East Africa

In the early hours of dawn, the rugged coastline of Yemen comes into view for the Ethiopian migrants braving the tumultuous waters of the Gulf of Aden. They arrive not with hope alone but intertwined with a mix of trepidation and desperation. Their destination: Saudi Arabia. Their dreams: A better life. Yet, the path they tread is fraught with unimaginable peril. “Mass shootings by the border forces.” This chilling phrase resonates as more Ethiopian migrants report unspeakable violence on their journey. Saudi…

Understanding the Tensions in Somalia's Political Landscape In the bustling yet soothing coastal atmosphere of Kismayo, a city that echoes both the whispers and roars of its political climate, a pivotal moment unfolded. Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe courageously announced the reasons behind his dramatic exit from a recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, shedding light on the complex web of politics in Somalia. Imagine sitting in a room charged with the weight of decision-making—a gathering…

Amid a bustling Nairobi on February 5, 2025, Kenya’s Finance Minister, John Mbadi, shared insights with Reuters during a revealing interview. Nestled in the heart of the busy capital, Mbadi's gestures punctuated his anticipation of Kenya's ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). What do these discussions entail? And how do they shape Kenya's future? Kenya, positioned as a pivotal East African nation, is deftly navigating its fiscal landscape. Imagine a country poised at the crossroads of…

Mogadishu (AX): In the ever-tumultuous world of international diplomacy, intrigue is not uncommon. This week, Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar Balcad found himself at the center of a diplomatic sparring match. Allegations have surfaced from former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, accusing the ministry of hindering his diplomatic passport clearance, preventing a timely visit to South Africa. In a candid interview on Friday with a local television channel, Minister Balcad sought to clarify…

In a world where diplomatic gestures often speak louder than words, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on a sunny Friday, extended a warm welcome to the encouraging diplomatic re-engagement between two pivotal African nations: Ethiopia and Somalia. This fresh air of diplomacy follows a notable visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu on Thursday—a move laden with both expectation and promise. Inside the venerable halls of Somalia’s presidential palace, a meeting of paramount…

In an age where global interconnections and regional stability dictate the nuances of diplomacy, Ethiopia and Somalia have embarked on a renewed journey, strengthening their bonds through a series of high-level exchanges. This blossoming relationship, as articulated by Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, the Spokesperson for Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, symbolizes a focused dedication to nurturing more profound geopolitical ties. This morning, Ambassador Nebiat convened a press briefing to navigate the complex landscape…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring The recent decisions spearheaded by influential adviser Elon Musk have become the subject of heated discourse. On one side of the spectrum, there are those who endorse Musk's aggressive cost-cutting strategy; on the other, voices are raising concerns about the severe implications these measures might have, particularly with respect to critical public health initiatives. Consider this: Musk, without being formally…

It was an ordinary day on the idyllic islands of Mauritius and La Réunion until the sky began to darken, and Cyclone Garance made its menacing presence known. The islands brace themselves as the Mauritius Meteorological Service (MMS) announces a Class 3 cyclone warning. Residents and tourists alike are feeling the tension as they prepare for the cyclone’s approach, expected either Thursday evening or by Friday morning. When a storm brings with it gale-force winds, torrential rain, and tumultuous…

Unraveling the Thread: The Economic Impact of Clothing Prices The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an economic concept many of us hear about, but few truly grasp. It consists of various elements, with food, clothing, and housing being the most significant. However, there are other interesting items on this list—recreation, health, and education, to name a few. My friend once said, "It’s like trying to balance plates on a stick—you’ve got to keep an eye on each one." Have you ever noticed…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a momentous occasion unfolded on a significant Thursday as Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, touched down in Somalia's capital. His agenda was clear: to bridge the chasm that had formed between Ethiopia and Somalia. The reception, marked by reverence, was just the prelude to the dialogues expected to reshape their bilateral relations. History has a peculiar way of weaving its narrative, and in this tale, the frostiness of relations dates back to January 2024. It was a time when…