East Africa

Do Somalia's security forces play politics? MOGADISHU, Somalia - Throughout the Farmajo presidency, questions have been asked about his relationship with the security sector and their constitutional roles, which often leads to harsh criticism, despite his usual defenses. For four years, both civilians and members of the opposition have raised serious concerns about the Somali National Army's…

May 26, the date of the new head of state's traditional investment, exacerbates political tensions as a new president should have taken office. But the head of state, Azali Assoumani, in office since 2016, was able to fight for his own legacy and was re-elected in 2019, following a constitutional amendment, in 2018. The national police were deployed in and around the capital.…

Turkey enters Africa amid criticism of Somalia's affairs MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Turkish government has reiterated its commitment to work with African countries on security, trade and investment issues, amid external competition to seize the continent, which is seen as the future epicenter of the world economies. Ankara has made inroads in Africa, but its influence is largely visible in…

Big test for Bihi before Somaliland's votes HARGEISA, Somalia - Nearly one million voters will have a chance to elect their local representatives in North Western of Somaliacivic and parliamentary contests, in what could be a major test for President Muse Bihi Abdi, who is trying to control the House for agenda-setting. This will be the first direct election in Somalia's breakaway region, which…

The conflict continues in Tigray, a province in northern Ethiopia that has been in the grip of violence since November. The federal forces face the former Tigray power in the TPLF and are supported by the Eritrean army, but also the Amhara militia. This ethnic group took control of part of the territory, especially the western and southern tip of Tigray. Regions that the two societies have claimed for…

After Somalia, Qatar and the UAE shift their focus to Sudan Khartoum, Sudan - As part of increasing its holdings in Africa, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates has continued to venture into Africa with the aim of expanding its markets and perhaps political influence on the young continent. Last week, there were reports that the outgoing president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, had…

Robles magi? PM gathers stakeholders when election negotiations take shape in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - With almost all opposing teams supporting his efforts to unite the country, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble seems to have been given the much-needed springboard in the election talks, having managed to bring almost everyone to the negotiating table. The country expects a major…

For almost seven months, the war has affected Tigray, a region in northern Ethiopia. The federal government launched a military operation in the province in early November and the conflict spread. The Eritrean army sent thousands of troops to Tigray, and the military from the Amhara ethnic group took control of large areas. The violence has left thousands dead. Massacres have been exposed and the…

Maurice joins the club, certainly larger, countries that have their own satellites. If all conditions are right, its nanosatellite will be launched on June 3 or 4 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Major maneuvers have begun in Mauritius to witness this historic launch. From our Port-Louis correspondent,At present it is…

This is a new milestone in US-Ethiopia relations. Washington has decided to impose sanctions on Ethiopian and Eritrean officials. First visa restrictions, then strong financial sanctions will follow, especially in the areas of security and financial assistance. The United States accuses officials of the two countries of failing to take significant steps to stop hostilities in the Tigray region, almost…