Horn

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,…

Ethiopia, a large and diverse nation, is in pursuit of a goal many consider essential for its economic vision: a solid hold on maritime access. This aspiration took a noteworthy turn in 2023 when Ethiopia struck a deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic. The deal, which found Ethiopia trading recognition of North Western State of Somalia's independence for a coveted 20-kilometer coastal stretch, soon sparked geopolitical unrest in the region. Not surprisingly, the course of this agreement has…

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- In a scene reminiscent of tales from a bygone era, suspected Somali pirates unceremoniously abandoned a Yemeni fishing vessel they had commandeered for several tense days. The Saytuun-2 dhow, which plies the timeless waters of the Middle East, was thrust into the spotlight when it was seized off Somalia’s precarious coastline, only to be released five days later. Some might ask, what compels modern-day buccaneers to such bold acts? A European naval group, EUNAVFOR Atalanta, chronicled…

ASMARA - In a world often quick to point fingers, Eritrea finds itself navigating the murky waters of blame. Recently, Eritrea refuted the allegations linking it to the persistent turmoil in the Horn of Africa. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome had directed accusations at Eritrea for its alleged role in the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray region. But is it really fair to blame a neighbor for internal strife? Eritrea, for its part, firmly dismisses this. Yemane Meskel, the ever-persuasive Eritrean minister…