North Africa

Jigjiga, Ethiopia (AX) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has recently raised serious allegations against Ethiopian security forces, accusing them of violently disrupting a women's meeting in Jigjiga on April 24. These claims assert that not only were numerous participants arrested, but several also sustained injuries during the incident. The ONLF contends that this attack is emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent within the Somali Region, curtailing freedoms and silencing voices that challenge the status…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making substantial strides in establishing its presence in Africa, exemplified by its recent transfer of Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems to the junta-led government of Chad. This act signifies more than just a military transaction; it forms part of a larger strategy aimed at fortifying Chad’s defense capabilities amid the growing turbulence in the region. Just last week, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with His Excellency…

When we delve into the economic health of a nation, one term invariably rises to the top of the conversation: Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. This seemingly simple acronym encompasses a wealth of information about a country’s financial landscape. At its core, GDP represents the total value of all goods and services produced within a country over the span of a year. Imagine it as the price tag that reflects the sheer scale of a nation’s economic prowess. It’s akin to looking at the collective effort—the hard work,…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the rapid deployment of an additional 8,000 peacekeepers. This plea is made against the backdrop of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, which have cast a long shadow over years of stabilization efforts in Somalia. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, jeopardizing the hard-earned progress of the nation. During a ministerial meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu…

MTN Group Addresses Recent Cybersecurity Incident In an era where digital security is paramount, MTN Group, a leading telecommunications giant, has recently found itself at the center of a significant cybersecurity event. The company's spokesperson emphasized that “our core network infrastructure, billing systems, and financial services platforms are safe and fully functional.” However, they did not disclose specifics regarding the number of countries affected or the scope of the incident,…

Morocco's transformative journey in the realm of rail transport is not merely remarkable; it’s a bold assertion of national ambition. Pioneering the continent's leadership in high-speed rail, Morocco already boasts the only operational high-speed rail (HSR) system in Africa: the Al Boraq line connecting Tangier and Kenitra. With this success as a springboard, the kingdom is now embracing an exciting new phase, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transportation and regional integration. A $9 Billion…

Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…

In a surprising development that raises questions about governance and international relationships, Northeastern State's President Said Abdullahi Deni has seemingly transferred control of Bosaso Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without securing the necessary parliamentary approval. This move, shrouded in secrecy, has ignited a heated debate regarding Northeastern State's autonomy and its delicate ties with the federal Somali government. On March 5, satellite imagery uncovered a significant development: an…

Somalia's Evolving Security Environment: A Commitment to African-Led Solutions In a recent statement that echoed resolute determination, President Mohamud of Somalia reflected on the nation’s unwavering commitment to “African-led solutions for African challenges.” This sentiment speaks volumes about Somalia's journey and the vital role played by soldiers from various contributing nations in stabilizing the region. Indeed, it is their collective sacrifices that have become the backbone of peacekeeping efforts in a country…

Strategic Implications in the Red Sea: A Call for Collaboration and Control In a recent gathering that underscored the importance of regional cooperation, Guelleh articulated a shared commitment among nations to protect the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a pivotal juncture linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. “We support free maritime trade and greater coordination between regional states to protect this vital passage,” he stated, highlighting the essential role this strategic chokepoint plays in global trade. Discussions among…