World

African Union calls for calm amidst Ethiopia-Somalia tensions

ADDIS ABABA (HORN OBSERVER) – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, closely monitors the escalating tension following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somalia's region, Somaliland.

U.S. repels Houthi attack on Maersk vessel in Red Sea, sinks 3 ships, and kills 10

DUBAI (HORN OBSERVER) – In a dramatic incident on Sunday, U.S. helicopters thwarted an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of three ships and the death of 10 militants.

Sudan: WFP condemns theft of life-saving food from warehouse in Gezira State

PORT SUDAN/NAIROBI – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) strongly condemns the looting of food supplies from its premises in Gezira State last weekend after elements of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces broke into the warehouse and office, following their takeover of Wad Medani.

$6 million fraud investigation in Ethiopia as AfDB exits staff

ADDIS ABABA (HORN OBSERVER) – The African Development Bank (AfDB) is facing a tumultuous situation as it withdraws international staff from Ethiopia following a "serious diplomatic incident," where its employees were reportedly attacked by Ethiopian security officers.

South Sudan's lack of political will to peace puts country at further risk

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) – South Sudan faces significant hurdles in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, attributing the setbacks to a lack of political will.

Questions surrounding the demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Diriye

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – On Wednesday, the news of the untimely demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, surfaced on social media.

WFP warns of major setback to aid efforts as fighting spreads in Sudan

PORT SUDAN – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to temporarily suspend food assistance in some parts of Gezira State, as fighting spreads south and east of Sudan's capital Khartoum. This is a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country's breadbasket, where…

Usefulness of Russian Language Still Blurry for African Learners

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh Russian language study is hitting magnificent roadblocks in Africa. For these several years after Soviet's collapse, Moscow has been stepping up efforts to strengthen Russian language study and its culture across Africa. But there have been little tangible results largely…

Turkish prosecutors issue arrest warrant for Somali president's son in fatal hit-and-run

ISTANBUL (HORN OBSERVER) – Turkish prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the 40-year-old son of the Somali president, who is accused of killing a Turkish citizen in a tragic hit-and-run incident.

Benin Can Create Opportunities for a Just Energy Transition and Green Inclusive Growth: World Bank Report

COTONOU, December 7, 2023 — While high growth over the past decade has helped Benin reduce poverty, the country's development gains are threatened by the impact of climate shocks, according to the new Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) released today. Bold actions are needed to promote…

U.S launches innovative People Centered Governance Initiative to empower Somalis

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a groundbreaking move, the United States has unveiled the "People Centered Governance" initiative, aimed at empowering the people of Somalia, as confirmed by the U.S Embassy.

Disease, displacement and hunger escalating in Sudan: urgent action required

Port Sudan – As the conflict in Sudan enters its seventh month, disease, displacement and hunger are on the rise, putting millions more at risk. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says scaled up humanitarian and development efforts are urgently needed to avert this escalating catastrophe.

Somalia-Russia partnership sparks immigration crisis in Europe, Finland suffers most

MOGADISHU – In recent months, Somalia and Russia have intensified their collaboration, enabling Somalis – mainly those on service passports – to travel to Russia on government-related business visas.

AfDB staff assault, detention in Ethiopia ignites diplomatic tension

ADDIS ABABA (HORN OBSERVER) – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has broken its silence on the recent attack and detention of two of its staff members in Ethiopia, revealing a complex situation that led to a diplomatic row between the AfDB and Ethiopian officials.

U.S. is pleased with AU forces' mandate extension in Somalia but concerned about slow progress

NEW YORK (HORN OBSERVER) – The United States has welcomed the extension of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS) mandate, hailing the constructive efforts of the UK-led Security Council in reaching this resolution.

Recipient African Countries Grateful for Russia's Free Grains

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh It was March 20, at the inter-parliamentary congress Russia-Africa. Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to make 'no-cost delivery' of grains to six African countries. This promised was renewed at the late July Russia-Africa summit held St. Petersburg.

After a month of siege, bombardments and a health system obliterated, pregnant women in Gaza are caught in a catastrophe

GAZA, Palestine – "The working conditions in our hospital are catastrophic. We lack basic life necessities and we're struggling with a severe shortage of water," said Yasmine Ahmed, a midwife at Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility.

Sudan: UNHCR warns of increasing violence and human rights violations against civilians in Darfur

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is gravely concerned at the latest developments in Sudan as fighting escalates in the Darfur region

Somali prime minister expresses support for Hamas, sparks controversy on Ukraine

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a startling and controversial statement delivered on Thursday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre expressed support for the Palestinian armed group Hamas, categorically stating that they are "not terrorists."

African Youth Day - 1st November

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh With considerable interest, many might not know that the 1st November is an important day for African Youth. The simple reason is that African youth are the continent's biggest resources and are at the centre of the development agenda across the continent. The African Youth…