East Africa

Garowe (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, a shadowy group of Ethiopian migrants found themselves in the firm grasp of Northeastern State's security forces, ingeniously crossing the formidable border into Somalia. In a swift and efficient maneuver, these individuals were sent back whence they came, to their homeland of Ethiopia. The crackdown was more than just an isolated event. "One way or another, we will tackle these smuggling networks head-on," declared a senior military figure, whose words carried the solemn weight of…

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

A Delicate Dance: Ethiopia and Somalia's Diplomatic Dialogue ANKARA, Turkey — In a development bristling with diplomatic intrigue, Ethiopia and Somalia initiated pivotal discussions on Tuesday, maneuvering through a maze of complex geopolitical tensions. These technical talks between high-ranking diplomats marked a significant moment, emerging from a contentious pact involving Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia. A situation reminiscent of a chess match…

In a recent dialogue with journalists, President Emmerson Mnangagwa firmly reaffirmed his dedication to adhering to the constitutional mandate of a two-term limit. As he articulated his vision, he indicated that his presidency will conclude in 2028, as originally scheduled. This steadfast declaration comes amid persistent discussions about extending his tenure to 2030, discussions he categorically dismissed. “While I respect the democratic rights of those advocating for an extension, my decision is resolute. I will not allow…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

The political chessboard of Africa recently witnessed a riveting scene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There, beleaguered yet unyielding, stood Raila Odinga—Kenya's former Prime Minister—eyeing the coveted African Union Commission (AUC) seat. Could this campaign, riddled with global intrigue and political posturing, alter the course for Odinga or simply add weight to the rich tapestry of his illustrious career? Raila's quiet return to Kenya marks the culmination of a journey both long and intricate. His campaign took him to no…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling streets of Somalia's capital, a significant initiative quietly unfolds, marked by the colorful presence of health workers armed with life-saving vials. With palpable determination, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, bolstered by global allies like WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has embarked on a crucial four-day polio vaccination campaign. Their mission? To immunize 2.5 million children under the tender age of five against a persistent adversary:…

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

The bustling streets of Mogadishu had barely settled down from the recent diplomatic fanfare when officials from Somalia and Ethiopia quietly jetted off to Ankara. Here, beneath the expansive Turkish skies, a new chapter in East African diplomacy was set to unfold. Could an age-old quest for maritime access merge with modern realpolitik to reshape the Horn of Africa? In a world where global alliances shift as easily as the dunes in the Somali desert, hopes and anxieties collide. It's interesting how, in the realm of…