoted witnesses in a separate report as saying the attack took place early Wednesday in the Metekel zone of the…

Somalia's political crisis deepens when the opposition rejects the election plan MOGADISHU, Somalia - Opposition candidates in Somalia are urging the international community to recognize the president as a spoiler, a day after the disputed election commission announced voting dates. In a statement, 14 presidential aspirants accused Farmajo of posing a threat to the country's stability after failing to…

This was one of the highlights of Africa in 2020, the debt issue. From the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, rich countries looked at how to ease the burden on public finances. Measures have been taken, but much remains to be done to allow African countries to regain budgetary space and thus finance the recovery. LeCovid-19…