Ethiopian

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a noteworthy pivot, Somalia's government has given the nod for Egyptian forces to step into the shoes of Ethiopian troops in the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following a significant security agreement inked in August. Villa Somalia has thrown its support behind Egypt to spearhead AUSSOM, prompting Egypt to send preliminary teams to aid the Somali National Army (SNA), focusing on strategic routes often disrupted by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants.…

In a striking announcement, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s chief diplomat, articulated that the Ethiopian Embassy, nestled within the Somali Presidential Palace since 2007, would remain put for the moment, despite simmering discontent from the Somali authorities. Ethiopia set up its embassy in Villa Somalia after its military marched into Mogadishu in December 2006. This intervention was intended to bolster the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) against rebel factions, notably the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).Although…

Egyptian military advisors, instructors, and commandos are assisting Somali forces in battling Al Shabab militants.From left, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Photo: AFPEgypt is amplifying its military presence in Somalia ahead of Ethiopia's December 31 deadline to withdraw, concurrently training and aiding Somali forces against Al Qaeda-affiliated militants, sources revealed to The National on Tuesday.Both Egypt and Somalia, belonging to…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is resolute in standing tall against Ethiopia’s recent saber-rattling, stating unequivocally that Somalia is primed to counter any belligerence directed toward its defense forces or citizens. During a speech in the heart of Mogadishu, Nur declared, "Somalia and Ethiopia should coexist in harmony and good neighborly spirit, yet if the fragile leadership of Abiy and Jula stumbles in upholding peace, then those stoking discord shall soon realize the gravity…

Al-Shabaab Militants Stage Assault on Ethiopian Troops in Somalia WAJID, Somalia: Ethiopian soldiers stationed in Somalia’s Bakool province faced an onslaught by al-Shabaab fighters late Friday, igniting an intense battle in Wajid district, insiders disclosed. The incursion against the Ethiopian base sparked a robust counter-attack, with both factions locked in fierce combat. Nearby residents recounted a barrage of booms and gunfire, hinting at serious conflict escalation. Ethiopian troops retaliated with a barrage of…

Baidoa (AX) — In a burst of conflict, Ethiopian forces fire mortars across Somalia's Bakool region in Wajid district after an al-Shabaab raid on their military outpost Friday night, as locals recount.The clash escalated into a fierce battle involving both Ethiopian troops and al-Shabaab fighters, with heavy artillery being employed on both sides. Witnesses noted the significant shelling by Ethiopian forces responding to the initial onslaught.While specifics on casualties are scarce, local leaders have yet to share an…

Taye Atske Selassie, elevated to the presidency, had been foreign minister since February. In a recent session, the Ethiopian parliament sanctioned a new leader to succeed Sahle-Work Zewde, the country’s pioneering female president. Since February, Taye Atske Selassie has held the position of foreign minister and is now stepping into the largely symbolic presidential role. True governing clout, however, resides with the prime minister, Abiy Ahmed. Rumors suggest discord between Sahle-Work and Abiy had been brewing over…

Taye Atske Selassie Photographer: Leonardo Munoz/AFP/Getty Images Addis Ababa (AX) – On Monday, Ethiopia's legislative body chose Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie as the nation's president. He takes over from Sahle-Work Zewde, who has concluded her leadership role. This decision was made during the inaugural gathering of the 6th House of People's Representatives (HoPR) alongside the House of Federation (HoF), kicking off the fourth year of this term. With the vote concluded, Taye took the presidential oath and received the…

Somali Leaders Hold Secretive Talks Over Ethiopian Troops MOGADISHU, Somalia — Amid swirling tensions around Ethiopian military presence, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in a fragile negotiation with Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the president of Somalia's Southwest State, insiders disclosed Tuesday. The high-stakes meeting, shrouded in secrecy, seeks to tackle the thorny issue of Ethiopian soldiers jostling around Somalia's sovereignty and regional tranquility. This happens against the backdrop of geopolitical plays involving…

Mogadishu (AX) — President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt has underscored Egypt's unwavering allegiance to Somalia, underlining the Arabic nation's critical function within the Arab League while affirming that no entity will be allowed to jeopardize its autonomy. El-Sisi's remarks arrive amid escalating military and political friction in the Horn of Africa, where Egypt's increased involvement is altering the regional landscape."We're not making hollow threats, but anyone endangering Somalia will face consequences," el-Sisi…