Ethiopian

BOSASO, Somalia - In a striking turn of events, the Somali government has put the kibosh on all flights to Bosaso Airport, bringing operations — including those by Ethiopian Airlines — to a grinding halt for today. This drastic action arises amid escalating beefs over who runs the airport and security concerns flagged by the Northeastern State Security Forces (PSF). The PSF had previously put airlines, Ethiopian Airlines included, on notice to steer clear of Bosaso Airport until things got back to how they were…

Somalia's foreign minister has hinted at backing Ethiopian rebels if Ethiopia proceeds with its accord with Somaliland. Abdi Moalim Fiqi responded on Universal TV on September 12. "Somalia may consider engaging with armed factions opposing the Ethiopian regime. It's an open avenue if Ethiopia keeps pushing," said Fiqi. He emphasized that nothing drastic has occurred yet. "We're not at that stage, but the option is open. If they persist with hostility and that dubious agreement, that’s a path we could take — to support,…

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…

Egypt and Ethiopia have been butting heads for the past decade over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that Ethiopia’s been constructing. This hydroelectric behemoth has Egypt jittery, fearing it could mess up its water security downstream. With construction almost done and the first sparks of power generation already humming, GERD is a reality Egypt can't ignore anymore. So far, Egypt's kept its response diplomatic. They’ve fired off letters to the U.N. Security Council, accusing Ethiopia of flouting international…

Jigajiga (AX) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has hit back at allegations made by Ethiopian military chief General Berhanu Jula, who has claimed the group is a state adversary funded by Egypt. Recognized as a legal political entity, the ONLF demanded an urgent clarification from the Ethiopian government on Thursday, warning that the accusations jeopardize the 2018 peace deal. General Jula's contentious remarks surfaced in a video broadcasted by Ethio-Forum on September 8, 2024, where he seemed to charge ONLF…

Baidoa (AX) — Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre confidently assured that Ethiopian troops will exit Somalia by the end of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in December 2024. While visiting Baidoa this week, Prime Minister Barre emphasized the government's commitment to national security and guaranteed that al-Shabaab would not be able to capitalize on the troop withdrawal. The federal government has formulated a robust post-ATMIS strategy to secure the nation without foreign military presence.…

How Ethiopian-Egypt Tensions Impact ONLF’s Political Legitimacy

Ethiopian Airlines Halts Flights to Nairobi Amid Unrest Nairobi, Kenya - Ethiopian Airlines, renowned as one of Africa's most reliable national carriers, declared a disruption of flights to Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital. This upheaval was spurred by a rift between aviation laborers and Kenya’s government. On Wednesday, employees at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi—the largest hub in East Africa—halted work. Their protest was in response to a governmental agreement aimed at expanding the facility.…

PM Hamza's Visit to Baidoa Amid Ethiopian Troop Controversy BAIDOA, Somalia - On Wednesday, amidst growing discord over the Ethiopian military presence, Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, embarked on a significant trip to Baidoa. The trip comes in the wake of worsening ties between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu. Somalia's government remains firm that Ethiopian forces will not participate in the new endeavor named the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, this decision faces…

The decision is poised to further strain relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, which have already become tense following a controversial accord between the Ethiopian government and North Western of Somaliaa uthorities for Red Sea access. Adding more fuel to the fire, Somalia signed a defense pact with Egypt, leading to the imminent deployment of five Egyptian soldiers as part of the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This new mission will replace the older African Union Transition Mission…