Union

Mogadishu, also known as the heart of the Horn of Africa, has witnessed an inspiring boost in its defense capabilities. In a monumental gesture of support, the African Union has delivered a critical consignment of military equipment aimed at bolstering Somalia's security landscape. This endeavor not only aims at enhancing the country's security architecture but also underlines the unwavering commitment to stabilizing a region plagued by challenges. The shipment comprises a myriad of essential assets: robust armored…

Somalia's President Engages with the New African Union Chairperson in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — The air in Mogadishu held a mix of anticipation and solemnity as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a distinguished guest at the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace. It was Sunday, a day set apart for forging deeper alliances. The occasion? The inaugural visit of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the freshly minted Chairperson of the African Union Commission, since his election barely two months ago.…

Somalia's AUSSOM Peace Mission Deployment Reaches Completion MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a dedicated assembly of African Union defense ministers recently gathered to address a matter of profound importance: the stabilization of Somalia. Their conversations echo through the bustling streets of Mogadishu, as they finalize the details of deploying an 11,900-strong force for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Launched at the dawn of 2025, this peacekeeping…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - On a cloudless morning, defense heads from Ethiopia and Somalia reached a landmark consensus that could shift the region’s dynamics. They have sanctioned the deployment of Ethiopian soldiers into the African Union's latest undertaking, the AUSSOM mission. The discussions, permeated with a cautious optimism and underscored by a joint communiqué released on Sunday, also saw them promising to draft a detailed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) aimed at delineating the operations of these bilateral forces…

Military Diplomacy in Somalia: A Visit with Intent MOGADISHU, Somalia — Modern diplomacy sometimes unfolds far from the gilded halls of embassies, finding its stage amidst the sands of complex regions. On a wholly unpredictable Sunday, Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, descended upon Mogadishu with an air of quiet determination. But what goal lies beneath this curtain of spontaneity? Accompanying Birhanu was Redwan…

With the emergence of Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new leader of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal question arises: how will this new stewardship navigate the escalating continental and global crises? Often overshadowed by global news headlines, the recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa marked a significant turning point for Africa's foremost multilateral institution. A tectonic shift, if you will, was felt as Youssouf, an esteemed diplomat, was ushered in to replace Chad's Moussa…

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, participated in a crucial gathering of EU foreign ministers alongside Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, during the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was no ordinary meeting, rather, it was a platform where voices united to address pressing global issues. During this assembly, Mr. Harris reiterated Ireland's stance against Russia's ongoing aggression, firmly condemning the illegal war and the relentless onslaught on Ukrainian civilians. He…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

On an ordinary Saturday, right amidst the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, an unassuming revolutionary shift occurred. Selma Haddadi was appointed as the next deputy chairperson of the AU Commission—an appointment that resonates across the continent like an unexpected melody echoing through familiar chords, signaling a fresh symphony for Africa. Hailing from Algeria, Haddadi holds the esteemed position of ambassador to Ethiopia. Her election marks the beginning…

The grand boulevards of Addis Ababa are once again alive with a sense of purpose as African leaders begin their descent into Ethiopia's bustling capital. Their reason for gathering? The prestigious 38th African Union summit, an event poised to serve as a critical juncture for the continent's myriad challenges. Set for February 15 and 16, this summit promises to be more than just a meeting of minds; it's a beacon of potential solutions and collaborative spirit. One of the summit's focal points is the escalating conflict in…