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Israel has made a decisive move to sever all ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This announcement came from Israel's envoy to the UN, who has persistently accused the agency of compromising Israel’s security interests. The implications of this decision are profound, particularly given UNRWA's pivotal role in delivering vital services. UNRWA's operations in Israel are not just bureaucratic; they represent a lifeline for many Palestinians, emphasizing…

With the dawn of 2025, I found myself embarking on a nostalgic weeklong journey back to my roots – the small town of Buuloburte. The last time I set foot in this quaint dot on the map was back in August 2023, when a break from the daily grind led me here for a refreshing week. This time, however, I was playing the role of dutiful son, escorting my mother back home after a delightful, yet languorous, stay in the hustle and bustle of Mogadishu. Imagine our arrival at Buuloburte airport on January 2nd—an airstrip bustling with…

Picture this: It's a bustling Wednesday at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the undulating chaos of travelers intermingles with quiet pockets of diplomacy. There, amidst the hubbub, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, leans in for a conversation with Kenya's Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki. Their meeting wasn't just a layover chat but a diplomatic tango aimed at deepening the bonds between Somalia and Kenya, two nations long tethered by history and a border, yet…

Addis Ababa—The sun shone brightly over the Ethiopian capital on January 11, 2025, as an air of optimism and anticipation filled the streets. Against this vibrant backdrop, a monumental announcement was made—one that carried the promise of a brighter future for two historic neighbors. Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, stood before an attentive audience of officials and journalists, his composed demeanor hinting at the weight…

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, the two nations have announced in a joint statement. This agreement on Saturday follows Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's warm reception of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where the leaders held high-level discussions focused on strengthening relations and addressing mutual priorities.

In the heart of Addis Ababa, a significant tête-à-tête occurred. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shook hands, opting to reboot the diplomatic ties between their countries by promising full-scale embassies in each other's capitals. This meetup happened on a bustling Saturday. "We’re working towards a shared future," explained Abiy. They both reckon that fostering cooperation in global and regional forums is a big deal. Not just talking, but laying a solid groundwork built on…

Mogadishu (AX) – Rolling into Ethiopia's bustling capital this Saturday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set for some weighty tête-à-têtes in Addis Ababa. This trip is all about giving a jolt of energy to the often rocky friendship between these East African neighbors. When President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sit down, they ain't just gonna chat about the weather. Their main agenda? Breathing new life into the Ankara Agreement and hashing out Ethiopia's hand in Somalia's latest peacekeeping mission.…

Today, an intriguing diplomatic exchange unfolded as Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, sat down for a chat with Vincent D. Spera, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan. From the onset, Ambassador Mesganu didn't mince words. He drove home the point that Ethiopia and the U.S. need to crank up their relationship, especially where peace and security are concerned. For Mesganu, the magic word is "economic." He passionately delved into Ethiopia’s…

KISMAYO, Somalia - Recent weeks have witnessed a stormy political landscape in Somalia, as Jubaland has decided to walk away from its relationship with Mogadishu. Alongside Northeastern State, it becomes the second of the five states to voice dissatisfaction with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's leadership and his push for significant constitutional reforms. The leadership of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe in Jubaland halted collaboration with the federal government, declaring an end to cooperation following a crucial meeting…

According to Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Kamala Harris has shown a genuine dedication to African affairs. If she succeeds in the upcoming presidential election in the United States, "her administration could greatly enhance and build upon the positive momentum in U.S.-Africa relations.” Carson, a seasoned diplomat with an extensive legacy centered on African policy, advocates for a range of strategies aimed at elevating the partnership between the U.S. and Africa to new heights. He begins by emphasizing Nigeria's pivotal…