Mogadishu, Somalia – February 17, 2024 – The Federal Republic of Somalia has accused Ethiopia of making a “provocative attempt” to obstruct the Somali President’s delegation from attending the ongoing African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa.

A press statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation today strongly condemned the alleged action, calling it a breach of diplomatic protocols and established AU traditions. 

The statement did not specify the nature of the alleged obstruction, but emphasized that Ethiopia, as the host nation of the AU headquarters, has an obligation to treat all African leaders with equality and respect.

“Hosting the AU is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia,” the statement reads. “However, if its government fails to uphold this honor and responsibility with the necessary decorum, it may be necessary for the African Union to reevaluate the location of its headquarters.” 

Somalia further urged the AU to conduct a “credible and independent investigation” into the matter, in line with the union’s protocols.

As of now, there has been no official response from Ethiopia or the African Union regarding the allegations.

This development comes amidst heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly regarding ongoing border disputes and regional security concerns. By Abdirisag Shino, Horssed Media

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has endorsed Opposition Leader Raila Odinga's bid to be the next Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission as a show of patriotism. 

UDA's Secretary General Cleophas Malala in his endorsement refuted claims that the ruling party’s support for Raila’s bid is political.

The SG spoke during a press conference in Nairobi at a time President William Ruto was in Ethiopia attending the 37th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government. 

Lobbying for Raila’s candidature for the African Union top job is said to be one of the President’s main agendas at the summit that brings together Heads of State and governments from across the continent. 

In Nairobi, Malala who was flanked by city leaders and other party members officially expressed UDA's support for Raila’s latest endeavor terming the opposition leader a “true Pan-Africanist.”

He explained that the President Ruto-led UDA's resolve to throw its weight behind Raila’s bid was a patriotic decision and one made to bolster the country’s image at the continental stage.

“UDA welcomes Raila’s decision to take up the African Union position. He is a luminary and he deserves the position given his contribution to the continent. We are confident he will immensely contribute towards African unity,” said Malala. 

He added that Raila had over the years proved himself as a true Pan-Africanist; When Africa was going through dictatorship, Raila was there to condemn it. He also described Raila as one of Africa’s great sons who has played a big role in African democracy.

“UDA party is mindful of the need to come together as a country to support our own. Our party supporters are therefore asked to support Raila. This is not a political statement, it is a patriotic statement,” remarked Malala. By Josphat Thiong'o, The Standard

FORMER Information minister Webster Shamhu’s wife, Constance, yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo for failing to display fuel prices at her service station.

The accused is one of the directors at Webcon (Pvt) Total Highglen fuel garage. 

The fuel company was fined US$300 for the offence.

The complainant in the matter was Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (Zera), being represented by regional compliance officer Delight Dembengwa.

According to State papers, on February 14, Dembengwa went to the accused person’s company doing routine checks and discovered that Webcon Total Highglen was not displaying fuel prices though business was in full swing.

Constance (63) was arrested, leading to the closure of the fuel station. 

The fuel was seized and secured under Zera seals at the service station. By TREVOR MUTSVAIRO, NewsDay

DODOMA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania will starting in March scrap power rationing that began in December 2023, an official said on Friday in the national capital of Dodoma while reporting to the country's parliament.

Deputy Minister for Energy Judith Kapinga noted that as of Feb. 15, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) has succeeded in undertaking trial runs for turbine number 9, adding that by March 2024 there will be two more turbines capable of generating 370 MW of electricity that will help reduce power rationing.

Tulia Ackson, the speaker of the parliament, directed the government to ensure that electricity rationing ends by June 2024.

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), a government-owned company, announced in early December 2023 the start of the connection of electricity from the mega JNHPP to the national grid.

The connection of electricity to the national grid is one of the completion stages in the construction of the dam, which will help reduce and eventually eliminate power rationing, said TANESCO in a statement about ongoing power rationing caused by water decline in hydropower dams. - Xinhua