security

Today, an intriguing diplomatic exchange unfolded as Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, sat down for a chat with Vincent D. Spera, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan. From the onset, Ambassador Mesganu didn't mince words. He drove home the point that Ethiopia and the U.S. need to crank up their relationship, especially where peace and security are concerned. For Mesganu, the magic word is "economic." He passionately delved into Ethiopia’s…

Somalia's Jubaland Tightens Security in Kismayo Amid Mogadishu Tensions KISMAYO, Somalia - As Axadle reports, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, is ramping up watchful eyes at Kismayo Airport following rattlesnake-like threats from the federal bigwigs who want to squash the state’s indirect election shindig. Whispers have it that Mogadishu dispatched a gaggle of security personnel toward Kismayo, allegedly prepping the runway for Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to swoop in and steer the electoral ship. Yet, Madobe, as…

Amid growing global concerns, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently had a heart-to-heart over a phone call about pressing issues in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen. Their conversation was primarily focused on the ongoing challenges in these volatile regions, but you could say it was much more than a simple exchange of pleasantries. "Antony Blinken and Antonio Guterres have been talking turkey about the current affairs," remarked an international relations observer. They delved…

The Mayor of Amsterdam has declared enhanced security protocols throughout the city following a night of unrest described by officials as anti-Semitic. However, there were also reports of provocative chants from Israeli soccer fans that night. In light of the turmoil, Israel dispatched commercial flights to the Netherlands to assist in bringing back Israeli soccer fans, with the initial flight arriving in Tel Aviv this afternoon. As a result of the clashes, local police reported five individuals were hospitalized, while 62…

FILE - In Nairobi, on a heated June day in 2024, Kenyan anti-riot police detained a protester.NAIROBI, KENYA — On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch pointed fingers at Kenyan security forces, accusing them of abducting, torturing, and killing individuals believed to be the masterminds behind anti-government protests from June to August.Reports emerged that these security personnel unlawfully detained abductees in off-the-grid locations like dense forests and deserted buildings, cutting them off from family and legal support.Mary…

In Kismayo, the Jubaland State Ministry of Security is tightening up on safety measures with the elections on the horizon. Their main jam? Keeping things safe and orderly. Public safety and integrity of the elections are non-negotiables.  All sorts of security forces, from the Darawish squad to the local brainiacs in intelligence, have been put on high alert. Their mission: be ready at the drop of a hat and keep the peace across the region.  A key rule under these new moves is a flat-out ban on security personnel getting…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, the Defense Minister of Somalia, has sharply critiqued Ethiopia, advocating that the neighboring country focus its efforts on managing its internal security issues rather than interfering in Somali matters. Amid rising tensions between the two nations, Nur brought attention to Ethiopia's internal unrest, emphasizing that insurgents have reportedly advanced to within 40 kilometers of Addis Ababa. "Ethiopia ought to concentrate on safeguarding its own capital and populace, instead…

On Friday, CIA Director William Burns engaged in discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the capital city of Mogadishu. They delved into various significant topics, particularly focusing on security and the pressing issue of terrorism. A report from the Somali presidency described their meeting as a "high-level conversation aimed at reinforcing the longstanding strategic alliance between Somalia and the United States." The dialogue, according to the official statement, "addressed several mutually…

Birmingham Airport has resumed its operations following an incident involving a suspicious vehicle, according to a spokesperson from the airport. The vehicle was thoroughly inspected and was found to pose no threat, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, as confirmed by West Midlands Police. The spokesperson elaborated, stating that “certain passengers had to be evacuated, and we were forced to halt outgoing flights for a brief period while the police carried out their inquiry.” “The…

Kenya and Somalia: Building Bridges on Security and Cooperation In a recent pow-wow at Nairobi's State House, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Kenyan President William Ruto rolled up their sleeves to hash out a seamless handover for regional security. This pivotal transfer, set to launch in January 2025, will see the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) morph into the newly minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Monday saw President Mohamud touchdown…