Rift

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal twist of regional dynamics, Burundi has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia. This move marks the end of an 18-year era of military involvement under the auspices of the African Union's peacekeeping initiatives. But what's driving this significant change? The roots trace back to a contention over troop contributions to the recently minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, which took the baton from the African Union Transition Mission in…

The serene edifice of the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis stands as a silent witness to many tales of justice. On a sultry afternoon of May 5, 2022, this stately structure cradled another narrative—one steeped in shame and regret. As captured by Ben Hovland for the Sahan Journal, it seemed almost surreal that within its chambers, lives were unraveling. Qamar Hassan, co-owner of a Minneapolis catering firm, stood on the stand, shoulders bowed under the weight of a confounding $250 million fraud conspiracy. "Every…

The world beneath our feet is more dynamic than it may appear. Imagine standing in Ethiopia's Afar Desert, where, in 2005, a colossal 35-mile fissure suddenly cleaved the arid landscape—a preview of Earth's internals at work. "The earth is forever changing; ask any geologist," my professor once said, emphasizing how every crack and crevasse has a story to tell. Isn't it fascinating how seemingly imperceptible movements can reshape entire continents over millennia? A geological mystery is unfolding, driven by tectonic forces…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In the swirling political landscape of the Horn of Africa, a recent development has been stirring the pot. Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the head honcho of Jubaland, took a rather bold and unannounced trip to Kenya. This little escapade has caused quite the stir within Villa Somalia, the political heart of the country, and now there's a storm a-brewing. Word on the street is that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has found himself in a bit of a pickle with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They can't seem to see…

Mogadishu (AX) — Egypt and Sudan are fiercely opposed to the newly approved Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), signaling a fresh chapter in a longstanding dispute over precious water resources. Ratified by six countries upstream, the CFA came into effect on October 13, further widening the gulf among Nile Basin nations. Cairo and Khartoum, long heavyweights in debates over Nile waters, released a stern joint statement after convening the Egyptian-Sudanese Permanent Joint Technical Commission for the…

FILE - Senegal's Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi leads a session in the Upper House of the Federal ParliamentMogadishu (AX) — A storm's brewing in Somalia’s Upper House as Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi has declared that Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama's Senate spot is kaput, all due to his repeated disappearing acts. Leaning on the constitution like an old friend, the Speaker stated that Mr. Jama's four session no-shows sealed his fate and booted him from his seat. Ibrahim Suleiman Idle, who was…

On a recent day, the quietude of the Ethiopian Rift Valley was shattered by a 4.9-magnitude earthquake. This seismic event originated west of Lake Awash, particularly near the Mount Fentale district, rattling the town of Metehara and prompting some locals to scramble for safety. In the aftermath of the quake, reports indicated that numerous buildings suffered structural damage, while cracks emerged in the ground nearby. Fortunately, as of now, no injuries or significant destruction have been documented, which is a relief…

An epidemic of Rift Valley fever, a viral disease that mainly affects cattle and can also infect humans, is currently affecting zebo herds in several regions of the country. It is transmitted by mosquito bites, the virus' agent. The Malagasy authorities have taken action. The epidemic began in February and the Pasteur Institute confirmed several outbreaks of the disease in early April. A total of 473 dead zebras were listed, out of a total of about 19,000 animals for four regions, or 35 affected municipalities in the…

In Mauritania, about ten people have died in recent days in several regions of the country after consuming meat or milk contaminated by farm animals suffering from burnout. The disease has been raging in the country since 15 September. From our correspondent in Nouakchott, The first cases of gorge in the valley was recorded in Tagant, at central Mauritania. But also in Brakna to the south and in the two Hods near the border with Mali. A total of 24 cases have been reported, but half have resulted in death in humans.…