East Africa

Beledweyne (AX) – The administration of Hiiraan in Hirshabelle has sounded the alarm to Ethiopia over maneuvers threatening Somalia’s sovereignty at their shared border. In a statement released on Friday, Hiiraan’s leadership emphasized that the Federal Government holds the reins over Somalia’s borders. Represented by Hirshabelle, a member state within the Federal Republic of Somalia, they stand firm on this position. The administration declared zero tolerance for any acts jeopardizing their country's territorial…

Recently, stakeholders in Uganda convened to examine a thought-provoking report that sheds light on the rising menace of extremism in the nation. This Rapid Threat Assessment, conducted in partnership with various international organizations, pinpoints emerging trends and identifies communities that are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a stark reminder that “economic progress cannot thrive in an environment of instability.” In the midst of these discussions, Susan Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that…

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shared that Türkiye is planning to hold individual discussions with Ethiopia and Somalia. The aim is to pave the way for new negotiations tackling the contentious deal where Ethiopia agreed to lease North Western State of Somalia's coastline. Türkiye, striving for peace in the region, has already facilitated two rounds of these crucial meetings between the East African neighbors. However, a third round, originally scheduled for Tuesday in Ankara, got derailed and didn't happen.…

A recent study conducted by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education sounds the alarm on how climate change is intensifying both the frequency and severity of extreme weather phenomena. This escalation is placing the world’s aging network of dams—more than 70,000 in total—under increased threat, particularly in regions marred by conflict where some structures lie neglected and abandoned. Take, for instance, the catastrophic failure of the Arbaat Dam in Port Sudan last August. The region experienced an unprecedented…

Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni in Nairobi on September 18, 2024. Image: HANDOUT Kenya's proposed Sh6.7 billion Mpox response fund has been flagged as insufficient and misprioritized, according to various advocacy groups. Critics have pointed out a glaring omission: there's no budget allocation for vaccine procurement. Speaking in Nairobi, these groups urged the government to reallocate funds towards crucial areas like vaccine acquisition, advanced diagnostics, and community education. The…

On Thursday, Turkey’s foreign minister revealed plans to host separate discussions with Horn of Africa adversaries, Somalia and Ethiopia, to alleviate rising tensions prior to another round of talks in Ankara.

The rift between Egypt and Ethiopia has hit a boiling point recently. The discord stems back to 2011, when Ethiopia began building the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, igniting Egypt's fears over its water and food security. Recently, tensions heightened further following Egypt's rapprochement with Ethiopia’s foe, Somalia. On August 27, Egypt dispatched two C-130 military aircraft brimming with weapons and ammunition to Mogadishu. This marked Egypt’s first military aid to Somalia in over four…

• The President of Somalia has already contacted several international organizations, such as the European Union, African Union, the U.S., China, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). • He has also reached out to regional bodies like the East African Community, which includes Somalia and Ethiopia, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). In this snapshot, you see Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shaking hands with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Image: HANDOUT Somalia’s…

President William Ruto during an event at the Kenya School of Government on September 16, 2024. Image: PCS During an event brimming with anticipation yesterday, President William Ruto unveiled an ambitious plan requiring Sh106 billion to invigorate the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and the National Youth Service with much-needed reforms. Originally envisioned by a task force helmed by ex-Chief Justice David Maraga, these sweeping policing reforms were long-awaited. With palpable sincerity, Ruto shared…

The Rwandan government has taken significant action by shutting down thousands of churches, including a remarkable 100 situated in caves. This decision stems from a variety of pressing concerns linked to safety, public health, and regulatory compliance. Many of these places of worship have been critiqued for inadequate sound insulation and the dubious, transactional nature of certain religious practices. As Usta Kaitesi, the Chief Executive of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), articulates, a considerable number of these…