Ethiopia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A senior official has revealed that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) won't be involved in Somalia's upcoming peacekeeping efforts. This could spark yet another prolonged clash that might hinder efforts to build the state. As of January 2025, a brand new mission is planned to roll out, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), it will feature a leaner troop presence. Bitterness is…

Somalia Blocks Ethiopia from Joining New AU Mission, Citing Sovereignty Issues MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's Defense Ministry declared on Friday that Ethiopia will be excluded from the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), expected to begin in January 2025. This edict comes amid a pivotal moment in the Horn of Africa, which grapples with the persistent menace of Al-Shabaab. Somalia contends that Ethiopia has overstepped its boundaries, encroaching on Somali sovereignty after…

The "Joint Border Administrators and Commissioners Meeting," marking the 28th round of collaboration between Ethiopia and Djibouti, unfolded in the town of Debre Zeit (also known as Bishoftu), just 44 kilometers southeast of bustling Addis Ababa. This significant gathering was highlighted in a recent announcement by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, putting a spotlight on a partnership crucial to both nations.In the leading roles of this diplomatic assembly were Selamawit Dawit, Director General of Ethiopia’s…

This past Sunday, a mortar attack rocked a military base in central Mogadishu, frequented by officials from the African Union (AU), United Nations, and various international entities, tragically ending the lives of at least two individuals and injuring several others. The terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, highlighting their unyielding aggression in destabilizing Somalia’s government and infrastructure. Despite some headway in the federal government’s offensive to subdue…

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…

Ethiopia: Unresolved Elements in Pretoria Agreement, TPLF Voices Concerns ADDIS ABABA - On the milestone marking two years since the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, better known as the Pretoria Agreement, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) expressed their dissatisfaction with numerous unresolved matters. Many issues are still dangling in limbo despite the deadlines set in Pretoria and later restated in Nairobi. The TPLF, entangled in its own internal disputes, recognized the agreement's significant…

Ethiopia is eyeing more Somali territory, President claims MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, sharply criticized Ethiopia, accusing it of being fixated on Somalia. He argued that the Ethiopian leadership is bent on annexing more Somali land, despite its historical claims. Without specifying the disputed territory, President Mohamud suggested that, since colonial times, Ethiopia has seized Somali land and now seeks further expansion, which defies international boundaries. "From colonial days,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently voiced stern disapproval of Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of double-dealing by hosting the African Union (AU) quarters while allegedly flouting its tenets in its engagements with North Western State of Somalia. As he stood before Somalia’s parliament on Saturday, Mohamud spotlighted a hotly debated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) penned by Ethiopia with North Western State of Somalia, a matter that’s been whipping up quite the storm far and wide.…

Ethiopia Expresses No Desire for War, Pursues Peaceful Maritime Access ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - In a bid to ease growing tensions, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the country's disinclination towards any military engagement with Somalia. This statement comes amid friction over a recent deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent region, as he explained to the parliament. Back in January, Ethiopia, eager for sea access due to its landlocked status, made significant strides by signing…

HARGEISA, Somalia - The president of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, commented to the BBC Somali Service that the MoU signed in January 2024 with Ethiopia, allowing them access to the Red Sea for 20 kilometers, is still valid. He mentioned there’s been significant international pressure casting shadows over this decision. Continuing with his stance, Bihi remarked, “We've not budged an inch; it’s business as usual.” Leading North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent state, he added, “Folks…