The article discusses the recent outbreak of heavy fighting between Eritrean and Ethiopian troops on their border, resulting in significant casualties. The conflict is rooted in a long-standing border dispute, with both sides accusing each other of initiating hostilities. The international community, including the United Nations and African Union, has called for restraint but has been criticized for its lack of decisive action. The unresolved border issue has broader implications, affecting regional stability and international arbitration credibility. The article highlights the need for a political resolution to prevent further escalation and address the humanitarian impact on Eritrea's population.

Rwanda's commemoration of the 1994 genocide is juxtaposed with a new wave of government-run museums that subtly promote the authoritarian regime of President Paul Kagame. These museums, including the Presidential Palace Museum and the National Liberation Museum Park, serve as tools for the Rwandan Patriotic Front to anchor its legacy and justify its continued rule. The article critiques Kagame's consolidation of power and the regime's human rights abuses, while also acknowledging Rwanda's economic growth and stability. The narrative highlights the paradox of Kagame's leadership, portraying him as both a technocrat who rebuilt the nation and an iron-willed strongman.

Dominic Ongwen, a former child soldier turned commander in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), faces trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity. Abducted at a young age, Ongwen's case raises complex issues about victimhood and culpability, drawing parallels with other child soldiers globally. The ICC, criticized for its focus on African defendants and its limited success, sees this high-profile case as a potential turning point. The article explores the historical context of the LRA, the atrocities committed, and the varied opinions on justice and reconciliation within Uganda.

The article critically examines the cyclical nature of elections in Africa, highlighting the role of Western donors in funding these elections and the persistent issues of corruption and inefficiency within electoral commissions. It discusses the problematic nature of foreign aid in legitimizing flawed democratic processes and the self-perpetuating relationship between Western donors and African governments. The piece also touches on the high turnover of diplomats and aid officials, which hampers the development of institutional memory and effective long-term strategies. Key figures and organizations involved in the electoral processes of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are scrutinized for their roles in maintaining power and manipulating democratic systems.

Michela Wrong reflects on her transition from journalism to fiction writing, highlighting the challenges and freedoms of creating a novel. Her book 'Borderlines' explores themes of state imprisonment, claustrophobia, and exodus, set in fictional African countries inspired by real events. Despite initial anxieties about abandoning factual constraints, she finds that her characters develop their own reality. Wrong also discusses the potential pitfalls of blending fact and fiction, such as the risk of libel and the struggle to maintain reader engagement with made-up settings. Ultimately, she hopes her fiction can address pressing issues while reaching a broader audience.

The article examines the paradox of African migrants fleeing countries that have made significant progress in meeting the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but fail to provide political freedoms and economic opportunities. Eritrea is highlighted as a case study, where despite achievements in health and infrastructure, citizens face oppressive political conditions and limited personal freedoms. The article critiques the support of Western donors for African leaders who meet MDG targets but suppress civil society and human rights, arguing that migrants seek more than just basic needs—they aspire for a better life with political and economic freedoms.

The Hargeysa International Book Fair in Somaliland has evolved into a significant cultural event, attracting a diverse audience and fostering intellectual debate. Key figures like Nuruddin Farah and Edna Adan Ismail have sparked discussions on societal issues such as female genital mutilation and Somali cultural norms. The festival, organized by Jama Musse Jama and Ayan Mahamoud, aims to bridge divides within Somali society and promote cultural heritage amidst Western influences. Despite challenges like security concerns and conservative societal norms, the festival continues to grow, symbolizing Somaliland's quest for international recognition and cultural revival.

The article discusses the critical role of remittances in Somaliland's economy, highlighting the challenges posed by Barclays' decision to close accounts of money-transfer operators like Dahabshiil. This move threatens the financial stability of the region, which heavily relies on remittances, especially in the absence of a formal banking sector. The article underscores the efforts of the Somaliland government and international bodies to find solutions, including the establishment of a 'safer corridor' for remittances. It also touches on the broader socio-political context, including Somaliland's quest for international recognition and the impact of Islamic banking laws on financial reforms.

Kenya's anti-ICC campaign, led by Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, has significantly weakened the court's influence, branding it as a neo-colonialist institution. This has complicated efforts to address human rights abuses in South Sudan, where atrocities committed by forces loyal to Salva Kiir and Riek Machar have created a dire need for justice. Human rights organizations are hesitant to involve the ICC, fearing further backlash, and are considering alternative solutions like hybrid courts. The African Union's Commission of Inquiry is seen as a potential path forward, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.

The article critically examines the disappointing performance of African militaries, particularly focusing on Nigeria and Kenya. It highlights recent security failures, such as the Westgate siege in Kenya and the kidnapping of schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, questioning the operational reliability of these forces. The piece delves into historical and systemic issues, including corruption, ethnic favoritism, and the legacy of military coups, which undermine military effectiveness. It also discusses the broader implications for the African Union's ambitions to reduce reliance on Western military interventions.