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In a vibrant dance of colors and commerce, Ethiopia has made significant strides in the global horticultural market. Speaking at the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, Minister Girma Amente proudly announced that Ethiopia has garnered over 360 million U.S. dollars from horticultural exports in just the initial eight months of this fiscal year. Imagine a bustling exhibition hall, fragrant with the delicate aroma of freshly cut flowers. This is where, back in 2013, Addis Ababa…

Al-Shabaab's Intensified Campaigns: A Closer Look at Somalia's Recent Conflict NAIROBI, Kenya - In the heart of East Africa, Somalia stands as a nation grappling with a relentless adversary. Al-Shabaab, a militant group with a tumultuous history, has recently escalated its attacks, particularly in the central and southern regions. This surge in violence has sparked a vigorous response from federal troops, the United States military, and African Union forces, unfolding a distinctive pattern over the recent months.…

In an ambitious move towards energy independence, Nigeria has taken strides to diminish its reliance on imported petroleum products. Imagine for a moment a nation buoyed by its own resources, no longer tethered to volatile international markets. The heartbeat of this vision is the successful operation of its refineries, particularly a prominent one in Port Harcourt. The uninterrupted functioning of this facility, extending over 180 days, is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy security.…

Cuba recently faced a widespread blackout, a consequence of a failure in its national electricity grid, marking the fourth significant power outage in just five months. This alarming trend highlights ongoing challenges within the nation's energy infrastructure. "At around 8:15 PM tonight, a breakdown occurred that led to a substantial loss of power in western Cuba, resulting in the collapse of the national electricity system," stated the Ministry of Energy and Mines. In a message shared on the social media platform X,…

Unveiling Nigeria’s Battle Against Corruption The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has unveiled an impressive feat in its ongoing quest to eradicate corruption. Imagine this: $500 million in diverted funds was successfully retrieved last year. As we delve deeper, one might wonder, what does such a substantial recovery mean for a nation with formidable challenges? "Corruption is Africa’s greatest problem. Not poverty. Not HIV. But…

Escalation in Somalia: A Deep Dive into Shabaab's Recent Offensive Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International—Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Sometimes the shadows of conflict intensify, casting long and uncertain clouds over a nation striving for peace. This is the case as Somalia once again grapples with a significant and aggressive incursion by the Shabaab militants. But why, one might ask, is this offensive particularly unsettling?…

In an assertive move to recalibrate the international cobalt market, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has laid down the gauntlet by suspending cobalt exports for a minimum duration of four months. This bold decision was announced by the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances' Markets (ARECOMS), an authoritative body steering the minerals sector. As reported by Reuters, this ban could potentially alter the dynamics of a saturated market. Patrick Luabeya,…

In a bold and controversial maneuver, President Donald Trump has offered a significant number of federal employees a choice: leave their positions in exchange for eight months of severance pay. This audacious proposal marks one of the most radical attempts to reshape government operations since he took office. Inspired, it seems, by the unyielding management strategies of tech mogul Elon Musk, Trump’s plan follows an earlier directive to freeze federal funding. Critics quickly decried this action as unconstitutional,…

For over 17 years, the PSMN has diligently tracked the ebb and flow of internal displacement. October's tally revealed around 66,000 displacements, with conflict and insecurity uprooting 50,000 people, while climate calamities like droughts and floods displaced 3,000, according to UNHCR’s update from Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia. When new homes and communities are torn apart, the foremost needs of displaced families become crystal clear: food, shelter, water, viable livelihoods, and essential healthcare. These…

The Horn of Africa continues to grapple with aftershocks from Ethiopia’s agreement with North Western State of Somalia in January. This pact, which bestowed Ethiopian naval units access to North Western State of Somalia’s coastline, has sparked strife and intrigue across the region. In a twist, Hargeisa claims Ethiopia is mulling over acknowledging North Western State of Somalia’s boundaries, stirring the pot further. Fast forward nine months, and tensions escalate with new forces entering the fray, like Egypt making chummy…