Topic: Horn of Africa
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South Sudan set to join ranks of five of the world's newest countries
The South Sudan referendum ended with an overwhelming vote for independence – 99.57 percent of those polled voted for it – and put the region officially on track to become independent in July.
How often is a country born? Here’s a look at five of the most recent declarations of independence: -
World Toilet Day: Top 10 nations lacking toilets
See a lot of people squatting in the open today? Don't be offended: It's the 10th annual World Toilet Day, an initiative to bring awareness to the need for adequate sanitary facilities.
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The 8 worst countries on Transparency International's list
Nearly three quarters of the 178 countries in the annual Corruption Perceptions Index has a ranking below five, meaning that not just the following five countries have a corruption problem.
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George Clooney: Village burnings in Sudan are 'a war crime'
George Clooney, co-founder of the Satellite Sentinel Project, which monitors acts of war in Sudan and South Sudan, said that the recent village burnings that took place in the region are 'a crime against humanity.'
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Cover Story
Global water crisis: too little, too much, or lack of a plan?The global water crisis – caused by drought, flood, and climate change – is less about supply than it is about recognizing water's true value, using it efficiently, and planning for a different future, say experts.
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Backchannels
Prince of Blackwater heads to AfricaErik Prince, who made a fortune in Iraq thanks to his politically connected and controversial Blackwater military contractor, is leading a group of Chinese investors on a hunt for natural resources and investment opportunities in Africa.
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Ethiopia surprises itself with peaceful transition after Meles
Fears that unrest would follow the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in August may prove unfounded in Ethiopia, a Western ally in the troubled Horn of Africa.
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The Monitor's View: A global model for peacebuilding – in Somalia?
One of the world's most famous failed states, Somalia, finally shows surprising signs of progress. One reason may be Somali fatigue over violence, anarchy, and foreign meddling.
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When Al Shabab's last stronghold falls, will a guerrilla war follow?
Kenyan soldiers launched an attack on Kismayo, the last stronghold of Islamist group Al Shabab in Somalia. But many worry that if Kismayo falls, Al Shabab may revert to terrorist attacks.
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Opinion: Yemen needs a US reset, not a retreat
Last week's violent anti-US protests underscore the need for greater US engagement in Yemen. The country's economic, political, and security future hinges on alleviating humanitarian needs, addressing their root causes, and fostering an inclusive political transition.
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In Somalia, UN charcoal purchases could be funding Al Shabab terror group
A UN contract to buy charcoal for African Union troop kitchens in Somalia may indirectly be funding the country's Al Qaeda-allied Islamist army, the Monitor has learned.
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Somalia gets a new president
Somalia's parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new leader for the African nation on Monday.
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In Somalia, battle looms for militants' last major stronghold
Air and sea attacks around the key Somali port city of Kismayo this week point to a long-awaited offensive by the African Union Mission in Somalia against seasoned Al Shabab fighters.
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As Ethiopia looks beyond strongman Meles, fears of instability (+video)
Ethiopia was an economic success story under Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who died Monday. His two-decade authoritarian grip may complicate a peaceful political transition.
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Interim Ethiopian PM to stay on until 2015 elections
Hailemariam Desalegn, who assumed the prime minister's office upon the death of Meles Zenawi Monday, will finish Zenawi's five-year term.
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For Somali pirates, July was a very bad month
Private guards and international naval patrols – and some rough seas – have prevented successful high-seas hijackings by Somali pirates since June 19, the first zero-attack month since 2007.
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Will Ethiopian crackdown stir Islamist backlash?
Peaceful protests continue in Addis Ababa this week among Muslims angry over what they see as Ethiopian government interference. The government sees foreign extremist threat.
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If all goes well, Somalia soon may have a government
Seen by World Bank and UN monitoring group as 'corrupt' and 'incompetent,' Somalia's interim government has a deadline within a month to transition to a permanent government.
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Could attacks on Kenyan churches spark violent Christian backlash?
July 1 attacks on Kenyan churches close to Somalia killed 17. Kenya has seen a steady increase in terror attacks attributed to Somali Islamist militants, and some worry that Christians may retaliate against Muslims.
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Ethiopia's terror conviction of journalist raises doubts on free speech
Ethiopia conviction of journalist Eskinder Nega for covering planned protests sparks international condemnation. US Sen. Patrick Leahy suggests cutback in aid to Ethiopia.
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Queen of Sheba left genetic legacy to Ethiopians, study finds
Ethiopians's long-ago genetic mixing with populations from Israel and Egypt is a legacy of the Queen of Sheba and her companions, say researchers.
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Cover Story
US legacy in Afghanistan: What 11 years of war has accomplishedThe lives of four Afghans provide a lens on how America's longest conflict has changed a nation – and the divisions and dangers that persist.
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Wanted in Somalia: US puts bounties on top Al Shabab leaders
While multimillion-dollar bounties may not lead to the imminent capture of Al Shabab leaders in Somalia, such rewards do ensure there will be no 'soft landing' for terrorist suspects.
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Africa Monitor
How Many People Are Surviving on Leaves in the Nuba Mountains?New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof Tweeted that 800,000 people in Sudan's South Kordofan state are surviving by 'eating just leaves.' When does overestimation do harm to a just cause?
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The Monitor's View: At Chicago summit, NATO must take stock of its big shoulders
The NATO summit in Chicago can overcome the alliance's current woes about Afghanistan and defense cuts by remembering how unique NATO is in history as a club of democracies with shared principles and interests.
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Keep Calm
Does a military solution for Somali piracy work?Somali pirate attacks have dropped, from 45 in 2010 to 24 in 2011, but there's no evidence that more naval patrols and aggressive private security firms are actually keeping pirates ashore.
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Focus
As war wanes, how will US military retain its best warriors?Today’s troops have acquired invaluable experience in battle. But when the fighting ends, the US military must find ways to keep the force engaged or risk losing all that expertise.
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Report: Ethiopians could still go hungry despite economic gains
With its population of 91 million expected to double in the next 22 years, and a drier climate, Ethiopia will have trouble feeding its people, a new report says.
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