Agreement

Somalia Insists on Cancellation of North Western State of Somalia Deal Before Starting Talks with Ethiopia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has made it clear that before any meaningful discussions occur with Ethiopia, the agreement involving North Western State of Somalia must be nullified. Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity have come into jeopardy recently, prompting this declaration. Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, firmly stated that no official dialogue will commence between Somalia and…

Kenya’s administration is on the cusp of securing a hefty $1.5 billion loan from the United Arab Emirates at an 8.2% interest rate, aiming to address the financial shortfall plaguing the East African nation, a source in the know told Reuters. "Kenya is broadening its budget support sources," noted the insider, hinting that "the deal is practically in the bag." The finance ministry and central bank of the UAE didn't immediately respond to requests for a statement. Kenya's Finance Minister John Mbadi and top ministry…

  Somali and Turkish officials have inked a bilateral pact to bolster cooperation in the realm of financial intelligence. Captured at the signing event in Ankara, we have Amina Mohamed Ali, at the helm of Somalia’s Financial Reporting Center (center), alongside Hassan Keymak, who steers Turkey’s Financial Intelligence Unit (MASAK) (right).  Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and Turkey have cemented an accord to elevate collaboration on financial intelligence sharing. This landmark agreement, signed in Ankara, unites Somalia's…

The deal allowing Ethiopia access to North Western State of Somalia's Red Sea coast has ignited a diplomatic skirmish. Somalia views this as a breach of its sovereignty since North Western State of Somalia, despite declaring independence in 1991, remains part of Somalia in Mogadishu's eyes. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi suggested that Somalia might support Ethiopian rebel factions if Ethiopia continues with the agreement. "The option to engage with armed rebels in Ethiopia...is available to us," Fiqi stated on…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a dramatic twist, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi mentioned supporting Ethiopian insurgents if Ethiopia advances with a contentious deal involving Somaliland. These comments, shared on Universal TV on September 12, represent a spike in regional tension. This tension stems from an agreement penned earlier this year where Ethiopia gains access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s shores, potentially acknowledging Somaliland's plea for independence. Naturally, Somalia, viewing…

Travelers marooned at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's domestic departures area, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Fred Mutune/Xinhua) Kenyan aviation employees wrapped up their one-day strike on Wednesday, reaching a return-to-work pact with relevant authorities. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Airways, and government representatives inked the deal, allowing flight operations to restart across the nation. This strike shut down operations at the country's four primary…

Somaliland's Determined Pursuit of Red Sea Access Amid Neighborly Strains HARGEISA, Somalia - Somaliland, the self-declared independent region, has reiterated that their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia regarding access to the Red Sea is nearly finalized. Only the legal formalities await completion now. Essa Kayd, the Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, shared this update with diplomats in Hargeisa. He deemed the advancement as 'momentous and imminent.' Months back, Kayd indicated the…

Nairobi (AFP) – Djibouti has put forward a port-sharing arrangement with Ethiopia, aiming to lower the friction between Ethiopia and Somalia, two adversaries in the Horn of Africa. The disagreement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa has considerably escalated since Ethiopia inked a contentious maritime agreement in January with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allows Ethiopia, one of the world's substantial landlocked nations, to gain seafaring access. However, Somalia…

Turmoil at Kenyan Airport as Workers Strike Over Adani Agreement NAIROBI, Kenya — Workers at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have downed tools, throwing the airport into disarray. Numerous flights have been halted, leaving passengers high and dry. The catalyst of this upheaval is a brewing deal with India's Adani Group, poised to lease the airport's operations for three decades. In return, there'd be upgrades: a new terminal and an upgraded runway. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) is sounding…

Djibouti Denies Ethiopia's Total Control Over Tadjoura Port, Proposes Joint Management Agreement Djibouti is adamantly opposed to granting Ethiopia complete oversight of Tadjoura Port, instead suggesting a partnership arrangement. The Tadjoura Port, a $60 million investment by Djibouti, is currently grappling with high operational expenditures, particularly concerning staff salaries. Youssouf has underscored the government’s ambition to transform this port into a bustling commercial center. This strategic move aims…