unrest

The tragic events surrounding the anti-tax protests outside Kenya's parliament last June have been meticulously pieced together, revealing a poignant narrative that has captured national and international attention. As reported by the BBC, a thorough analysis of over 5,000 images has confirmed that those who lost their lives during this turmoil were unarmed individuals, tragically caught in the crossfire. The East African nation's constitution upholds the right to peaceful protest. Yet, the brutal deaths of protesters at…

In the aftermath of the contentious October 2024 elections, Human Rights Watch has voiced grave concerns regarding the apparent absence of a credible investigation into a surge of political killings. This alarming trend has predominantly victimized individuals affiliated with the opposition, particularly those who openly contested the re-election of President Daniel Chapo. How does one reconcile the fundamental principles of democracy with such deadly repression? This question lingers ominously in the air as HRW shines a…

In the Heart of the Horn of Africa, discussions on Ethiopia's pursuit for sea access have surged to the forefront. It's a matter deeply intertwined with history, strategy, and the sometimes unpredictable nature of regional geopolitics. But why such urgency, and at what potential cost to an already fragile region? The Horn of Africa, familiarly scarred by strife and instability, stands at a critical junction. The potential stirrings of renewed conflict hold vast implications not just locally, but globally as well. The world…

In the ever-changing landscape of international diplomacy, moments arise where collective action speaks louder than individual efforts. Recently, such a moment was captured when Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined an essential virtual gathering of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The backdrop of their discussion was the increasingly troubling security situation unraveling in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The dialogue,…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has recently stirred the pot by leveling accusations against Ethiopia's federal government regarding the exploitation of natural resources in the Somali Region. It's a fire they warn could flare into instability, potentially unraveling the delicate peace woven in 2018. The essence of their grievance? A feeling of marginalization. In a candid interview with Abdijaliil Show, the outspoken ONLF spokesperson, Abdilqadir…

Imagine a rich land laden with vast mineral resources, the kind that fuel our modern technologies and power future innovations. This is the backdrop of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation possessing one of the world's most abundant reserves of cobalt and lithium — materials that are as valuable as gold in today’s tech-driven world. It’s a tantalizing prospect, right? But what if these treasures could also become the means to fortify a nation’s security and influence global geopolitics?…

President Daniel Chapo firmly believes that the unrest following the contentious 2024 presidential election represents a resurgence of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado, a northern province of Mozambique. Here, Islamist factions have long waged a violent struggle against local security forces and regional allies. “These assaults are designed to foster chaos and deplete our vital mineral wealth,” Chapo remarked to diplomats on February 21, a conviction that underscores the high stakes involved for the nation. The aftermath of…

Somalia: Ex-President Criticizes Federal Forces Over Recent Actions MOGADISHU, Somalia - Standing against the backdrop of escalating strife, Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has vociferously lambasted federal troops for their recent raids in Mogadishu. The incursions, taking place at a security post in Jasiira and an opposition gathering, have been harshly described by Ahmed as "barbaric acts" that echo oppression from a bygone era. The once-leader, now at the helm of the Himilo Qaran party, delivered an…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the volatile landscape of Somali politics, the federal government has directed pointed accusations at Jubbaland's President, Ahmed Madobe, in relation to the violent clash that shattered the peace in Bardhere district, Gedo region, this past Wednesday. This deadly altercation led tragically to the death of the district commissioner, Mohamed Ilyas Caagane, and numerous other casualties. The federal Ministry of Internal Security did not mince words in its recently released statement, alleging…

Mogadishu (AX) — "The wind of change is blowing through Somalia," as the region witnesses ISS's intricate web of terror tighten its grip. On the brink of the new year, December 31 saw the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISS) launching a major assault on Northeastern State's security apparatus, illuminating the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist factions. Through precision and coordination, attackers unleashed suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and suicide vests (SVESTs) on a…