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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…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a poignant shift, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has emerged from days of reticence to reaffirm his allegiance to the fight against the insidious threat posed by ISIS in Northeastern State. This announcement follows whispers of skepticism regarding his commitment to supplying the Northeastern State state with the essential resources to vanquish this perilous adversary. What, exactly, prompted his silence in the first place? Northeastern State's regional forces have been entrenched in a significant…

With the emergence of Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new leader of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal question arises: how will this new stewardship navigate the escalating continental and global crises? Often overshadowed by global news headlines, the recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa marked a significant turning point for Africa's foremost multilateral institution. A tectonic shift, if you will, was felt as Youssouf, an esteemed diplomat, was ushered in to replace Chad's Moussa…

Captain Ibrahim Traoré ascended to the helm of Burkina Faso in September 2022, following a significant coup that unseated Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba. Ironically, Damiba had only recently orchestrated his own coup against former president Roch Marc Kaboré earlier that same year. Such a rapid succession of leadership changes paints a vivid picture of the political turbulence enveloping the nation. Since Traoré’s rise, he has garnered considerable admiration for his impassioned anti-colonial declarations. His sharp…

In the vibrant halls of Mogadishu's newly inaugurated Hodan Hospital, a strong voice echoed, promising an end to the cycle of fear and violence gripping Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, determined and resolute, has set his sights on vanquishing the international terrorist forces that have long cast shadows over the Horn of Africa nation. Why does Somalia continuously find itself tangled in this relentless struggle against terror? President Mohamud, addressing the nation with unwavering clarity, proposed a holistic…

In the ever-complex theatre of global politics and security, decisive actions often ripple far beyond their immediate context. Recently, a certain audacious maneuver by the Trump administration spotlighted this dynamic: a steadfast commitment to obliterate threats to peace and ensure that Somalia remains devoid of terrorist havens. But one might wonder, how does such a commitment manifest amidst the desert plains and bustling towns of Somalia? The United States Africa Command, commonly referred to as AFRICOM, recently…

Mogadishu: A Prelude to Political Discord? In the midst of Mogadishu's bustling environment, an air of apprehension seems to linger. Imagine the scene: a dimly lit conference room, the hum of whispered conversations punctuating the tension in the air. Here, at the convergence of deliberate political dialogues, a somewhat unsettling proclamation was made. Allegations Against the President At the Himilo Qaran political party's recent gathering, a spirited opposition figure, Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan,…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits 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…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's a sunny Saturday, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has a reason to beam with pride. This afternoon, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who recently achieved the notable milestone of being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. An occasion worth celebrating, no doubt. Imagine, for a moment, the intricate dance of diplomacy that played out at the bustling AU summit in Addis Ababa. Underneath the grandeur of the…