East Africa

Pursuing enhanced security across the western Indian Ocean, a collaborative maritime exercise unfolded between the EU and Kenya. Image credit: Operation Atalanta.This week, the Kenya Navy and Coast Guard took significant strides in maritime safety through joint drills with the European Union's naval task force.During the final week of October, a simulated search and rescue (SAR) operation was conducted, featuring the ESPS Santa Maria (F81), currently serving as Operation Atalanta’s flagship. Alongside Kenyan naval assets and…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government has warmly greeted the United Nations Security Council's collective choice to morph the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a provisional mission over the coming two years, stepping up on November 1, 2024.

Mogadishu (AX) — On a balmy Wednesday evening in the heart of Mogadishu, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre welcomed Speaker Dileita Mohamed Dileita of Djibouti's Parliament and his team to discuss fortifying the ties between their two nations.The Prime Minister underscored the crucial partnership between Somalia and Djibouti, emphasizing shared goals like development, mutual admiration, and maintaining peace. He extended heartfelt thanks to Djibouti for its unwavering backing in Somalia's journey of…

Somalia has tagged an Ethiopian diplomat in Mogadishu as unwelcome and sent him packing.Somalia's Foreign Affairs ministry on Tuesday pointed a finger, accusing the diplomat of "actions not suitable for his diplomatic duties."The diplomat in the hot seat, Ali Mohamed Adan, who serves as a counselor at the Ethiopian embassy in Mogadishu, was given the boot and must depart Somalia within the next 72 hours.The specifics of Ali's alleged misconduct weren't disclosed, but the statement mentioned a "breach of the Vienna Convention…

Muscat: Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, the esteemed Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, had an insightful meeting on Tuesday in Muscat with Hassan Hussein Mohamed, Somalia's Minister of Livestock, Forestry, and Range, who is gracing Oman with his presence during an official visit.In this meeting, they explored ways to enhance collaboration in the realm of livestock and meat production. The dialogue also touched on bolstering joint investments and other industries that cater to the shared aspirations of both…

On a noteworthy Wednesday, the UN Security Council decided to kick off a two-year plan for phasing out its political mission in Somalia, a task that's been rolling for a decade-plus in East Africa. Back in 2013, the Security Council launched UNSOM to aid Somali leaders in steering toward democracy after over 20 years locked in battles with militias and chaotic elements. Adroitly weaving through Somalia's endemic chaos, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aims to lead the nation toward a brighter, stable tomorrow. This May,…

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Things have gone a bit pear-shaped between Somalia and Ethiopia. Somalia has decided to send an Ethiopian diplomat packing. This move is another twist in the tale of deteriorating relations between the two neighbors. The root of the tussle? An ongoing port agreement that Addis Ababa is cooking up with North Western State of Somalia, Somalia's self-declared independent region that's stoking fires of discontent.

A peek into the bustling grain bazaar of Mogadishu, dated April 7, 2024. Years of relentless clashes and lengthy dry spells have plunged Somalia into an unyielding hunger crisis, one of the harshest on the globe. Arab World Press via Reuters Connect CAMBRIDGE/MOGADISHU/NAIROBI – Somalia wrestles with outdated assistance schemes rooted in a narrative painting its troubles as ceaseless. Yet, the nation is paving a route towards greater stability and robust governance. The journey is far from over, impeded by humanitarian…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy has inked a transformative pact with Abu Dhabi PORTS Group, aiming to revolutionize the nation's fisheries and port infrastructures. This move is hoped to bolster both stability and economic growth along Somalia’s coastline, which has been marred by decades of turmoil. Approved by Somalia’s Council of Ministers, this memorandum of understanding (MoU) sets forth a visionary plan to revamp fishing facilities, upgrade ports, and initiate training programs to arm…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an intriguing twist of the political narrative, Somalia's top brass have inked a deal to undertake municipal elections by June 2025, to be trailed by parliamentary polls in the September of the same year. This was unveiled in a statement from the National Consultative Council (NCC) this past Wednesday.Underscoring the significance of transparent polls sprouting from a multi-party framework, the NCC rallied for empowering Somali folks to handpick their own delegates. Urgency clings to legislation related…