tensions

Diplomatic circles often revolve around unspoken agreements, nuanced gestures, and the silent art of strategy. Yet, once in a while, politics thrusts someone into the limelight not for an anticipated accomplishment but a startling resignation. Consider Dana M. Brown, an accomplished diplomat who, while serving as the acting ambassador from the United States to South Africa, recently stepped down. This was confirmed through an official communiqué from the U.S. government to South Africa’s authorities.…

Struggles and Hopes: A Story from Somali Regions In the colorful tapestry of Somali history, the narrative of contested lands and assertive leadership unfolds once again. This time, eyes turn to Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye, the indomitable leader of SSC Khatumo. He has issued a resolute call to arms, urging his supporters to intensify their efforts against North Western State of Somalia. Their mission? Reclaim territories embroiled in dispute, stretching across the regions of Sool and…

The Rwandan government has sharply rebuked Belgium for what it perceives as an “aggressive campaign” aimed at disrupting its access to vital development funding. In a bold move, Belgium has urged the European Union to suspend direct budgetary support to Rwanda, contingent on the nation “severing ties with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels,” who have made significant territorial gains in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions raises an important question: To…

In a candid discussion on February 10, 2025, Owino's words laid bare an unsettling truth: the vetting procedure imposed on Somalis had inadvertently fostered corruption. "We just created an opportunity for people to eat," he remarked, encapsulating the sentiment that this process was more a bureaucratic charade than a necessity. Isn't it ironic how measures intended to strengthen can instead unravel at the seams? Kenya's existing ID registration process, according to Owino, is robust enough, encompassing thorough…

Recently, the militia group known as M23 made a surprising announcement, coinciding with a surge of violence that has tragically claimed over 700 lives within a mere few days. This escalation has not gone unnoticed; international aid organizations and human rights advocates have expressed serious concerns regarding the state of affairs in the region. In their statement, the M23 rebels cited humanitarian issues as the driving force behind their latest actions, particularly following their seizure of Goma. This city, a…

Refugees heading to the CBCA Mugunga Church, which sits within the expansive Mugunga IDP camp in Goma, offer a snapshot of resilience amidst adversity. (Photo Credit: Michel Lunanga/AFP) Mary Ashuza, burdened by the enormity of circumstances beyond her control, walked westwards from Goma. In a scene far too common in the war-ravaged landscapes of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), she and her children clutched onto the remnants of their lives packed into bundles they could carry. From the farmsteads of…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Government of North Western State of Somalia has ushered in a fresh wave of initiatives aimed at re-establishing stability and reinforcing security in the Sanaag region, particularly in Erigavo. These actions are being implemented in the wake of recent clashes that forced an estimated 45,000 people from their homes, stirring concerns of further tensions. A high-caliber delegation, inclusive of members from North Western State of Somalia's legislative branches, announced a critical directive: the sole…

FILE - Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, a notable figure in North Western State of Somalia's traditional leadership. In a world where the shadows creep closer to the edges of light, stories like this remind us of the timeless complexities of human society. Recently, a clan conference took place in Badhan, sparking renewed tensions between Somalia and North Western State of Somalia. At the forefront of this narrative, Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, a respected leader, did not shy away from addressing the issue head-on.…

Kirubel Tesfaye, a fact-checker at HaqCheck, spearheads a workshop for journalists and university students in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, in 2024. (Photo courtesy of HaqCheck) WASHINGTON — In the volatile dance of geopolitics, misinformation weaves a dangerously seductive tapestry across social media platforms. Consider last year's rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia: a video claimed to show Egyptian troops training on Somali soil. The clip rapidly garnered 34,000 views on the social media platform X, but alas, it was a…

In an unexpected turn of events, the acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems, recognized globally for her Grammy-winning talents, has opted to cancel her highly anticipated “Born in the Wild” tour performance in Rwanda. This decision, grounded in complex geopolitical realities, spotlights the nuanced interplay between art and international conflict. Tems was set to grace the stage at the BK Arena in Kigali on March 22, 2025, a date that many fans had circled in red ink on their calendars. The excitement surrounding her performance…