East Africa

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…

In a sweeping view, the Mogadishu Sea Port stands with an Egyptian warship having recently docked, unloading a significant cache of weapons. This event took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, on September 23, 2024. © REUTERS/Feisal Omar. For licensing, visit Purchase Licensing Rights. On Tuesday, Somalia angrily pointed fingers at Ethiopia, accusing it of secretly smuggling arms. The backdrop of this accusation involves fears that these weapons might fall into the hands of Islamist militants amid the turmoil in the Horn of…

Even after the United States bolstered its sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several officials earlier this year, the new American envoy to Zimbabwe has emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to nurturing the country’s democratic frameworks. During a discussion with Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda, Ambassador Pamela Tremont illuminated the necessity for enhancing the country's institutions. Back in March, a communiqué from the U.S. Embassy articulated that the adjusted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean…

Amid growing military camaraderie with Mogadishu, Cairo has issued a travel alert citing security fears.Egypt has cautioned its citizens against traveling to North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared but internationally unrecognized region of Somalia, due to mounting safety concerns. The tension in the Horn of Africa continues to escalate.Cairo has been backing Somalia politically and militarily amid its clash with North Western State of Somalia, which proclaimed independence in 1991 but hasn't been recognized…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…

In addition to the weapons charge, Aden faced allegations of being in Kenya illegally, without a proper visa or pass, which violated the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011. He was released on a bond of KSh50,000 (USD 387.39) or had the option of a cash bail set at KSh30,000 (USD 232.43). The judge set his case to be mentioned on October 23, with the full hearing scheduled for April 24, 2025. Police reports linked Aden and his crew to several robbery and stabbing incidents in Eastleigh. Three of his partners in…

Tanzanian cops nab a bunch of top opposition brass to scuttle an anti-government demo. Meanwhile in Guinea Conakry, authorities have re-captured a central figure linked to the brutal stadium massacre of 2009. Senegal is realigning its political landscape as it gears up for legislative elections set for November 17. Across in South Sudan, some lawyers are contesting the legality of the transitional government extending its term by two years. In Mauritania, demonstrators are urging the UN to enforce human rights…

The shipment reinforces "Egypt's lasting commitment to bolstering Somalia's national capabilities, aligning with the Somali people's aspirations for security, stability, and development," the ministry stated in its declaration. Back in August, Egypt dispatched its first batch of military aid to Somalia in over forty years. This year, the relationship between Egypt and Somalia has strengthened, largely due to their mutual suspicion of Ethiopia. This led Cairo to send multiple plane loads of weapons to Mogadishu, Somalia's…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi recently engaged in diplomatic talks with Egypt and Eritrea during the UNGA, aiming to fortify alliances amid escalating regional tensions with Ethiopia. North Western State of Somalia—a territory that has proclaimed independence—sits at the epicenter of ongoing diplomatic strife between Somalia and Ethiopia. Despite its lack of international recognition, North Western State of Somalia's prime position along the Gulf of Aden captures the interest of regional…

The Egyptian Foreign Minister met with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa in Washington. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry) Tensions have flared as Ethiopia has reportedly dispatched a "shipment of ammunition" to the Northeastern State region in northern Somalia, much to the dismay of Mogadishu, which has denounced it as a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. On the flip side, Egypt has urged for the stabilization of Somalia and a strong respect for its territorial borders. Experts caution that Ethiopia’s actions…