The Daily Horn News

19/12/2024

A new era of energy cooperation has begun in East Africa, thanks to a $1.2 billion “electricity highway” linking Ethiopia and Kenya. Officially launched after nearly a decade of construction, the 650-mile network of high-voltage transmission lines enables the two neighboring countries to share power supplies seamlessly. This project is part of a larger push to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, and expand access to electricity for millions of people across Africa.

Stable Energy Through Renewable SourcesEthiopia and Kenya both rely heavily on renewable energy. Ethiopia, for example, produces all its national grid power from renewable sources, anchored by projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Kenya, meanwhile, generates around 90% of its electricity from renewables and is home to one of the world’s largest geothermal facilities, located in the Olkaria area.

A new era of energy cooperation has begun in East Africa, thanks to a $1.2 billion “electricity highway” linking Ethiopia and Kenya. Officially launched after nearly a decade of construction, the 650-mile network of high-voltage transmission lines enables the two neighboring countries to share p...

14/12/2024

In a significant setback for Somalia’s federal government, Mogadishu announced the withdrawal of its troops from the Lower Juba region on Thursday. The decision comes after federal forces suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Jubbaland’s regional army in the strategically important town of Ras Kamboni. This marks a clear victory for Jubbaland, whose leadership continues to resist the federal government’s attempts to impose its authority.

The withdrawal, framed by Mogadishu as an effort to "avoid bloodshed," was, in reality, a forced retreat after federal forces were overwhelmed in fierce clashes. Jubbaland's officials confirmed that their regional fighters had not only captured Ras Kamboni and its airport but had also compelled hundreds of federal troops to surrender. Reports from Kenyan authorities further revealed that 600 Somali soldiers fled across the border seeking refuge—a clear sign of the federal government’s failure on the battlefield.

13/12/2024

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst

Pretoria, South Africa – The recent meeting between Somalia and Ethiopia in Turkey, mediated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has raised questions about the future of Somaliland and the broader Horn of Africa. While the two nations agreed to hold technical talks regarding Ethiopia's controversial agreement with Somaliland, Ethiopia's apparent hesitance to finalize any deal suggests a calculated approach: waiting to see how U.S. policy under Donald Trump unfolds.

The focus is on whether Trump’s administration will become the first major global power to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. Such recognition would dramatically alter the region's political landscape, potentially pushing Somalia toward further fragmentation.

Ethiopia’s High-Stakes Gamble

Ethiopia, a landlocked nation reliant on its neighbors for sea access, has long sought strategic partnerships to ensure its economic and security interests.

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst Pretoria, South Africa – The recent meeting between Somalia and Ethiopia in Turkey, mediated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has raised questions about the future of Somaliland and the broader Horn of Africa. While the two nations agreed to hold technica...

13/12/2024

Hargeisa, Somaliland – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the newly elected president of Somaliland, was officially sworn into office on Thursday in a landmark ceremony following last month’s decisive election. Abdullahi’s victory, which marked a turning point in the breakaway region's leadership, has reinvigorated Somaliland’s longstanding quest for international recognition.

The former opposition leader, who represents the Waddani Party, succeeds Muse Bihi Abdi after securing more than 50% of the votes in the November 13 election. The peaceful election process and high voter turnout have been celebrated as a testament to Somaliland’s democratic maturity, setting it apart from Somalia’s volatile political landscape.

In his inaugural address, Abdullahi, 69, outlined his administration's priorities, emphasizing foreign policy and bolstering efforts to achieve sovereignty on the global stage.
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Hargeisa, Somaliland – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the newly elected president of Somaliland, was officially sworn into office on Thursday in a landmark ceremony following last month’s decisive election. Abdullahi’s victory, which marked a turning point in the breakaway region's leadership, ...

20/11/2024

As Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House, the impact of his unconventional approach to foreign policy is being scrutinized, particularly regarding Africa. His past presidency and potential future decisions have raised questions about transactional politics, strategic partnerships, and the shifting tides of global diplomacy. At the center of these discussions lies Somaliland—a self-declared republic on the Horn of Africa—whose path toward international recognition could intertwine with Trump's return and broader geopolitical calculations.

Trump’s Africa Policy: Pragmatism Over Principles

During his first presidency, Trump dismissed the multilateralism of previous administrations in favor of a direct, deal-oriented strategy. This approach resonated with some African leaders who prioritized results over rhetoric. It stood in stark contrast to the liberal peace framework espoused by Barack Obama and Joe Biden, which emphasized democracy, justice, and long-term stability.

As Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House, the impact of his unconventional approach to foreign policy is being scrutinized, particularly regarding Africa. His past presidency and potential future decisions have raised questions about transactional politics, strategic partnerships, and the sh...

20/11/2024

In a historic election, opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Irro, emerged victorious to become Somaliland's sixth president since its self-declared independence in 1991.

The 69-year-old leader of the Wadani Party secured 64% of the vote, decisively defeating incumbent President Musa Abdi Bihi, who garnered 35%. Irro’s win ushers in a new chapter for Somaliland, a region striving for international recognition amidst economic challenges and diplomatic disputes.

Diplomatic Strains and Economic Challenges

Irro’s campaign revolved around a promise to revisit contentious policies, particularly a deal granting landlocked Ethiopia access to a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland's coastline for a naval base. Announced at the start of the year, the agreement stirred regional tensions, with Somalia denouncing it as an act of aggression against its territorial claims.

21/10/2024

In a recent interview, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty explained that Egypt’s military deployment to Somalia is intended to support the Somali government in asserting control over its territory. However, this declaration has sparked deeper concerns about Egypt’s true intentions and its potential effects on Somalia’s political and security situation, particularly in light of rising regional tensions.

02/09/2024

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst

As the Horn of Africa faces an unprecedented diplomatic showdown, Ethiopia stands at the center of a complex web of alliances, tensions, and ambitions. With Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed navigating these choppy waters, will Ethiopia’s next move ignite a broader regional conflict? Here’s a closer look at the key players and what might happen next.

The Egyptian Gambit: A New Front in the GERD Conflict?

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst As the Horn of Africa faces an unprecedented diplomatic showdown, Ethiopia stands at the center of a complex web of alliances, tensions, and ambitions. With Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed navigating these choppy waters, will Ethiopia’s next move ignite a broader ...

15/08/2024

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – Ethiopia's strategic ambitions in the Horn of Africa might be taking a dramatic turn as the landlocked nation weighs abandoning its controversial deal with Somaliland in favor of a more lucrative offer from Somalia, reportedly brokered with Türkiye's assistance.
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Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – Ethiopia's strategic ambitions in the Horn of Africa might be taking a dramatic turn as the landlocked nation weighs abandoning its controversial deal with Somaliland in favor of a more lucrative offer from Somalia, reportedly brokered with Türkiye's assistance. In a surp...

15/08/2024

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – As Gaza faces relentless attacks from Israel, Egypt, often seen as a key player in the Arab world, has turned its attention elsewhere, signing a defense pact with Somalia.
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By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – As Gaza faces relentless attacks from Israel, Egypt, often seen as a key player in the Arab world, has turned its attention elsewhere, signing a defense pact with Somalia. The move has raised eyebrows and questions about Cairo’s tr...

26/07/2024

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst

The potential deployment of Turkish naval forces off the coast of Somalia has significant geopolitical and economic ramifications for the Horn of Africa. This development, prompted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's request for parliamentary approval, aims to bolster Somalia's security but raises concerns among neighboring countries, particularly

By Paulo Santos, Horn of Africa Analyst The potential deployment of Turkish naval forces off the coast of Somalia has significant geopolitical and economic ramifications for the Horn of Africa. This development, prompted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's request for parliamentary approval,...

11/07/2024

MOGADISHU (Horndaily) – In a shocking revelation, an Africa Intelligence report has uncovered Djibouti’s covert operation to train Issa and Gadabursi rebels with the sinister aim of destabilizing Somaliland. Sources indicate that these rebels are undergoing rigorous military training at the Guestir military base, roughly 50 kilometers south of Ali-Sabieh.

MOGADISHU (Horndaily) – In a shocking revelation, an Africa Intelligence report has uncovered Djibouti’s covert operation to train Issa and Gadabursi rebels

22/06/2024

By Henok Amanuel, Professor of Economics

Devaluation refers to the intentional reduction in the value of a country’s currency relative to other currencies. This policy tool is often employed by governments or central banks to address economic challenges and achieve specific objectives, such as boosting export competitiveness and reducing trade deficits.

By Henok Amanuel, Professor of Economics

18/06/2024

In a shocking turn of events, Al-Shabab has reversed all the gains made by the Somali National Army (SNA) over the past two years, collaborating with the Houthi militant group to enhance their destructive capabilities. This alarming development was confirmed by senior U.S. defense officials, who described the situation as both surprising and deeply concerning.

In a shocking turn of events, Al-Shabab has reversed all the gains made by the Somali National Army (SNA) over the past two years, collaborating with the

08/06/2024

The leader of the breakaway region of Somaliland believes that a future Ethiopian naval base—the first since Ethiopia lost access to the sea three decades ago—will enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, a region plagued by Somali piracy and militant attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The leader of the breakaway region of Somaliland believes that a future Ethiopian naval base—the first since Ethiopia lost access to the sea three decades

08/06/2024

By Chinedu Okafor, June 03, 2024

East Africa is poised to benefit from significant South Korean investment as the Asian nation seeks to expand its access to the region's natural resources. A recent report indicates that South Korea has focused on East Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Tanzania, to secure these resources.

By Chinedu Okafor, June 03, 2024

08/06/2024

June 03, 2024, 3:44 PMBy Harun Maruf

Mogadishu – Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali announced that Somalia expects all Ethiopian troops to leave the country by the end of 2024. This move aligns with the expiration of the African Union Transition Mission mandate in December.

June 03, 2024, 3:44 PMBy Harun Maruf

02/06/2024

By Omar de Almeida, Horn of Africa Tech and Digital Economy Correspondent

As the clock ticks closer to October 14, 2025, the urgency for corporations and users across the Horn of Africa to act cannot be overstated. On this date, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance for this widely-used operating system.

By Omar de Almeida, Horn of Africa Tech and Digital Economy Correspondent