East Africa

Mogadishu— Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed immediate negotiations with Ethiopia over their maritime squabble, blaming Ethiopia's steadfastness over its controversial deal with North Western State of Somalia. The heart of the conflict lies in an agreement struck in January 2024, where North Western State of Somalia granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease over 20 kilometers of coastline. This pact would provide landlocked Ethiopia with coveted sea access for commercial and naval use. In return, Ethiopia was…

On Tuesday, Ethiopia's foreign minister cautioned that the influx of arms into Somalia might not only ignite further conflict but could also end up in the hands of terrorists, according to Ethiopia's state news agency.

Kenya's telecom titan, Safaricom (SCOM.NR), shared on Tuesday that it secured 15 billion shillings (around $116.73 million) from the second round of a sustainability-oriented loan procured from a coalition of local banks. This telecom heavyweight, partially owned by South Africa's Vodacom (VODJ.J) and Britain's Vodafone (VOD.L), initiated this green loan project last year, netting a comparable sum in its initial phase. The fresh funding will be funneled into various eco-friendly initiatives, notably transforming its…

Kenya’s administration is on the cusp of securing a hefty $1.5 billion loan from the United Arab Emirates at an 8.2% interest rate, aiming to address the financial shortfall plaguing the East African nation, a source in the know told Reuters. "Kenya is broadening its budget support sources," noted the insider, hinting that "the deal is practically in the bag." The finance ministry and central bank of the UAE didn't immediately respond to requests for a statement. Kenya's Finance Minister John Mbadi and top ministry…

Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopian troops, who are part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have taken the lead in renovating Bardhere Airport located in Somalia's Gedo region. This development has further strained the already tense relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The 46th Motorized Battalion of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is executing this airport overhaul as part of a Quick Impact Project (QIP). The project involves extending the runway by 400 meters to boost safety and accommodate…

The White House has recently disclosed that President Joe Biden is set to embark on a journey to Angola this October, fulfilling a commitment he made to African leaders during the U.S.-Africa summit in 2022. This highly anticipated visit, slated for October 13th to 15th, will provide a platform for dialogue between the U.S. President and Angolan President João Lourenço, focusing on mutual interests and objectives. "We'll be aiming to strengthen our economic partnerships," stated White House Press Secretary Karine…

New York (AX) – Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, had a pivotal conversation with U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Catherine Molly Phee, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday.During their discussion, Minister Taye underscored Ethiopia's unwavering devotion to fostering lasting peace and security, spotlighting the nation's significant efforts in battling terrorism, particularly within Somalia.The Minister indicated the necessity for thorough…

MANDERA, Kenya (AX) — Prominent elders from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are making an earnest appeal for unity among Northern Kenya's communities, in the wake of deadly upheavals in Banessa. Authorities caution that the infiltration of illegal arms from neighboring territories exacerbates the region's turmoil. During the assembly, leaders called on Northern Kenya inhabitants to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to tackle the smuggling of small arms — a significant contributor to the area’s escalating insecurity.…

"Peace goes beyond just ending wars. It is about nations respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial boundaries," echoed John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. President. Viewed as a foundational tenet of global diplomacy, countries worldwide aspire to these principles. However, Ethiopia's recent assertive stance towards Somalia challenges these ideals. Their attempt to annex a key Somali port is not just an economic move but a direct affront to Somalia's sovereignty and a precursor to potential regional turmoil.…

In recent months, the Horn of Africa has become a powder keg, with Egyptian troops in Somalia igniting fears of a regional war. Tensions are high, fueled by Ethiopia’s controversial sea access pact with North Western State of Somalia and long-standing Nile River disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt, sparking widespread unease. Ethiopia's leader, Abiy Ahmed, didn’t mince words, warning potential invaders to "think 10 times" before making a move. Neighboring countries, including Turkey and Djibouti, are scrambling to broker…