Ogaden

Ethiopia
Afar region bolsters security efforts as dissident forces gain momentum

The defection of soldiers to join Afar rebel group Uguugumo poses a serious threat to Addis Ababa. Federal authorities are working with regional leader Awel Arba to limit the number of renegade fighters.

Ethiopia
Anti-Abiy backers urge Ogaden National Liberation Front to resume fighting

The nationalist group led by Abdirahman Mahdi had however been conducting secret negotiations with Abiy Ahmed’s administration for nearly a year and a half in an attempt to reach a compromise.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Michael Randrianirina, Abiy Ahmed, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

GabonBrice Clotaire Oligui Nguema prepares for his first anniversary as president

Madagascar-Equatorial GuineaBehind Colonel Randrianirina's trip to Malabo

Ethiopia, SomaliaAbiy Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud at cross-purposes

Ethiopia
Somali region leader Mustafa Omer aligns with Addis Ababa

Far from the escalating tensions in Tigray, the leader of the Somali region has to battle with the demands of autonomist group ONLF. With one year to go before the general elections, Mustafa Omer is toeing the line to avoid being replaced by the federal government.

Ethiopia, Somalia
Paramilitary defectors alter security balance between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu

A few months after Ethiopia released their leader, several members of the Liyu Police, suspected of numerous abuses, returned in numbers to neighbouring Jubaland in Somalia. And the Somali president has just appointed one of these ex-paramilitaries to head the army.

Ethiopia
Ogaden Liberation Front announces plenary session from abroad

The gathering is due to take place on 26-27 October.

Ethiopia
Abiy ponders pardon for controversial ex-president of Somali region

The Ethiopian prime minister is reportedly pushing for the release of Abdi Ilay, who is accused of attempting to lead an armed rebellion against the central government.

East Africa, Ethiopia, Somalia
Somaliland conflict takes a regional turn

Somaliland, long seen as a haven of stability in a troubled region, is facing increasing unrest as fighting continues around the town of Las Anod between the breakaway province's army and militias loyal to Somalia and backed by al-Shabaab fighters.

Somalia
Battle lines drawn for post of parliament speaker

The House of the People last week reached the quorum needed to elect its speaker. Voting will take place next week, setting the stage for the eagerly awaited election of president Farmajo's successor.

Ethiopia, Somalia
The TPLF point men still disrupting Somali politics

Certain members of the Somali political class have such a strong allegiance to the TPLF that it is polarising the upcoming presidential election.