News In English

Aid agencies decry decision to encourage FGM in Somaliland

Three international aid agencies on Saturday expressed concern over a recent ruling by the government of Somaliland in Somalia that encourages female genital mutilation (FGM).

Child rape victim dies of injuries in Burao hospital

A nine-year-old girl has died in a Burao Hospital on Saturday, after she was raped at her home in Galkayo just over a week ago, family and official confirmed.

All eyes on Ethiopia PM post as Oromo party picks new leader

In what looks like a bid to take up the prime minister's position, the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation (OPDO) — one of the four members of the ruling coalition in Ethiopia — on Thursday announced Dr Abiy Ahmed as its new leader.

Does Ethiopia's New State of Emergency Dash Hopes for Reform?

On February 17, Ethiopia's Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa declared a six-month state of emergency, appearing to end, for the time being, hope the government would undertake further reforms to open up political space.

With nobody in charge, Ethiopia declares a state of emergency

As factions jostle, a move to release political prisoners may have stalled

Somalia: Detained Children Face Abuse

(Washington) – Somali authorities are unlawfully detaining and at times prosecuting in military courts children with alleged ties to the Islamist armed group Al-Shabab, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

Canadians call for return of relative held in Ethiopia Bashir Makhtal

Family and rights group demand release of a Canadian citizen imprisoned in Ethiopia for alleged 'terrorist crimes'.

Twin car bombings kill nearly 30 in Somalia's Mogadishu

At least 27 are dead in two car bomb blasts, claimed by al-Shabab, reported near presidential palace in Somali capital.

Amid claims of police brutality in Kenya, a watchdog fails to bite

Western donors have given millions of dollars to help fund the Independent Police Oversight Authority in Kenya. But case files show it is struggling to bring to justice police who commit crimes.

Heartbroken brother paints picture of his sister who was slain by estranged husband

Shuayb Harris gave judge heartfelt tribute about "vibrant and loving mum-of-two" who spent all her money on clothes and toys for her children

Djibouti's Main Opposition Party Boycotts Legislative Elections

After boycotting presidential elections in 2016, Djibouti's main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development (MRD), says it will not participate in legislative elections Friday, deepening concerns that democracy in the East African nation isn't working.

U.N. Security Council delays vote on Syria ceasefire resolution

UNITED NATIONS/BEIRUT (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council on Friday delayed a vote on a demand for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria, where pro-government warplanes have been pounding the last rebel bastion near Damascus in one of the deadliest bombing campaigns of the seven-year civil war.

CANADA: Federal court turns down Abdoul Abdi's bid to pause deportation hearing

A Federal Court judge has ruled against an emergency request to pause the deportation hearing of former Somali child refugee Abdoul Abdi.

Al-Shabab claims Somalia blasts that kills dozens

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - The Latest on the attack in Somalia's capital (all times local):

Chemical tanker attacked off Somalia, pirates repelled - EU Naval force

Suspected Somali pirates attacked a Singaporean-flagged chemical tanker on Friday but were repelled by guards on board, the European Union's Naval force said, the first such incident in several months.

Canadians call for return of relative held in Ethiopia

Family and rights group demand release of Canadian citizen imprisoned in Ethiopia for alleged 'terrorist crimes'.

Government issues 'terror warning' in Mogadishu

The Somali government has warned of an imminent terror attack barely six months after the deadliest attack in Somalia's history.

DP World: Djibouti illegally seized Dorelah port

DP World has accused the government of Djibouti of illegally seizing control of the Doraleh Container Terminal hours after the Djibouti government said it was terminating the concession with DP World.

Djibouti voters go the polls in a general election

Djiboutians went to the polls on Friday morning to elect the country's next National Assembly. Voters began pouring into polling stations across the country at around 6 am this morning to elect candidates running for the 65 seats in the National Assembly or Chamber of Deputies as it is known locally.