East Africa

Mogadishu (AX) - In the bustling heart of Cairo, a significant diplomatic dialogue unfolded between Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and Egypt’s agile Foreign Affairs leader, Dr. Badr Abdel Atty. This meeting wasn't just another tick on the political calendar; it was a deliberate stride towards fortifying regional security and intertwining the future destinies of Somalia and Egypt. Gathering amidst the grand historical edifices of Cairo, both ministers drew up an ambitious canvas: invigorating the…

There I was, reflecting on the preliminary pact between my homeland and Ethiopia, and suddenly, I found my thoughts drifting to the echoes of post-World War II Europe. That brutal conflict left an indelible mark on history, claiming the lives of an estimated 40 million souls—among them, 20 million military personnel and between 19 to 25 million civilians. The devastation was all too real, with economic ruin leaving nations grappling with widespread poverty, famine, and collapse.Rising from these ashes was no small feat.…

Galkayo (AX) — Picture this: midnight drama on the high seas as airwaves crackle with urgent distress signals. In an audacious move reminiscent of a bygone era, the MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi cargo ship heavy with coal and dreams, was hijacked in March 2024, setting off a flurry of international whispers and nail-biting negotiations. Fast forward a few months, and the dust finally begins to settle. In a significant victory against maritime crime, Northeastern State authorities have successfully nabbed Ali Ahmed Ali Shirwa,…

As the sun rises over the vibrant landscape of Mozambique, a fresh chapter in the nation’s political saga unfolds. New Members of Parliament have officially taken their oaths, marking a pivotal moment just days before the much-anticipated inauguration of President-elect Daniel Chapo on Wednesday, January 15. It’s a time that many look forward to with hope and optimism, yet the undercurrents of discontent are palpable—especially coming from opposition leader Venancio Modlane, who has recently touched down in the country.…

In the rapidly whirling world of social media, where even a speck of misinformation can snowball into a frenzy, rumors spun a fantastic yarn about Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia. The buzz sprang from claims, running wild across online platforms, that the president was inspecting Ethiopia’s naval forces. But let's pause here and consider, have the metaphorical ships really come in on this? To set the record straight, factual accounts and photographic evidence reveal that President Mohamud was…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the labyrinth of African geopolitics, where the sands of strategy shift almost as swiftly as the dunes of the Sahara, Somalia finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The nation, energetically charting the course for the African Union's next phase in peacekeeping — dubbed the African Union's Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) — eagerly gestures towards its long-time neighbor, Ethiopia, hoping to draw them into this unfolding tapestry of collaboration. Yet, the path to inclusion is anything but a…

Addis Ababa—The sun shone brightly over the Ethiopian capital on January 11, 2025, as an air of optimism and anticipation filled the streets. Against this vibrant backdrop, a monumental announcement was made—one that carried the promise of a brighter future for two historic neighbors. Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, stood before an attentive audience of officials and journalists, his composed demeanor hinting at the weight…

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, the two nations have announced in a joint statement. This agreement on Saturday follows Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's warm reception of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where the leaders held high-level discussions focused on strengthening relations and addressing mutual priorities.

Somalia has announced its candidacy for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) for the 2025–2028 terms. In a press release issued over the weekend, Somalia outlined key reasons for its candidacy, emphasising its ”leadership in regional and continental priorities.” Somalia stressed the need for “fair representation,” noting its absence from the AU PSC since its creation in 2004. The country argued that its “inclusion is vital for ensuring equitable representation within the organisation.…

Ah, the hustle and bustle of politics and agriculture! Picture this: Egypt's top brass in agriculture, Minister Alaa Farouk, is out and about wearing his diplomatic hat, rubbing shoulders, and sipping coffee with his chums from Senegal and Somalia. They’re not just discussing the weather, mind you, but something that could put more bread on tables. We're talking turbo-charged agricultural cooperation, and not just your run-of-the-mill type—inspired once more by the thrilling surroundings at the African Union's Extraordinary…