Author: Abdihakim Kalale

The “cessation of hostilities” between the two regions has been declared by the Ministry of peace and National Committee, which was established to settle the dispute between Somali and Afar. This announcement was made at a meeting called by the National Committee to assess the first part of its operations. The presidents of both regions, federal and regional security officials, Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister, and Binalf Andualem, Minister of Peace, were present at the meeting. The National Committee announced that “the first phase of its operation was successful” in a statement to state media, clearing the way for the second…

Once again extending the transitional period stipulated in a 2018 peace agreement, South Sudan’s transitional government announced that the eagerly anticipated elections scheduled for December 2024 would be rescheduled for an additional two years. Although President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar’s 2013–2018 civil war was put to an end by a peace agreement six years ago, the two men’s constant animosity has repeatedly stalled a transition that was meant to clear the way for subsequent elections. The announcement represents the most recent postponement of elections in the youngest country in the world, as earlier plans for elections…

In order to support the hiring of qualified individuals who can close skills gaps in Germany’s labor market and to make it easier for Kenyans who don’t have the legal right to continue living in Germany to return home, German and Kenyan officials signed an agreement in Berlin.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto signed the agreement while Ruto was in Germany.Following the signing ceremony, Scholz told reporters that the agreement was significant and represented a strategy by Kenya and Germany to work together more closely on migration.”This can help us make up for a shortage of skilled…

Tanzania has the potential to produce sufficient electricity, as evidenced by the electric train service between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, says Dr. Doto Biteko, the Minister of Energy and Deputy Prime Minister. Dr. Biteko, who traveled on the electric Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train to Dodoma, expressed confidence in Tanzania’s power capacity, stating that the service reflects the country’s reliability in its energy supply. “The fact that Tanzania can generate enough electricity is demonstrated by the electric SGR train journeys,” Dr. Biteko remarked. He added that stable electricity not only powers modern transportation but also lays the foundation for…

Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli was found guilty of contempt of court and was given a six-month prison sentence by the High Court.He is required to present himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons by order of Justice Lawrence Mugambi. “In event he doesn’t submit himself CS Interior must take all steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve sentence,” the judge stated.However, Masengeli might be able to avoid serving the sentence if he shows up in court within the next seven days, according to Mugambi.”Masengeli can redeem himself by availing himself before this court in person to…

The African Union said on Thursday that it had held discussions this week with representatives from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to secure assistance in putting an immediate end to the conflict in Sudan.From September 9 to 12, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the head of the African Union’s high-level panel on Sudan (HLP-Sudan), traveled to both nations. According to Chambas, the AU is pushing for a ceasefire, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and an extensive political dialogue because it thinks there is no military solution to the conflict.Reviving the Jeddah peace talks and getting the warring…

Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), has been reported to have made “provocative statements.” The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has released a statement “strongly condemning” these claims. The ONLF’s statement alludes to a video that Field Marshal Berhanu released on Ethio-Forum on September 8, 2024, characterizing the party as an Egyptian-created “enemy of the Ethiopian state.”The ONLF describes these claims as “blatantly attacking the integrity and legality of the ONLF as a recognized political party” and “unfounded.”These comments, according to the organization, “contradict the spirit and letter” of the…

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated on Thursday that it was pleased with the progress made in discussions between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State regarding the Central Bank of Libya and hoped the parties would come to a final agreement. “The mission welcomes the progress achieved on the principles, criteria, and timeline that should govern the interim period leading to the appointment of a new governor and board of directors for the Central Bank. However, it regrets that the two parties have yet to reach a final agreement,” UNSMIL  said  on their…

The region of Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia, as reiterated at the third meeting of the Arab League’s ministerial group, which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the League’s decision to support the Federal Republic of Somalia in its defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also emphasized that the decision is grounded in the principles of the UN and Arab League charters. The ministerial group met on Tuesday at the foreign ministers’ level during the 162nd session of the Arab League. The media reports that the group stressed that “any arrangements regarding this region should stem…

Ethiopian troops will withdraw from Somalia upon the conclusion of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in December 2024, as confirmed by Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre.Prime Minister Barre emphasized the government’s duty for maintaining national security during his visit to Baidoa this week, and he gave assurances that al-Shabaab would not be able to take advantage of the circumstance. The post-ATMIS plan that the federal government has prepared will ensure the security of the country in the absence of foreign troops. “Somali forces have assumed control of security in those areas, and seven thousand ATMIS soldiers have…

 U.S. Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa Ambassador Mike Hammer met with President Getachew Reda of the Tigray Interim Administration to discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing the Pretoria Peace Agreement.Dimtsi Weyane says that during their conversation, they looked at potential solutions to advance the agreement as well as particular roadblocks that needed to be addressed. The commitment of the United States government to assist the Tigray interim administration in fulfilling its mandate quickly was reaffirmed by Ambassador Hammer.On his behalf, President Getachew underlined the necessity of unified international pressure to carry out the agreement in its entirety,…

Ethiopia’s Rainwater Harvesting Initiative Expands Clean Water Access to Over 4 Million in Drought-Stricken Areas As Ethiopia continues to grapple with water scarcity, the program “My Dam at My Door” has significantly increased the number of Ethiopians with access to clean water, bringing the total to 74.6 million, according to Abraha Adugna, State Minister for Water Resources Management. This initiative aims to address water scarcity and reduce dependence on diminishing groundwater sources, particularly in drought-prone regions. It promotes both traditional rooftop water harvesting and pond water collection as alternative sources of drinking water. “Rainwater offers a solution when water quality…

Reportedly, the Somali branch of the so-called Islamic State, which is well-known for its stronghold in the northeastern Bari region of Puntland state in Somalia, has been involved in the export of small amounts of locally mined gold.The International Crisis Group reports that since 2022, the group’s funding has reportedly accumulated to the tune of $6 million, a figure that is attributed to this activity.ISIS-Somalia’s gold mining and export ventures demonstrate not only the group’s economic activity but also its adaptability and operational prowess in the abrasive Bari region.The fact that ISIS-Somalia is involved in the gold trade highlights its…

New Zanzibar Travel Insurance Rule Faces Backlash from Tourism Industry The new requirement for tourists visiting Zanzibar to obtain inbound travel insurance has sparked strong criticism from the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO). TATO Chairman Wilbard Chambulo expressed his opposition to reporters yesterday, citing the new policy set to take effect on October 1. This policy mandates that travelers must have both insurance and an e-Visa, which costs $44 for non-resident visitors. Chambulo criticized the rule as unreasonable and burdensome for travelers. “Requiring tourists to purchase additional insurance through a government-run corporation is unnecessary, as most foreign tourists already…

Kenya is preparing to enhance its military cooperation with South Korea in areas such as shipbuilding, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity as part of efforts to support regional peace and stability. Speaking ahead of the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya emphasized the growing collaboration between the two countries. She highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting that South Korea’s support has been instrumental in strengthening Kenya’s defense sector, particularly in enhancing maritime security and peacekeeping operations. Tuya is in Seoul for government-to-government discussions with South Korean officials. She stressed the importance of this cooperation in safeguarding vital…

The Deposition of Emperor Haile Selassie and the Rise of the Derg Regime On September 12, 1974, Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown by the Derg, a Soviet-backed military junta formally known as the Coordinating Committee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Territorial Army. This coup ended the Ethiopian monarchy, paving the way for the Derg to rule Ethiopia until May 28, 1991. The Build-Up to Revolution: 1960 Coup Attempt and Student Movements The coup attempt of December 1960 marked the beginning of serious cracks in Haile Selassie’s regime. While the attempt, led by Germame Neway and Mengistu Neway, failed to…