Somalia

In Kismayo, the Jubaland State Ministry of Security is tightening up on safety measures with the elections on the horizon. Their main jam? Keeping things safe and orderly. Public safety and integrity of the elections are non-negotiables.  All sorts of security forces, from the Darawish squad to the local brainiacs in intelligence, have been put on high alert. Their mission: be ready at the drop of a hat and keep the peace across the region.  A key rule under these new moves is a flat-out ban on security personnel getting…

FILE - Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin (right) and Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi (left) proudly hoist the Ethiopian flag during the opening ceremony of the revamped Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu, dated May 27, 2007. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy from its hallowed presidential precinct, signaling a widening chasm in diplomatic relations, primarily triggered by Ethiopia's contentious port arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—a deal Somalia perceives as an affront…

NAIROBI, Kenya – Ethiopia now finds itself alone in the tussle over the Nile waters. Sudan has aligned its stance with Egypt about a fresh treaty activated recently, governing the vital lifeline of the Nile Basin. According to Sudan Tribune's informed insiders, Ali Youssef, the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Sudan, chatted by phone with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry to tackle the central issue of the Nile Basin dispute. This dialogue came hot on the heels of a controversial Nile Basin…

On November 5th, Americans will cast their votes to choose the nation's next president. Historically, US election outcomes are often known shortly after polling stations close, but this year's closely contested race might extend the suspense. When Might We Know the 2024 Presidential Winner? In many elections past, the winner was celebrated either late on election night or early the next morning. However, given the razor-thin margins anticipated in several states this year, news networks might hold off on making any…

KISMAYO, Somalia - The escalating discord between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland's strongman Ahmed Madobe signals a significant political fracture, coming merely a couple of years after they banded together to unseat Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, widely known as Farmajo, in a watershed Somali election. Their symbiosis during the 2022 elections was undeniable, with a joint aversion to extending terms and advocating for direct polls. Yet, irony alters courses, as these very allies now journey on adversarial paths…

Understanding what's at play, let's take the core message of a Kenyan delegation trying to ease the political friction between Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, over the looming election. There's some backstory involving some heavy hitters like former bigwigs from IGAD—Mahbub Moalim and Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey. We've even got Wajir County's own Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow in the mix. Their mission? Play peacemaker and sort out this kerfuffle over inclusion or lack…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's parliament, armed with two chambers, has given a thumbs-up to a $1.3 billion budget, marking a high point over the years. This financial plan is set to boost various economic sectors, including funding for ongoing infrastructure projects. This approval covers both spending and income as outlined in the Appropriation Act for 2025, ensuring that many governmental departments can pursue their programs seamlessly over the next year. In a unanimous vote, MPs pushed the budget to $1.3 billion, a…

The political climate in Ethiopia's Amhara state has raised eyebrows in the United States, sparking significant concerns about the escalating conflict in the region—concerns expressed by none other than America's chief diplomat late on Monday. The Fano, a militia group part of the Amhara ethnic group, which holds the title of Ethiopia's second-largest ethnicity, is a curious player in this drama. Around April 2023, driven by the government's attempt to disarm regional forces, the Fano picked up their arms, embracing a role…

Turkey's government emphasizes bolstering its relationship with Africa, acknowledging the continent's vast potential for economic growth. Expressing gratitude for Africa's unwavering support for Palestine, Turkey pledges to fortify diplomatic ties with this vibrant region. In a strategic move, Turkey has ramped up investments across Africa, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan touring more than 31 countries, passionately advocating for stronger connections between Ankara and the African bloc. During a recent…

In the quaint locale of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, an election observer assists a resident casting her vote for the U.S. presidential election on the early morning of November 5, 2024. It's a scene that's been replayed for years: the tiny northeastern town kicking off Election Day voting at the stroke of midnight, captured in an image by Xinhua photographer Li Rui. Dixville Notch has cultivated a unique tradition over the years, where its modest group of six registered voters dutifully cast their votes as soon as it’s…