Understanding the Sudanese Civil War: A Crisis of Legitimacy Introduction The ongoing civil war in Sudan represents a profound crisis rooted in failed democratic processes and a struggle for legitimacy. This conflict, which exploded into violence in April 2023, follows a tenuous democratic transition initiated in 2019 after the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir. Understanding the underlying factors will shed light on the complex dynamics at play in Sudan. Historical Background: From Hope to Crisis In 2019, Sudan adopted the 2019 Draft Constitutional Charter, establishing a fragile power-sharing agreement between military and civilian actors. However, this optimistic beginning quickly deteriorated.…
Author: Abren
Prime Minister Modi Initiates Historic Visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off on a significant diplomatic journey on December 15, visiting Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. This trip aims to strengthen the civilizational ties and enhance bilateral relations that India shares with these nations. Strengthening India-Jordan Relations In Jordan, Modi’s visit marks a milestone: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. Upon his arrival, he plans to engage in comprehensive discussions with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. He will also have the opportunity to meet Crown Prince…
Discover Ethiopia: A Rising Star in Global Tourism Ethiopia’s Tourism Sector Transformation Addis Ababa, December 14, 2025 — Ethiopia’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, driven by strategic government investments and innovative initiatives. These efforts aim to establish the country as a top-tier destination on the global tourism map. Expansion of Tourist Destinations Over the past six years, Ethiopia has seen significant expansion in its tourist offerings, especially in its capital city, Addis Ababa. One of the standout initiatives, the “Dine for Nation” program, showcases local cuisine while promoting tourism across various regions. This strategic expansion marks a pivotal…
Leadership Change at Development Bank of Ethiopia: Esayas Kassa Takes the Helm In a significant leadership shift, Esayas Kassa (PhD) has been appointed as the new president of the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE), following the removal of Emebet Melese (PhD). This change is documented in recent materials obtained by Birrmetrics, marking a pivotal moment in the bank’s governance. Goals of the Leadership Transition This appointment is part of a broader reform initiative led by Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), which aims to enhance governance, bolster institutional performance, and ensure that the DBE aligns with national development priorities. The EIH has…
New Zealand’s Commitment to Ethiopia: A Diplomatic Perspective Ambassador Michael Upton’s Reflections Addis Ababa, December 13, 2025 (ENA) — Outgoing New Zealand Ambassador, Michael Upton, has articulated a message of international cooperation during a recent discussion in Ethiopia. Highlighting the country’s significant physical transformation, he reaffirmed New Zealand’s dedication to enhancing engagement across various sectors. Strengthening Bilateral Ties In a meeting with Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Ambassador Upton emphasized the potential for growth in New Zealand and Ethiopia’s trade relationship. Despite the current modest trade levels, he stated that efforts are underway to bolster ties in trade, services, and…
The Complex Crisis in Sudan: A Geopolitical Nexus Understanding the Crisis: More than Just a Military Confrontation Sudan’s crisis extends beyond the apparent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This situation is indicative of deeper structural changes affecting not only Sudan but the broader Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. As different ideological groups and international proxies vie for power, the operational choices made in Sudan reverberate across neighboring nations, involving a myriad of interests from humanitarian rescues to geopolitical maneuvers. Eritrea’s Strategic Role in the Crisis Eritrea plays a crucial…
Ethiopia Introduces Digital Voter and Candidate Registration for 2026 Elections Ethiopia is set to revolutionize its electoral process with the introduction of digital platforms for registering voters and candidates in the upcoming 2026 general elections. This innovative approach aims to enhance transparency, accessibility, and overall efficiency in a democratic landscape characterized by changing governance paradigms. Key Features of Digital Registration The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) made the formal announcement on December 9, detailing that the digital registration initiative will be operational for the first time during the country’s seventh general elections scheduled for June 1, 2026. How it…
Ethiopia’s Rising Influence in International Forums Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 – Ethiopia’s prominence in international diplomacy is increasingly evident, particularly in major global forums, as highlighted by Fethi Mahdi, the Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee at the House of People’s Representatives. A Visible Presence at the G20 Summit At the recent G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed showcased Ethiopia’s role in shaping Africa’s future. His speech emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to progress and cooperation, steering the narrative towards a vibrant, constructive engagement in continental matters. The Prime Minister’s address not only highlighted…
Ethiopia’s Cocoa Cultivation Initiatives Yield Promising Results Cocoa Production in Ethiopia: A New Frontier Ethiopia has steadily emerged as a contender in cocoa production, thanks to various agricultural innovations and research spearheaded by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). On December 12, 2025, the EIAR confirmed that Ethiopia’s unique climatic conditions are increasingly suitable for cultivating this globally significant crop. Growing Potential for Cocoa in Ethiopia Historically dominated by West African nations, cocoa cultivation is undergoing a transformative phase in Ethiopia. Various research initiatives have successfully demonstrated the adaptability of cocoa to the Ethiopian environment, leading to a greater…
The Complex Dynamics of Ethiopia and Eritrea: Beyond Maritime Access The ongoing geopolitical tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea is often viewed narrowly through the lens of maritime access. While many analysts suggest that Ethiopia’s landlocked status drives its desire to reclaim ports, this explanation oversimplifies a deeply rooted historical and political conflict. Historical Context of Eritrea’s Independence Eritrea’s sovereignty was not attained through mutual agreements with Ethiopia but was largely the result of the unilateral decisions made by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Addis Ababa. After emerging victorious from a lengthy civil war, the TPLF allowed Eritrea to…