Ethiopian

Military Diplomacy in Somalia: A Visit with Intent MOGADISHU, Somalia — Modern diplomacy sometimes unfolds far from the gilded halls of embassies, finding its stage amidst the sands of complex regions. On a wholly unpredictable Sunday, Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, descended upon Mogadishu with an air of quiet determination. But what goal lies beneath this curtain of spontaneity? Accompanying Birhanu was Redwan…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the bustling heart of North Western State of Somalia's capital, Hargeisa, a new movement is unfolding. As the sun creeps over the horizon, the bustling markets and narrow streets begin to swell with activity. There’s perhaps an unnoticed rhythm to the city’s awakening—a blend of smells, sounds, and an intertwining of languages and cultures. Yet, amid this lively tapestry, a deeper narrative is emerging. Just as groups connect through shared…

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki (L) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (R) appear together during a past diplomatic sojourn. CREDIT / EPC Mogadishu (AX) — In recent developments, Eritrea has firmly rebutted allegations by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who suggested that Eritrea is preparing for military conflict against Ethiopia. Eritrea swiftly labeled these claims as unfounded, attributing them to an attempt to deflect from Ethiopia's internal challenges. Teshome, speaking through Al Jazeera, pointed…

Garowe (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, a shadowy group of Ethiopian migrants found themselves in the firm grasp of Northeastern State's security forces, ingeniously crossing the formidable border into Somalia. In a swift and efficient maneuver, these individuals were sent back whence they came, to their homeland of Ethiopia. The crackdown was more than just an isolated event. "One way or another, we will tackle these smuggling networks head-on," declared a senior military figure, whose words carried the solemn weight of…

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The bustling city of Addis Ababa recently played host to a momentous encounter. Under the grand arches of the African Union Summit, which welcomed its 38th iteration, two pivotal figures of the Horn of Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, found themselves engrossed in earnest conversation. It wasn't mere politeness driving their dialogue, but the pressing tapestry of shared challenges and mutual hopes. Can a single meeting alter the course…

How often does a handshake capture the world's attention? When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met eye-to-eye, during the 38th African Union Summit in bustling Addis Ababa, their handshake was much more than a diplomatic formality. It was laden with the weighty hopes of peace and collaborative future—a substantial step forward since the historical signing of the Ankara Declaration. But let's not put the cart before the horse: what led to this compelling moment and what does it…

In a tense region where borders are more than just imaginary lines on a map, Djibouti’s security forces recently launched a drone strike that ended with the deaths of eight individuals identified as members of a so-called terrorist organization. This operation, near the Ethiopian border, also resulted in injuries to an unspecified number of civilians. The news came to light on a quiet Sunday, stirring conversations far beyond Djibouti's borders. The defense ministry of Djibouti issued a statement explaining the operation:…

An Escalating Conflict: Djibouti Deploys Drone Strike Near Ethiopian Border In a bold and contentious operation near its border with Ethiopia, Djibouti's security forces employed drones to execute a strategic attack. The result? Eight fighters from a known rebel faction were reportedly eliminated. However, amid the chaos, civilian casualties were also reported, leaving a haunting ambiguity about the true cost of conflict. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, the…

TORONTO, Canada (AX) — The haunting visage of Nehima Jamal, a young Ethiopian woman of merely twenty summers, has lingered like an unsettling specter across digital platforms. Captured by traffickers in Libya, her image—tied, gagged, and battered—was used as a pawn to demand ransom. Now liberated, she opens up about the chilling odyssey that left her teetering on the brink of despair. Her testimony stands as a grave warning for others who may be contemplating a similar perilous path. Liberation came at a steep price—700,000…

Kirubel Tesfaye, a fact-checker at HaqCheck, spearheads a workshop for journalists and university students in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, in 2024. (Photo courtesy of HaqCheck) WASHINGTON — In the volatile dance of geopolitics, misinformation weaves a dangerously seductive tapestry across social media platforms. Consider last year's rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia: a video claimed to show Egyptian troops training on Somali soil. The clip rapidly garnered 34,000 views on the social media platform X, but alas, it was a…