Shipment

On Wednesday, the Somali government issued a strong statement demanding the “immediate and unconditional” release of a cargo ship carrying military equipment that had recently been intercepted by the semi-autonomous Northeastern State region. The situation has escalated tensions, with Somali officials describing the incident as nothing short of “an act of piracy.” The Northeastern State region, rich in oil and resources, declared its autonomy back in 1998. Since then, its relationship with the central government in…

Bosaso (AX) — Security forces in Somalia’s Northeastern State region recently made a significant move that raises critical questions about maritime governance and arms control in the country. They intercepted a cargo vessel, purportedly carrying military equipment from Turkey, en route to the capital, Mogadishu. This incident not only underscores the complexities of Somalia's maritime laws but also hints at the ever-evolving dynamics of regional security. The vessel in question, the Sea World, bears a Comoros flag and…

Namibia has officially embarked on a pivotal journey by launching its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This significant milestone is the culmination of years of commitment and strategic planning, marking a promising chapter for the nation within the broader African trade landscape. As one of the earliest ratifiers of AfCFTA, Namibia has set a precedent. The government's proactive approach culminated in the gazetting of its tariff offer in December 2024, a critical step designed to…

The Nicolaos, a Greek-operated Suezmax tanker, recently made headlines by successfully docking at the Sentuo Refinery. This event marked a significant milestone, heralding the resumption of operations at the refinery after a six-month hiatus. The anticipation surrounding this delivery was palpable, as it symbolized hope for a facility that had struggled to fulfill its potential. Using data from vessel tracking systems, one can see that the Nicolaos is no ordinary vessel. With a deadweight tonnage of 165,000, this tanker…

On September 23, 2024, Nasra Bashir Ali, working with the Office of the Somali Prime Minister, posted a photo on X. The image allegedly shows a ship being offloaded at an unnamed port. Meanwhile, Egypt has verified sending arms to Somalia amid regional friction spurred by Ethiopia's contentious arrangement with the self-declared republic of North Western State of Somalia. North Western State of Somalia officials state Ethiopia agreed to acknowledge North Western State of Somalia in exchange for leasing 20 kilometers of sea…

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Atske Selassie, voiced apprehension over the meddling of "external forces" potentially destabilizing an already tenuous security scenario, and feared that weapons could land in the hands of terrorists. Ali Omar, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, took to X to express surprise at Ethiopia's reservations regarding Somalia's procurement of arms for defending sovereignty and combatting terror. Amid a protracted clash with Ethiopia over a significant dam project on the Blue…

The Somali government has issued a vehement denunciation concerning the unapproved importation of arms and ammunition from Ethiopia into the Northeastern State region of Somalia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation labeled this act as a “grave infringement” on Somalia’s sovereignty and a notable danger to both national and regional security. “We have irrefutable proof of two trucks delivering weapons from Ethiopia to Northeastern State without any official diplomatic protocol or authorization,” the…

The decision is poised to further strain relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, which have already become tense following a controversial accord between the Ethiopian government and North Western of Somaliaa uthorities for Red Sea access. Adding more fuel to the fire, Somalia signed a defense pact with Egypt, leading to the imminent deployment of five Egyptian soldiers as part of the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This new mission will replace the older African Union Transition Mission…