Strains

Somalia's Foreign Minister and AU Mission Head: A Tense Dynamic MOGADISHU – In the vibrant heart of Mogadishu, a city where historical echoes intertwine with the bustle of daily life, an unexpected declaration has stirred the political waters. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s charismatic Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently addressed the nation with a tone sharp enough to cut tension itself. During a candid interview, his words painted Sivuyile Bam, the Acting Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia…

The U.S. Rekindles Its Commitment to Africa: The Tale of the Lobito Corridor It’s fascinating how different threads of global politics weave through Africa. One of the prominent examples of this dynamic is the Lobito Corridor rail project, a grand endeavor stretching across the heart of the continent. It’s not just a rail line connecting countries; it’s a symbol of renewed commitments, strategic collaborations, and a stark reminder of the geopolitical undercurrents shaping our world today. Consider the…

President William Ruto's Anticipated Tour of Mt. Kenya: A Blend of Development and Diplomacy President William Ruto is preparing to embark on a significant five-day journey through the scenic Mt. Kenya region, commencing this Tuesday. The visit, featuring development projects valued at billions of shillings, marks his first official return to the area in nearly half a year. His tour will begin in the vibrant and strategically vital Laikipia County. It’s not uncommon for political journeys to stir up dialogue and,…

In recent events, the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from the United States has ignited a robust response among South African analysts and politicians. Rasool’s remarks, highlighting what he perceives as Donald Trump’s alignment with a white supremacist agenda both domestically and internationally, have not only broadened the diplomatic discourse but also revealed deep fissures in international relations. This incident raises crucial questions: Are the well-established diplomatic protocols universally applicable, or…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — On a day that feels almost poetic in its promise of change, Ethiopia and Somalia are ready to close the book on their long-standing tensions and step hand in hand into a promising new chapter of cooperation and friendship. Imagine this: two neighbors who have shared so much—both the good times and the not-so-good—deciding to bury the hatchet and work together for a brighter future. That's the story Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arga, shared with ETV. During his interview, he…

"Oh, the political temperature is rising in North Western State of Somalia!" exclaimed a supporter of the opposition Waddani party, captured by the lens of LUIS TATO. In the heart of a diplomatic firestorm, North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared independent region splintered from Somalia, gears up for a Wednesday presidential showdown during a tumultuous spell in the Horn of Africa. Perched at Somalia's northwest tip, this territory broke free in 1991, maintaining a level of tranquility and calmness that its…

FILE - Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama – Official X account There's a significant shake-up brewing with Somalia's stance on engagement in regional security. In a strategic twist reported by Hiiran, November 2024, the Somali government intends to shut the door on Ethiopian military participation in the upcoming African Union mission. This mission, slated to kick off in January 2025, is set to take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Explaining this landmark decision on…

Mogadishu (AX) — Masterminding a move towards renewed governance, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre unveiled fresh appointments on Monday. A new state minister for the Ministry of Planning and Investment and a deputy for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education took the stage, replacing their predecessors who recently bowed out of the political scene. Stepping up as the freshly minted state minister for Planning is Ahmed Nor Sheikh Mohamed Loxox, while Abdirashid Mohamed Du'ale slides into the Deputy…

In East Africa, the moment is now for proactive peace efforts. Recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud approached a Turkish Navy vessel at Mogadishu's port following the inked defense and economic deal with Turkey. This event took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, on April 23, 2024. Photo by Feisal Omar/REUTERS. Last time America stood on the brink of election frenzy, Ethiopia was stirring with potential conflict. The central government’s friction with the Tigray province erupted in tandem with the U.S. election day in…

In a striking announcement, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s chief diplomat, articulated that the Ethiopian Embassy, nestled within the Somali Presidential Palace since 2007, would remain put for the moment, despite simmering discontent from the Somali authorities. Ethiopia set up its embassy in Villa Somalia after its military marched into Mogadishu in December 2006. This intervention was intended to bolster the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) against rebel factions, notably the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).Although…