Horn

Navigating the Shadows: The Rise of Militancy in Somalia As we step into 2024, Somalia stands at a precarious crossroads, battling against the dual forces of increased militant activity and the relentless ambitions of groups like al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS). The lush lands of Somalia—a place steeped in rich culture, resilient communities, and vibrant storytelling—are once again marked by the scars of violence and strife. Today, we peel back the layers of this dire situation to understand not just the…

Nairobi Hosts Groundbreaking Meeting for Finance Ministers of the Horn of Africa Nairobi (AX) — Recently, a significant event occurred in the bustling heart of Nairobi, Kenya. Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh, took the helm at the 25th Meeting of Finance Ministers under the prestigious Horn of Africa Cooperation Forum. With Somalia proudly presiding over this year's session, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose and determination. The meeting unfolded with a clear focus on enhancing regional…

Turkey and Somalia: Forging a Strong Alliance On Monday, a pivotal meeting unfolded, building on a series of significant agreements established over the past year. Among these was a landmark accord reached in February 2024, when the Somali cabinet approved a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic cooperation pact with Turkey. This initiative promises a host of collaborations, including naval training, joint patrols, and a revenue-sharing model for offshore…

Addis Ababa (AX) — On a brisk Friday morning in the heart of Ethiopia's capital, General Michael Langley, the esteemed commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), engaged in critical discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Their meeting was not merely a formality; it emerged as a significant dialogue addressing the pressing security challenges that plague the region. In a succinct statement shared via the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, it was revealed that their conversation primarily revolved around collaborative…

On Thursday, a significant dialogue unfolded between Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty and Annette Weber, the European Union's Special Representative for the Horn of Africa. This meeting, which took place against the backdrop of the annual Oslo Forum in Norway, touched upon a range of critical issues impacting the region, including the harrowing situation in Sudan, ongoing security threats in Somalia, and the essential matter of navigation in the ever-busy Red Sea. The backdrop of these discussions was…

The Horn of Africa: Balancing Between Breakdown and Opportunity The recent testimonies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute and Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations have illuminated a pressing dilemma for Washington: the Horn of Africa stands on a knife's edge, caught between potential collapse and newfound opportunities. While both testimonies suggest a pivot away from the pursuit of a unified Somalia, advocating instead for partnerships with…

In a world where climate change looms increasingly large, the predictions from the Igad Climate Predictions and Applications Center (ICPAC) have caught the attention of many. Climate scientists at ICPAC have forecasted an unusual uptick in rainfall across multiple regions, notably Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, eastern Kenya, northern South Sudan, and southern Sudan. It’s more than just numbers and statistics; it's a clarion call for communities to prepare for nature’s dramatic shifts. According to ICPAC, “Moderate rainfall of…

Somalia’s Strategic Realignments: Stability or New Cold War in the Horn? Leaders of the Red SEE Alliance: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. From the bustling markets of Mogadishu to diplomatic hallways in Cairo and Addis Ababa—Somalia’s evolving security alignments are more than just regional posturing. According to a compelling new study, these partnerships are inadvertently fueling instability, increasing proxy tensions,…

KAMPALA, Uganda — In a bid to foster international collaboration and bolster regional security, President Yoweri Museveni has announced that Uganda will hold a significant summit on April 25. This meeting is part of a broader effort to engage important stakeholders in an ever-evolving dialogue concerning the AUSSOM operation underway in Somalia. The operation, which launched at the dawn of 2025, has its sights set squarely on stabilizing this turbulent region. But why, you may ask, does this summit hold any special…

Imagine waking up to find that your once-peaceful neighborhood is now a potential flashpoint for conflict—a reality that many residents in East Africa might soon face. Despite persistent calls for peace, the lingering disputes in the region threaten to transform into a broader conflict—particularly between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Recent developments suggest that Ethiopia and Eritrea, historical rivals, could be on the brink of yet another confrontation. It was only a couple of decades ago,…