dismisses

On Monday, Ethiopia’s Defense Ministry firmly refuted rumors swirling around about a military helicopter accident near the northern city of Bahir Dar. They made it clear in a statement that there wasn't any mishap involving Ethiopian choppers, putting the kibosh on any flying mishaps tales out there. According to Borkena News, an online news source operating outside the country, Saturday brought forth claims accusing an Ethiopian Air Force helicopter of crashing in Bahir Dar. However, these articles were loose on details,…

Israel's military has unleashed a series of intense airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking one of the most significant daytime assaults in the region. This ramped-up offensive comes after the Israeli defense minister made clear there would be no ceasefire until their objectives were fully realized. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over Beirut as approximately ten airstrikes rained down throughout the morning hours. In a warning distributed via social media, the Israeli army informed locals of their…

Somalia shook things up this Saturday, swapping out their top military brass in a dramatic reshuffle. The cabinet decided to retire Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow from his position as the chief of the armed forces, handing the reins over to Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh. The mood in Mogadishu was tense during the emergency meeting when this decision was made, reflecting the swirling political unrest in the Horn of Africa. It’s a big callback for Rageh, who’s no stranger to the role, having previously served as the army chief…

The coastal city of Kismayo is buzzing with political uproar after Somalia’s Jubbaland state opposition factions took a firm stand. They’re giving the thumbs down to a freshly minted regional electoral commission put together by Jubbaland’s head honcho, President Ahmed Madobe. If they don’t see some changes, they’re talking about throwing their own election bash right there in Kismayo. These opposition groups are flipping the script on Madobe’s clout, calling his appointment of the seven-person crew for the Jubbaland…

In Kismayo, Jubbaland State's big cheese, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, pulled a surprise move by announcing a brand-new, seven-member Independent Election Committee on Saturday. Tasked with the job of sorting out the nitty-gritty of future elections in Jubbaland, this committee's formation quickly raised eyebrows and triggered a backlash. Critics were swift to voice their concerns, pointing out that the chosen committee members have been cozy with Madobe himself—a fact that hasn't sat well with Somalia's federal government…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Monday, Somalia gave the boot to a top Ethiopian envoy, accusing the diplomat of actions that clash with his official duties and breach Somalia's sovereignty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs broke the news, spotlighting the incident's significance. Ali Mohamed Adan, who held the position of Counselor II at Ethiopia’s embassy in the Somali capital, faced the label of persona non grata. This term demands he exits Somali territory within 72 hours. The move raises the bar in the already bumpy relationship…

FILE - The Federal Minister of Oil of Somalia, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed (left), and Northeastern State's Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Abdifitah Mohamed Nur (right), stand amid a bubbling row over oil exploration rights in Northeastern State.Mogadishu (AX) — Northeastern State officials have flat-out tossed aside accusations from the Federal Minister of Oil that the area's ruling brass is throwing a wrench in federal oil plans. This kerfuffle has turned up the heat between Northeastern State and Mogadishu,…

Jubaland Boss Shuns Ruto's Request, Skips Somalia Election Overhaul Talks NAIROBI, Kenya - In a twist nobody saw coming, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, has tossed out an overture from Kenya's top dog, President William Ruto. The proposal sought his backing for the National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow, a gathering accused of enabling shady term extensions. Madobe, known for clashing with the authorities in Mogadishu, reportedly got a special invite to Kenya, courtesy of Ruto. This tête-à-tête was prompted by…

Mogadishu (AX) — Reports buzzing on social media about a supposed crash involving government aircraft were dismissed by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), dismissing them as sheer fabrications. The SCAA firmly stated that none of the newly acquired planes have faced such mishaps, rubbishing claims of them hitting the ground in off-limit locales.Releasing a detailed statement on Tuesday, the SCAA labeled these stories as part of a concerted effort to spread falsehoods by what they termed "Somalia's antagonists." As…

Kenya's High Court Dismisses Attempt to Derail Impeachment Proceedings NAIROBI, Kenya - In a turn of events that could shake up Kenya's political landscape, the High Court has turned down a plea from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's legal team, allowing the Senate to proceed with debates on his impeachment. On Tuesday, Justice Chacha Mwita emphasized that legal proceedings should not halt parliamentary actions. The National Assembly recently passed the impeachment motion against Gachagua, who is accused of corruption…