African trade bloc governing Horn of Africa, Nile Valley and Great Lakes
Somalia's Southwest State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen resigned on March 30, following controversy over elections and regional autonomy. Clashes and political tensions have escalated, with federal and regional forces threatening further conflict. International calls urge dialogue to prevent instability.
Millions of Ethiopians are voting in the 7th General Election as NEBE oversees more than 52,000 polling stations. The vote is viewed as a defining moment for the country’s democratic institutions, with digital registration and expanded media space marking a modernization of the process.