security

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

On Thursday, Israel is poised to receive the remains of four hostages from Gaza. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to facilitate the return of six living captives this Saturday, as confirmed by an Israeli security official. These forthcoming handovers represent a glimmer of hope amid an ongoing crisis. If both handover operations transpire successfully, only four hostages—currently presumed deceased—will remain unaccounted for out of the 33 individuals expected to be released during the initial phase of a ceasefire…

Baidoa (AX) — In a turn of events that can only be described as harrowing yet hopeful, the security forces in Somalia's South West State have succeeded in rescuing four children, much to the relief of their anguished families. These children—each tender and impressionable—found themselves in the clutches of the notorious Al-Shabaab, a scourge force bent on enlisting them into their militant ranks as child soldiers. Can one truly grasp the enormity of such a violation? Local authorities announced this heartening news on…

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Munich, Christoph Heusgen, the dedicated chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), delivered his poignant closing remarks at the conclusion of the 61st edition of this esteemed gathering. With heavy heart yet an unwavering commitment, he stepped down after a fruitful term that commenced in 2022. In this significant moment, Heusgen expressed his gratitude toward European leaders, while also offering special recognition to Ukraine's President, Volodymyr…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently emphasized the crucial need for security assurances for Ukraine, particularly considering the ongoing threat from Russia. In a thought-provoking discussion with RTÉ News at the Munich Security Conference, he articulated, "If there was an imperfect peace, there have to be security guarantees for Ukraine." Such statements underscore not just a policy stance, but a commitment to pragmatic diplomacy in a precarious geopolitical landscape. The backdrop of this dialogue was marked by Ukrainian…

How often does a handshake capture the world's attention? When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met eye-to-eye, during the 38th African Union Summit in bustling Addis Ababa, their handshake was much more than a diplomatic formality. It was laden with the weighty hopes of peace and collaborative future—a substantial step forward since the historical signing of the Ankara Declaration. But let's not put the cart before the horse: what led to this compelling moment and what does it…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are embarking on a significant journey today, heading to Germany to participate in the Munich Security Conference, which will unfold over the weekend. Regarded as the premier platform for addressing international security policy, the conference draws an impressive assembly of over 450 decision-makers. This includes a constellation of heads of state and seasoned policy experts who gather to scrutinize the pressing issues of our time. Among the distinguished attendees are US…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a setting where the glimmer of the Gulf meets the vibrancy of ambition, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro conferred with UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday. Yet, is any meeting truly ordinary when it dances around the themes of economic cooperation and regional stability? This rendezvous, set against the backdrop of the illustrious Global Government Summit held in Dubai, served as a beacon of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Like characters in the dynamic theater of geopolitics, nations vie for influence on the African stage, painting the canvas of history with choices and alliances. Recently, Ethiopia emerged as a pivotal protagonist by securing a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for a three-year tenure. But how did this happen? And what significance does this hold for the continent? Ethiopia's triumph at the 46th Executive Council meeting, held under the imposing shadows of Addis Ababa's…

In a significant and controversial move, former President Donald Trump has withdrawn security clearances from notable figures, including Antony Blinken, previously the Secretary of State, and Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Adviser. According to reports from White House officials, this decision coincided with Trump's recent revocation of security clearance for former President Joe Biden, effectively halting his access to vital daily intelligence briefings. The implications of such an action reverberate beyond…