Ankara aims to reinforce its commitment to Africa as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visits Djibouti to attend the Third Ministerial Review Conference of the Turkey-Africa Partnership.
Turkish top diplomat heads to Djibouti for Africa conference Read More »
At least 45 people have lost their lives and many others are missing following two separate migrant boat disasters off the coast of Djibouti. The tragic incidents occurred in the Red Sea, highlighting the perilous nature of the Eastern Route for migrants from Africa seeking a better life. Two boats, each carrying 310 people, departed from Yemen. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 32 survivors have been rescued so far, while the search and rescue efforts continue. Djibouti’s coastguard said the tragedies struck approximately 150 meters off a beach near the northwest Khor Angar region. A joint rescue operation, involving Djibouti’s coastguard, the French navy, and other agencies, was launched in the early hours of Monday. The French navy reported rescuing 115 people. The IOM expressed its commitment to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants risk their lives by crossing the Red Sea on the Eastern Route. Many are fleeing conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship in the Horn of Africa, hoping to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries for employment opportunities. Yemen, itself plagued by a decade-long civil war, poses additional dangers for migrants. In April, 24 people were killed when a boat capsized near Obock, Djibouti. This recent tragedy marks the second fatal maritime accident in two weeks off Djibouti, indicating a significant increase in the number of people returning from Yemen to the Horn of Africa nation.
Migrant boats sink off Djibouti, killing at least 45 Read More »
At least three seasoned African politicians—representing Djibouti, Kenya, and Mauritius—are competing for the position of chair of the African Union Commission. The pan-continental body, comprising 55 member states, will hold elections during its February summit to select a successor to Moussa Faki Mahamat. This year, the role is designated for a representative from East Africa, aiming to replace Chad’s veteran politician, Faki, who has held the position since 2017. Let’s meet the contenders: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): As Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, Youssouf emphasizes his ability to bridge linguistic and regional divides. Fluent in French, English, and Arabic, he aims to promote unity and address pressing issues, including silencing conflicts across the continent. Raila Odinga (Kenya): A seasoned opposition leader, Odinga, 79, has made five unsuccessful attempts to become Kenya’s president. His political journey involved imprisonment and exile as he fought for democracy during President Daniel arap Moi’s autocratic rule. Odinga’s focus is on securing the chairmanship for Kenya and serving Africa. Anil Gayan (Mauritius): Serving as Mauritius’ foreign minister from 1983 to 1986 and again from 2000 to 2003, Gayan brings experience to the race. His diverse background includes roles in tourism and health ministries. Gayan submitted his candidacy last week, adding another dimension to the competition. The deadline for candidacies closed on August 6, but the final list is yet to be released by the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa. The election, conducted by secret ballot, requires the winner to secure a two-thirds majority vote among eligible member states. The AU commission chair serves a four-year term, renewable once
Three veterans vie for African Union top job Read More »
A container ship struck by Houthi militants off Yemen on Saturday, marking the first attack in two weeks, has safely arrived in Djibouti. The Greek manager of the vessel confirmed that there were no injuries or water ingress as a result of the strike. The Liberia-flagged MV Groton was reportedly targeted by ballistic missiles in the Gulf of Aden, according to the Iran-aligned Houthis. This attack is the first on shipping lanes since a retaliatory Israeli airstrike on Hodeidah port on July 20. The ship was hit about 60 nautical miles from the Yemeni coast while traveling from Dubai to Jeddah. Following the attack, it was diverted to Djibouti, where it arrived on Sunday. The ship’s manager, Conbulk Shipmanagement Corporation, reported that the crew managed to extinguish a fire that broke out in the cargo holds and containers on the main deck. A full assessment of the damage will be conducted, with repairs to follow. This incident is the first Houthi attack since a period of relative calm following the Israeli strike on Hodeidah, which occurred after an Iranian-backed drone attack on Tel Aviv. The Houthis have been targeting international shipping near Yemen since last November in support of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These attacks have led to retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Britain and have disrupted global trade, prompting shipowners to reroute vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
Vessel hit by Yemen’s Houthis arrives safely in Djibouti Read More »
After two years of negotiations, Macron and Guelleh have renewed the French-Djibouti defense treaty, reinforcing military ties.
French-Djibouti renew defense partnership agreement Read More »
At least 16 migrants are dead and 28 missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti.
Migrant boat disaster in Djibouti leaves dozens dead, missing Read More »
The narrow Bab al-Mandab strait is all that separates Djibouti from Yemen, from where the Houthi fighters have launched a series of attacks on Israeli-linked ships since November.
Djibouti steps up coast guard patrols amidst the Red sea crisis Read More »
Countries sign deals in 15 fields, including agriculture, tourism, environment, fisheries, and standardization
Turkey and Djibouti forge agreement to strengthen cooperation Read More »
German Foreign Minister Baerbock’s trip to Djibouti faces an unexpected delay as her plane is forced to land in Saudi Arabia due to a missing Eritrea flyover permit.
Germany FM’s Djibouti trip detoured by missing Eritrea flyover permit Read More »
Sudan’s RSF leader Daglo seeks ceasefire in regional talks, meeting Kenya’s President Ruto to urge dialogue.
Sudan’s RSF leader Dagalo visits Kenya for dialogue push Read More »
