tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks assertively beneath the serene arches of the White House Rose Garden, a place typically reserved for softer, more harmonious deliberations. It’s April 2, 2025, as Trump announces his plan to impose a 10% tariff on most imported goods. This bold move introduces significantly higher levies on numerous global rivals and allies alike. It’s a maneuver that turns the gears of an already tense global trade war—one that sparks concerns about soaring inflation and potentially stunted economic…

Abiy Invites Tigrayans to Nominate Interim Leaders Amid Political Turmoil AX – Addis Ababa – In a move to inject some semblance of order amidst the swirling political storm, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reached out to the people of Tigray with an unusual request on a routine Wednesday morning. Imagine opening your inbox to pretty mundane emails, and there it is: a call from the Prime Minister to nominate leaders via email. Yes, you read that correctly. The digital age just took a more participatory turn, with…

Clash of Narratives: Burundi and Rwanda in Diplomatic Crosshairs In recent developments, Burundi's President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, stirred diplomatic waters when he candidly revealed to the press his possession of "credible intelligence." This intelligence allegedly points to an impending attack by Rwanda on Burundi. Such claims are not made lightly. Given the tense history of this region, these words have gravity, not just as a political maneuver but also as a harbinger of possible conflict. To many, this…

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda has ordered the expulsion of all Belgian diplomats, requiring their departure within 48 hours. This decisive action sparked an immediate reaction from Brussels, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has accused Belgium of “consistently undermining” its efforts, particularly amid the ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This diplomatic fracture appears to stem from a…

As dawn breaks across the Horn of Africa, a region steeped in both history and conflict, Ethiopia and Eritrea—nations once unified under a shared banner—now seem to stand on the precipice of renewed strife. A casual observer might gaze upon a map, tracing the contours of these lands, asking: "Are we destined to repeat the past, or can wisdom steer us clear of calamity?" In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a sense of unease lingers in the air, one that's palpable among both local…

Ugandan Troops Deployed to Juba Amidst Rising South Sudan Tensions JUBA, South Sudan – In a strategic maneuver aimed at stabilizing the political landscape in South Sudan, Ugandan troops have been deployed to the nation’s capital, Juba. This decision, confirmed by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, comes as tensions threaten the fragile peace in the nation, challenging its already precarious stability. The…

Ukraine is poised to propose a partial ceasefire with Russia to the United States, aiming to rekindle the support of its crucial ally. Under the administration of former President Donald Trump, the U.S. has insisted on specific concessions to help bring an end to the ongoing three-year conflict. The upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia come against the backdrop of intensified Russian assaults on Ukraine. In retaliation, Ukraine has launched a significant counterstrike, including a recent drone attack on Russian territory,…

JUBA, South Sudan - It was yet another turbulent day in South Sudan's quest for stability. On Friday, the people of South Sudan, and indeed the world, were taken aback by the distressing news of a United Nations (UN) helicopter coming under attack. The incident unfolds amidst a backdrop of rising unease in the world's newest nation. President Salva Kiir has been adamant that the one thing this country cannot afford is a return to the horrors of war. But will his calls for peace be enough to quell the storm on the…

Refugees Protest at the UNHCR Office in Kakuma Camp Following Significant Food Ration Cuts Photograph: Courtesy of Kakuma News Reflector Imagine waking up to find that the food you rely on has been reduced by a significant amount. How would you feel? For thousands of refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, this is no longer a hypothetical situation but a stark reality. Just recently, the bustling camp, home to around 300,000 individuals from countries like South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic…

In the tense landscapes of northern Somalia, the ancient refrains of discord echo once more as armed factions square off in the town of Buqdharkayn. This contested site, caught in the crossfire between North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC Khaatumo fighters, has become the latest theatre in a long-standing territorial saga. Amid Strife: A Friday of Conflict As twilight gave way to dawn on a chilly Friday morning, the sound of gunfire shattered the…