East Africa

Understanding DRC's Stance on M23 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) perceives the M23 group through a critical lens, branding it as a terrorist organization. This perspective does not emerge from a vacuum; it hinges on numerous factors. Paramount among them is the nation's sovereign integrity, a principle they've seen undermined in past agreements that dissolved amidst foreign meddling and a potentially futile expectation of compliance. Sometime back, I recall a conversation with an aid…

Picture this: you're wandering through the vibrant souks of Morocco, where the air is filled with the scent of spices and the hum of bargaining voices. You find yourself standing awe-struck before the timeless pyramids of Egypt, pondering just how many stories these stones could tell. Or perhaps you venture into the heart of Africa's natural beauty on a safari in Kenya or South Africa, where wild animals roam freely against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes. This is the allure of Africa—an…

Egypt has firmly opposed recent initiatives aimed at establishing an alternative government in Sudan. The Egyptian authorities have underscored that such efforts pose a significant threat to the country's "unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." In a region fraught with turmoil, Egypt's stance carries weight, especially given its vested interests in Sudan’s stability. For almost two years now, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the national army and the paramilitary group, known as the Rapid…

Devastation Strikes: The Tragedy at Turkana In Turkana, a place known for its serene landscapes and tenacious people, tragedy has unfortunately visited. At least twenty fishermen lost their lives in an attack believed to have been carried out by the Dassanech Ethiopian militia. This catastrophe has left more than twenty individuals from Todonyang in Turkana County unaccounted for, their fates unknown, casting a long shadow over this vibrant community one full week after the grim events unfolded. The Kenya Red Cross,…

Have you ever paused to consider the challenges faced by countries without coastlines? These landlocked nations grapple with a unique set of hurdles due to their geographic realities. Imagine a world where trade isn't just a simple matter of port-to-port logistics but a complex dance involving neighbors, politics, and infrastructure. For 16 African countries, this is their everyday reality. Being landlocked in Africa comes with its own set of trials. Let's take a moment to delve into what…

Security Council's Bold Steps in Somalia's Security Landscape Mogadishu (AX) — On a reflective Friday, the United Nations Security Council gathered with a unified resolve that echoed their commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. The Council has not only renewed but also bolstered its maritime interdiction strategies, aiming to dismantle the networks facilitating the smuggling of weapons, which have long empowered Al-Shabaab in maintaining its grip through illegal trade.…

The ONLF and Ethiopia: Unfulfilled Promises and Waning Trust Mogadishu (AX) — In a highly charged statement, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has made waves by accusing the Ethiopian government of reneging on the promises of the 2018 peace agreement. This has brought a potent mix of disappointment and frustration to a head. They allege that under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, there has been systematic suppression of Somali political participation. Could this friction spell the end of a fragile…

Diplomatic Developments: An Intricate Dance Between Ethiopia and Somalia As the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa continues to evolve, two nations find themselves entangled in a delicate diplomatic dance. This complex interplay involves Somalia and Ethiopia, two countries with rich histories and interwoven futures. Yet, amid this intricate ballet, silence prevails. Unfortunately, direct comments are missing. Billene Seyoum, the pragmatic press secretary for Ethiopia's Office of the Prime…

Deepening Bonds: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Diplomatic Engagement In a remarkable display of diplomatic initiative, Ethiopia and Somalia have been actively revitalizing their bilateral relationship. This renewed vigor has been fueled by exchanges of high-level visits between officials from both nations — truly a testament to the growing closeness between these neighbors. Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, a seasoned spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shed light on these developments during…

Dr. Mohamed Yusuf Hassan: A Legacy of Courage and Compassion Mogadishu (AX) — In a sun-drenched corner of Mogadishu, beneath a sky that seemed to hold its breath in reverence, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to bid farewell to a man whose unyielding dedication etched his name into the very fabric of Somali history. Dr. Mohamed Yusuf Hassan, a distinguished surgeon, was laid to rest—a man whose life intertwined intimately with the tumultuous narrative of his country. Dr.…