Original commentary and in-depth analysis on the key issues shaping the Horn of Africa. Opinion pieces are clearly labelled and separated from news reporting. Authors are identified and sources cited where available.
Winnie Odinga's ambition to lead the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has ignited a fierce political discourse in Kenya. As her quest faces opposition, this moment could redefine the party's future and the broader political landscape ahead of the next elections.
Sudan's transition to democracy has encountered severe turbulence, exacerbated by internal conflicts and external pressures. As the country grapples with political instability and humanitarian crises, the recent tensions with Saudi Arabia highlight the precarious nature of its alliances and the future of its governance.
As Nairobi is named Kenya’s deadliest county for the fourth consecutive year, a troubling surge in police violence raises urgent questions about accountability and reform. The implications for governance, public trust, and human rights in the city are profound and demand immediate action from both the government and civil society.
Recent violent clashes in Lakes State have exposed the ongoing cycle of communal violence fueled by cattle disputes and ethnic tensions. As South Sudan grapples with these challenges, a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution and community engagement is essential to break the cycle and foster lasting peace.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's controversial appointment of Kabanda as General Secretary in South Sudan highlights the intricate power dynamics within the ruling elite. As tensions simmer, this move may have far-reaching implications for governance and stability in the war-torn nation.
Sudan’s recent drone attack on a hospital during Eid, which resulted in 64 deaths, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive health response in the face of escalating violence. As the country grapples with humanitarian crises, the international community must prioritize support for health systems on the brink of collapse.
As Sudan grapples with escalating violence and humanitarian crises, the Chadian military's increased presence near its borders signals a potential regional flashpoint. The plight of Sudanese refugees in neighboring Uganda underscores the urgent need for effective governance and stability in a nation spiraling into chaos.
Both the SAF and RSF believe military victory is still achievable — but the war has become a grinding stalemate that has displaced over 10 million people and destroyed Sudan's major cities. We analyse why talks keep failing and what a realistic path out might look like.
Ethiopia's drive to secure a Red Sea outlet is more than rhetoric — it reflects genuine economic vulnerability as the world's most populous landlocked country. We trace the logic behind Addis Ababa's maritime agenda, why Eritrea is unlikely to cooperate, and what a realistic solution might actually look like.
Nairobi has become East Africa's most active peace broker — from South Sudan to Somalia to the DRC. We examine why Kenya keeps stepping forward, what it genuinely gains from the role, and where the limits of a middle power's mediation capacity become apparent.
Somaliland has maintained peace, held democratic elections, and built functioning institutions for over thirty years — yet no UN member state has recognised it. The reasons have less to do with Somaliland's merits and more to do with precedents, African Union norms, and the interests of neighbouring states.
Assab — once Ethiopia's main maritime outlet, now firmly Eritrean territory — sits at the centre of one of the Horn's most contested geopolitical questions. Annexation is the least likely and most dangerous path. We look at what a more realistic future for the port might involve.