Rift

The corridors of international diplomacy are often resonant with announcements that shift the balance of affiliations. Recently, Mali has made headlines with its decision to part ways with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). This departure is akin to a family member choosing a new path, separate from the traditions and shared language that once bound them together. In essence, Mali's exit is reminiscent of a younger sibling stepping away from the family dinner table to find…

Imagine being in the shoes of a leader during turbulent times. On April 10, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embarked on a pivotal journey. His destination? South Africa—a nation renowned for its steadfast neutrality—a place where he would converse with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The objective seems straightforward: explore potential solutions to the protracted conflict that's been wreaking havoc for over three years. Vincent Magwenya, South Africa's spokesperson, candidly shared this itinerary. You…

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…