Arab League

Somaliland-Ethiopia port deal: international opposition flags complex Red Sea politics

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

The memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland announced on 1 January 2024 set off diplomatic rows in the Horn of Africa – and beyond. Details of the agreement are not publicly known, but both state leaders have touched on its content. Among the main elements: Ethiopia gets a 50-year lease on a strip of land on Somaliland’s Red Sea coast for naval and commercial maritime use and access to the Berbera port. Somaliland gets a share of Ethiopian Airlines. It also gets an undertaking that Ethiopia will investigate recognising Somaliland as a sovereign state. If it decides to do so, Ethiopia will be the first country to recognise Somaliland. The breakaway state has operated autonomously since it declared its independence from Somalia in May 1991, but lacks international recognition. It argues that the country’s historical status and its rapid economic growth entitle it to sovereign access to the sea.

Key Points: 


The memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland announced on 1 January 2024 set off diplomatic rows in the Horn of Africa – and beyond. Details of the agreement are not publicly known, but both state leaders have touched on its content. Among the main elements:
Ethiopia gets a 50-year lease on a strip of land on Somaliland’s Red Sea coast for naval and commercial maritime use and access to the Berbera port.
Somaliland gets a share of Ethiopian Airlines. It also gets an undertaking that Ethiopia will investigate recognising Somaliland as a sovereign state. If it decides to do so, Ethiopia will be the first country to recognise Somaliland. The breakaway state has operated autonomously since it declared its independence from Somalia in May 1991, but lacks international recognition.

  • It argues that the country’s historical status and its rapid economic growth entitle it to sovereign access to the sea.
  • The diplomatic squabbles show re-configurations of political alliances in the Red Sea region and beyond.
  • The memorandum of understanding has placed the question of Somaliland’s recognition into the centre of these political dynamics.

Opposition

  • The president of the federal government of Somalia, Sheikh Hassan Mohamud, declared the memorandum a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • It does not even exert full territorial control across Somalia – Al-Shabaab controls territory in south and central Somalia.
  • So far the United Arab Emirates, a close partner of Somaliland and Ethiopia, has been silent.
  • Not surprising is the opposition of Djibouti and China.
  • Eritrea and Ethiopia fell out again after Ethiopia struck peace with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in November 2022.

The way forward

  • The regional Intergovernmental Authority for Development, chaired by Djibouti, recently convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
  • It affirmed the territorial integrity of Somalia, but also called for de-escalation and dialogue.
  • But Ethiopia’s president, who uses access to the sea to mobilise public support, has a lot to lose by offending these states.


This author is part of a research project on Port Infrastructure, International Politics, Everyday Life in the Horn of Africa (http://portinfrastructure.org) which received funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed in this article are solely the responsibility of the author.

Hamas-Israeli conflict: what's at stake for Egypt

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 17, 2023

As the Israeli-Hamas crisis continues, a great deal of focus is shifting to Egypt.

Key Points: 
  • As the Israeli-Hamas crisis continues, a great deal of focus is shifting to Egypt.
  • Moina Spooner, from The Conversation Africa, asked Ofir Winter, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, to provide insights into what the new war means for Egypt and the role it plays.

What’s been the relationship between Egypt and Israel and Palestine in the past?

    • This position is reflected in its reaction to the outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas.
    • In accordance with past actions, Egypt can be expected to take several steps to demonstrate its solidarity with the Palestinians.
    • And, over the past decade, Israel has positioned itself as a key political, security and economic partner to Egypt.
    • In recent years, Egypt has been a mediator between Israel and Hamas and in the reconstruction efforts of Gaza.
    • There will be no Egyptian military involvement against Israel for the benefit of the Palestinians – a policy which primarily derives from Egypt’s commitment to the 1979 peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

How does the current crisis affect Egypt?

    • This is separate to the Gaza residents with foreign citizenship who are already waiting at the border to cross.
    • Egypt is against allowing Gazans crossing the border in large numbers because it opposes any encroachment on its sovereignty in the Sinai Peninsula.
    • Second, a massive blow to Hamas may lead to a lack of governance, chaos, and instability in Gaza.

How has Egypt reacted and what should it do next?

    • The Arab League has already convened in Cairo, and an international conference in Egypt is expected to take place this weekend.
    • Egypt is also seeking to establish a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of food and medicine to the Gaza Strip.
    • At this stage, Egypt has more control than most other regional international players over the outcomes of the conflict, as well as plenty of interests.

Ithra celebrates five years of impact: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture exceeds expectations with more than three million visitors

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 20, 2023

DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) celebrates five years of continuous success at its iconic building.

Key Points: 
  • DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) celebrates five years of continuous success at its iconic building.
  • Ithra has hosted more than 20 exhibitions, including the Leonardo Da Vinci Codex Atlanticus Exhibition and the Edvard Munch Landscapes of the Soul exhibition.
  • Ithra's Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet exhibition received more than 100,000 visitors.
  • The Ithra Library, one of the Kingdom's first digitally integrated libraries, has more than 300,000 titles in Arabic and English.

Ithra celebrates five years of impact: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture exceeds expectations with more than three million visitors

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 20, 2023

DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) celebrates five years of continuous success at its iconic building.

Key Points: 
  • DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) celebrates five years of continuous success at its iconic building.
  • Ithra has hosted more than 20 exhibitions, including the Leonardo Da Vinci Codex Atlanticus Exhibition and the Edvard Munch Landscapes of the Soul exhibition.
  • Ithra's Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet exhibition received more than 100,000 visitors.
  • The Ithra Library, one of the Kingdom's first digitally integrated libraries, has more than 300,000 titles in Arabic and English.

Sudan refugee crisis: aid agencies face huge challenges as hundreds of thousands flee violence

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 11, 2023

The conflict, currently unfolding in the capital, Khartoum, has created a widespread humanitarian crisis.

Key Points: 
  • The conflict, currently unfolding in the capital, Khartoum, has created a widespread humanitarian crisis.
  • International law and refugee expert Cristiano d'Orsi tells us what his biggest concerns about the situation are, and what needs to be done to address them.

What are your biggest concerns with the refugee situation?

    • At least 100,000 people have already arrived in neighbouring countries, including Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.
    • Contingency plans are being put in place for about 860,000 refugees.
    • As an expert on the legal protection of asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants, I’m interested in seeing how these vulnerable groups will fare.
    • The numbers are high partly because Sudan hosted 1.1 million refugees, one of the largest refugee populations in Africa.
    • South Sudanese represented more than 70% (800,000) of the refugees in Sudan, followed by 126,000 Eritrean refugees (11%).

What’s the international response been like?

    • From what I’ve seen, for now, it’s mostly been the United Nations, European Union and a handful of individual countries.
    • It has also pledged to coordinate international action on Sudan.
    • And the International Medical Corps has launched a regional response to meet the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees.

What more needs to be done?

    • The most obvious solution to end Sudan’s refugee crisis is to make efforts to reach a peace agreement.
    • While attempts to mediate the conflict are underway, for instance by the Arab League, there are several factors that must be respected.
    • First, the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and returnees must be respected and protected.
    • Five of Sudan’s neighbours are party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, so they’re obliged to protect refugees on their territory.

THE Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) ASSIGNED 'AA' RATING WITH stable OUTLOOK FROM S&P Global Ratings, Underpinned by 'extremely strong' financial profile

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

KAMPALA, Uganda, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") has today assigned a 'AA' foreign currency long-term issuer credit rating to the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), with a 'Stable' outlook.

Key Points: 
  • KAMPALA, Uganda, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") has today assigned a 'AA' foreign currency long-term issuer credit rating to the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), with a 'Stable' outlook.
  • This extremely high rating follows the 'Aa2' rating with Positive Outlook assigned by Moody's earlier this year and confirms the extraordinary credit profile of the bank for all stakeholders.
  • BADEA's financial risk profile is 'Extremely Strong', driven by one of the highest Risk Adjusted Capital ratios (86.1% after adjustments) among all S&P rated MLIs.
  • The Bank is an independent International Institution enjoying full international legal status and complete autonomy in administrative and financial matters.

THE Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) ASSIGNED 'AA' RATING WITH stable OUTLOOK FROM S&P Global Ratings, Underpinned by 'extremely strong' financial profile

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

KAMPALA, Uganda, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") has today assigned a 'AA' foreign currency long-term issuer credit rating to the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), with a 'Stable' outlook.

Key Points: 
  • KAMPALA, Uganda, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") has today assigned a 'AA' foreign currency long-term issuer credit rating to the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), with a 'Stable' outlook.
  • This extremely high rating follows the 'Aa2' rating with Positive Outlook assigned by Moody's earlier this year and confirms the extraordinary credit profile of the bank for all stakeholders.
  • BADEA's financial risk profile is 'Extremely Strong', driven by one of the highest Risk Adjusted Capital ratios (86.1% after adjustments) among all S&P rated MLIs.
  • The Bank is an independent International Institution enjoying full international legal status and complete autonomy in administrative and financial matters.

Finastra and Union of Arab Banks to accelerate digital banking together

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 21, 2022

DUBAI, UAE, March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today announced its collaboration with Union of Arab Banks to help banks across the Arab League member states offer enhanced digital services to their customers. The partnership combines Finastra's universal banking solution with Union of Arab Banks' extensive ecosystem of banks. The resulting model digital bank, which will be conceptualized, created and developed by Finastra and UABdigital, the Union's digital arm, will be licensed to Union of Arab Banks members to help them accelerate digitalization while minimizing costs and time to market.

Key Points: 
  • Partnership will see the development of a model digital bank, licensed to Union of Arab Banks members to help them transition into digital banking
    DUBAI, UAE, March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today announced its collaboration with Union of Arab Banks to help banks across the Arab League member states offer enhanced digital services to their customers.
  • The partnership combines Finastra's universal banking solution with Union of Arab Banks' extensive ecosystem of banks.
  • We are excited to work with the Union of Arab Banks to roll out a model digital bank for the Arab banking community."
  • The Union of Arab Banks consists of approximately 360 member institutions from the Arab League member states, including banks, central banks, banking associations, and banking financial institutions, with its Board of Directors comprised of 20 high-level dignitaries, representing 20 Arab states.

Finastra and Union of Arab Banks to accelerate digital banking together

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 21, 2022

DUBAI, UAE, March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today announced its collaboration with Union of Arab Banks to help banks across the Arab League member states offer enhanced digital services to their customers.

Key Points: 
  • DUBAI, UAE, March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today announced its collaboration with Union of Arab Banks to help banks across the Arab League member states offer enhanced digital services to their customers.
  • The partnership combines Finastra's universal banking solution with Union of Arab Banks' extensive ecosystem of banks.
  • We are excited to work with the Union of Arab Banks to roll out a model digital bank for the Arab banking community."
  • The Union of Arab Banks consists of approximately 360 member institutions from the Arab League member states, including banks, central banks, banking associations, and banking financial institutions, with its Board of Directors comprised of 20 high-level dignitaries, representing 20 Arab states.

Resverlogix Enters into a Cooperation Agreement with the Supreme Council of the Arab-African Economy to Support the Development of Apabetalone for COVID-19 Patients

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 4, 2021

By entering into this cooperation agreement, it will assist our approach in strengthening our relationships, developments, and interests within the Arab-African Economy, while propelling the development of apabetalone, further commented Mr. McCaffrey.

Key Points: 
  • By entering into this cooperation agreement, it will assist our approach in strengthening our relationships, developments, and interests within the Arab-African Economy, while propelling the development of apabetalone, further commented Mr. McCaffrey.
  • The Supreme Council of the Arab-African Economy is pleased to be in collaboration with Resverlogix to provide the necessary investment and assistance to support the emergence of apabetalone into the Arab-African Economy.
  • Resverlogix has been actively working with hospitals and the respective ministries globally to commence COVID-19 clinical trials.
  • On October 12th, 2021 Resverlogix received ethics committee approval for Western Canadian sites in a Phase 2 clinical trial for apabetalone in COVID-19 patients.