A glimpse of the International Monetary Fund's HQ in D.C., U.S., captured on April 8, 2019. Photo credits © REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo. Inquiries for rights, contact us. Good news from the IMF! The Ethiopian government gets a green light for the $3.4 billion aid package, with $340.7 million unlocked. The folks at the IMF board gave a thumbs-up last Friday for the initial review of the deal. This backing stems from Ethiopia's summer deal, culminating in a four-year financial arrangement. The country's journey towards…

Kismayo (AX) - On a notable Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the reins of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in Jubaland State.Tucked away in Lower Juba, Kuday FOB has been under the vigilant watch of the ATMIS Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) since 2015. The troops have been pivotal in fortifying Kismayo, acting as a crucial barrier around the bustling port city.Brig. Rashid Seif, who commands Sector Two of ATMIS, led the ceremonial turnover attended…

Hargeisa (AX) - In an assertive move, North Western State of Somalia's President Muse Bihi Abdi has laid down a firm rule banning the use of public assets, government workers, and military forces in the run-up to the November 13 presidential election.Announced late Friday, the directive calls on government execs to ensure political organizations receive a fair shot at utilizing governmental resources and accessing the media during election season.The spotlight now turns to the Minister of Information, Awareness, and Culture,…

On October 7, 2024, Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressed the press at his Karen residence in Nairobi, speaking before lawmakers cast their votes concerning his impeachment motion. The photo credit goes to REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File Photo, and remember: Purchase Licensing Rights if you need to reuse it. In a political bombshell, Kenya's senate has booted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from his office. They impeached him on five of eleven charges set against him this Thursday. This startling decision…

In the bustling city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, key events unfolded on Wednesday as Dr. Essa Kayd, North Western State of Somalia's Foreign Minister, made a daring move by initiating the construction of what they claim will be the budding nation's new diplomatic outpost. This symbolic land donation by Ethiopia signals a burgeoning alliance between the two nations, although it might stir up tension across the already volatile Horn of Africa. For North Western State of Somalia, the inauguration was met with jubilation, while…

Mogadishu (AX) — For many years, Somalia has been caught in a storm of turmoil, poverty, and uprooting that's left the nation's mental health in shambles. This dire situation has largely been ignored, as highlighted by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). "Women and kids are really taking the hardest hit," they noted in a recent report, pointing to the intensifying mental stress blanketing these already strained communities. From the start of 2024 to September, MSF's dedicated mental health squads have…

In any nation embracing a federal structure, splitting power among branches isn't just a formality—it's the backbone of savvy governance. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—operates in isolation, with its own unique responsibilities. This division stops any one branch from hogging all that tasty authority and encourages checks and balances, which keeps everyone accountable. In a federal institution like Somalia, where regional bodies hold serious sway, a clear-cut division of power is critical for maintaining…

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, shared insights alongside British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat during a press gathering in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Monicah Mwangi/REUTERS/File Photo. In a turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto selected Kithure Kindiki for the role of deputy, only for a court to halt this appointment due to a pending court case slated for next week. The case questions the dismissal of Kindiki’s forerunner. Interestingly, this legal hold-up surfaced…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a rapid move to counter Ethiopia’s grand naval dreams and territorial aspirations, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are stepping up their military armor like they mean business.These three nations shook hands on this alliance during an October 10 summit in Asmara, quickly transforming diplomatic chitchat into robust military maneuvers. Egypt's already tossing military hardware Somalia's way, and whispers are swirling about Egyptian boots on the ground—up to 10,000 soldiers by the dawn of 2025 under a…

The Capitol Building, the heart of Liberia's legislative activities, became a hotspot for political unrest recently. This past Thursday, a faction within the Lower House attempted to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa. However, their scheme unraveled when Koffa's loyal supporters, despite his absence abroad, intervened spectacularly, closing the Chamber doors and halting the coup attempt. Reportedly, those lawmakers who endorsed the resolution to oust the Speaker believed they were promised a hefty payday of U.S. $25,000 each.…