rebels

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, President Donald Trump recently sanctioned a series of airstrikes in Yemen on territories controlled by the Houthi rebels. His assurance of employing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-supported militants desist from their aggressions against shipping vessels along critical marine pathways reverberates sternly. Reports from the Houthis indicate a tragic toll of at least 18 civilian casualties, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's human cost. "Our brave Warfighters are…

Understanding DRC's Stance on M23 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) perceives the M23 group through a critical lens, branding it as a terrorist organization. This perspective does not emerge from a vacuum; it hinges on numerous factors. Paramount among them is the nation's sovereign integrity, a principle they've seen undermined in past agreements that dissolved amidst foreign meddling and a potentially futile expectation of compliance. Sometime back, I recall a conversation with an aid…

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

Recently, the militia group known as M23 made a surprising announcement, coinciding with a surge of violence that has tragically claimed over 700 lives within a mere few days. This escalation has not gone unnoticed; international aid organizations and human rights advocates have expressed serious concerns regarding the state of affairs in the region. In their statement, the M23 rebels cited humanitarian issues as the driving force behind their latest actions, particularly following their seizure of Goma. This city, a…

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a region teetering on the brink, uncertainty looms large as Rwanda-backed rebels, involved in a fierce struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo's illustrious east, have surprisingly declared a ceasefire. The city of Goma, an urban sprawl of over two million souls, stands at the center of this turmoil. With Monday’s declaration, the rebels surprisingly took a step back, professing humanitarian motives and responding to pleas for the creation of a safe corridor for displaced…

Somalia's Tough Choices: Rebel Support or Diplomatic Embrace? NAIROBI, Kenya - Somalia and Ethiopia have been navigating a venomous spat that, if left unchecked, could unleash chaos in the Horn of Africa, potentially allowing terrorist factions to slip through the cracks. Somalia claims Ethiopia has overstepped its territorial bounds by striking a deal with Somaliland, a self-proclaimed autonomous region of Somalia. According to the agreement, Ethiopia secures 20 kilometers of Red Sea access to erect a military base and…

Somalia's foreign minister has hinted at backing Ethiopian rebels if Ethiopia proceeds with its accord with Somaliland. Abdi Moalim Fiqi responded on Universal TV on September 12. "Somalia may consider engaging with armed factions opposing the Ethiopian regime. It's an open avenue if Ethiopia keeps pushing," said Fiqi. He emphasized that nothing drastic has occurred yet. "We're not at that stage, but the option is open. If they persist with hostility and that dubious agreement, that’s a path we could take — to support,…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a dramatic twist, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi mentioned supporting Ethiopian insurgents if Ethiopia advances with a contentious deal involving Somaliland. These comments, shared on Universal TV on September 12, represent a spike in regional tension. This tension stems from an agreement penned earlier this year where Ethiopia gains access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s shores, potentially acknowledging Somaliland's plea for independence. Naturally, Somalia, viewing…

More than eight months after the start of the conflict, the former regional power and its forces have conquered much of the province and have now entered the neighboring province of Amharara. The rebels claim several successes and promise to continue their breakthrough. The rebels claim they are continuing their progress in the Amhara Territory. This weekend, they claimed to have captured a first city, Adi Arkay, without stopping there. Their spokesman now says that resorts more than 100 km south, such as Bere Mariyam,…

The rhetoric continues to ignite in Ethiopia. More and more reactions are emerging after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's comments. On Sunday, the head of government identified Tigray's rebel movement as a disease or an invasive plant. Words that some call incitement to hatred. With our regional correspondent in Nairobi, Sebastien…