Heightened Eritrea-Ethiopia Tensions Spark Fears of Renewed Warfare
As Eritrea and Ethiopia ramp up their military preparations, fears of a renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa are growing. Both countries are exchanging accusations that reflect the deep-seated mistrust rooted in a history of violence. Ethiopia has asserted its desire for access to the Red Sea, a claim that Eritrea regards as a hostile provocation.
Hostilities have surged in the Tigray region, where violence along the shared border has intensified. Ethiopian officials allege that Eritrea has provided weaponry to rebels operating in the Amhara region, a charge that Eritrea vehemently denies. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki stated that Ethiopia had effectively declared war, countering Ethiopia’s claim that it seeks to resolve tensions through diplomatic dialogue.
The backdrop to this crisis is a long and troubled history, which includes the devastating war from 1998 to 2000 and ongoing strife that reignited in Tigray from 2020 to 2022. The presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray has heightened instability, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, particularly as Ethiopia struggles to maintain its claims to lost coastal access.
The crisis is further exacerbated by shifting alliances in the region and the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which increases the risks of escalating violence. The International Crisis Group has warned that any direct military confrontation—whether accidental or intentional—could destabilize the entire region, potentially drawing in neighboring countries and states from the Gulf.
The stakes are high, and the impact of renewed conflict could ripple far beyond Eritrea and Ethiopia, drawing in international attention and intervention.
Somaliland Offers Exclusive Access to Resources Amid Quest for Recognition
In a bid to gain international recognition, Somaliland is actively courting the United States, offering exclusive access to its rich mineral resources and military facilities. Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, has been vocal about the region’s hopes for a strengthening partnership with Washington.
Located in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland is believed to possess significant quantities of lithium and coltan, essential minerals for technology production. This diplomatic overture comes in the wake of Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland in December, which has intensified Somaliland’s aspirations for independence from Somalia. Despite managing its own government since 1991, the Somali capital of Mogadishu views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland noted that while no economic agreements with Israel have been finalized, he anticipates the signing of a “partnership agreement” that would grant rights to these valuable mineral deposits. In response, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the Israeli recognition, terming it a severe violation of Somali sovereignty that threatens regional stability.
The response from the African Union and many Arab nations has been largely supportive of Somalia, denouncing Israel’s actions. Meanwhile, the United States has yet to indicate any significant policy change regarding Somaliland’s push for international recognition.
Rights Group Calls for Scrapping Controversial Surveillance Regulations in Nigeria
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the 2019 Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, which they argue infringe upon constitutional rights. The organization claims that these regulations enable widespread surveillance without necessary safeguards, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
The call for action follows allegations made by former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, who suggested that his phone was tapped by the National Security Adviser. SERAP warns that, with Nigeria’s elections approaching in 2027, these regulations could be weaponized against political opponents, journalists, and civil society, thus undermining democracy.
The organization has urged the government to embark on a transparent legislative process to develop a lawful interception framework that aligns with constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards. SERAP has set a deadline of seven days for the administration to act, threatening legal action should no steps be taken.
France Returns Historic ‘Talking Drum’ to Côte d’Ivoire
In an important step towards acknowledging colonial historical wrongs, France has returned the Djidji Ayokwe “talking drum” to Côte d’Ivoire. This drum, looted by French colonial troops in 1916, holds great cultural significance, having been used by the Ebrie people to relay messages.
The three-meter-long drum is part of a larger initiative by France to repatriate numerous artifacts taken during its colonial era. The newly returned drum will be permanently displayed in a new museum in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
This act of restitution is part of a growing trend, as France faces increasing pressure from former colonies such as Algeria and Mali to return looted cultural items. The return of the talking drum is viewed not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as an important acknowledgment of historical injustices.
Mugabe Family Denies Statements Following Arrest of Bellarmine Mugabe
The family of Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has denied issuing any public statements following his recent arrest. The confusion arose after messages circulated in the media, which the family insists did not originate from them.
Mugabe was arrested at his residence in Hyde Park after a shooting incident that left a 23-year-old gardener critically injured. Police investigations into the attempted murder are ongoing, though the firearm believed to have been used remains unlocated.
In a statement relayed through their legal representatives, the Mugabe family clarified that they have not appointed any spokesperson and requested that all inquiries be directed to their legal team. Two other individuals, aged 33 and 24, have been taken into custody and are set to appear in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on February 23, 2026, as investigations continue.
— Reported by Nexio News
