East Africa

Diplomatic Overtones: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Bond In a gesture of renewed camaraderie, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met on Thursday in the bustling heart of Mogadishu. As their nations work towards mending a relationship frayed by Ethiopia's recent sea access arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—an autonomous region Somalia still emphatically claims—a path toward cooperation cautiously unfolds. Arriving robustly on a sunny Thursday, Prime…

The Triumphs and Trials of Resilience “I find myself in a difficult position,” shared Maryan, as the evening darkness enveloped the settlement. “Tonight, it was a neighbor who had the kindness to give us a bowl of rice and sugar. I cooked it for the children. Raising seven children without a father is not easy—some are older, others younger—but too often, we go to bed with empty stomachs.” Maryan's eyes reflected a mixture of weariness and quiet fortitude. Maryan's journey has been arduous. For nearly four…

Embracing a New Era: Somalia's Security Transition In the bustling atmosphere of Addis Ababa, African defense ministers recently convened to take a pivotal step forward for Somalia's future. They meticulously crafted a blueprint for the deployment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), marking a momentous phase in Somalia’s journey towards self-reliance. But what does this transition mean for Somalia, a nation that has weathered turbulent storms over the last two decades?…

Global Brands: Nations Beyond Borders Imagine a world where countries are more than just landmasses; they are vibrant brands with a heartbeat and personality. Some nations are instantly recognizable, wield immense influence on the global stage and attract investments like a powerful magnet. But what makes a country a powerhouse brand? It's not just economic clout but also a blend of culture, innovation, and a generous dash of goodwill. Take the United States, for instance. An economic juggernaut that, come 2025,…

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali: A Visit of Significance to Somalia On a bright Thursday morning, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali touched down in Somalia, signalling an intriguing chapter in the evolving relationship between these two neighboring nations.This visit is more than a ceremonial gesture; it's a testament to our shared future, declared a Somali official, hinting at the importance of this gathering.It's not every day that leaders meet under such auspicious circumstances, where both parties are…

The Economic Strain of Fragile Currencies Consider this: you're a business owner looking to expand your operations, but the currency in your country is notoriously unstable. Every day, volatile exchange rates threaten to undercut your profits and inflate your costs. This is the daily reality for many businesses across African nations grappling with weak currencies in comparison to the U.S. dollar. "Economies are like delicate ecosystems; any disturbance, particularly a depreciating currency, sends ripples through the…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

In a city echoing with the paradox of hope and tension, Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, witnessed an unsettling episode. As preparations were underway for the arrival of a significant guest—Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed—several mortars were launched toward the airport. This event unfolded against a backdrop of heightened anticipation and meticulous security measures in the city. According to reports from Somali Stream, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was already stationed in the VIP section of the airport,…

The journey towards lasting prosperity for a nation is a multifaceted one, where national sovereignty and economic stability are crucial actors in the play. All these aspirations are harmoniously entwined by a singular thread: the necessity to keep national debt under control. Quotes often attributed to ancient wisdom remind us, "The art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on." Similarly, managing a country's debt isn't just a balancing act; it's a dance between strategic…

Enhancing Bilateral Ties: A New Chapter for Somalia and Ethiopia In the bustling city of Mogadishu, where history whispers through every corner and the sea laps gently against its shores, a significant meeting paints a hopeful picture of regional cooperation. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have taken a decisive step forward in fortifying the relationship between their countries. As the Somali sun kissed the horizon last Thursday, these leaders shook hands…