Biruk Terrefe
@terrefebiruk.bsky.social
Lecturer & Researcher African Politics, @unibayreuth.bsky.social | Statecraft, Infrastructure, Urbanisation, Conflict, Horn of Africa, Ethiopia, Red Sea
Pinned
'Ethiopia's Red Sea Politics: Corridors, Ports & Security in the Horn of Africa'
My latest research paper published by @rvinews.bsky.social & #XCEPT.
riftvalley.net/publication/...
My latest research paper published by @rvinews.bsky.social & #XCEPT.
riftvalley.net/publication/...
“Reports from Israeli newspapers suggest that the UAE & Israel have already set up a joint
military & intelligence facility on the Yemeni islands of Socotra and Abdul Kuri. […] the UAE is reportedly mediating on Israel’s behalf to establish a military base in
Somaliland.” bsky.app/profile/terr...
military & intelligence facility on the Yemeni islands of Socotra and Abdul Kuri. […] the UAE is reportedly mediating on Israel’s behalf to establish a military base in
Somaliland.” bsky.app/profile/terr...
The World Economic Forum has long drawn criticism for its liberal, pro-capital orthodoxy. Platforming this absurd “Board of Peace” at Davos should remove any remaining doubt about its intellectual bankruptcy.
January 22, 2026 at 1:38 PM
The World Economic Forum has long drawn criticism for its liberal, pro-capital orthodoxy. Platforming this absurd “Board of Peace” at Davos should remove any remaining doubt about its intellectual bankruptcy.
Trump offers to mediate Egypt-Ethiopia dispute on Nile River waters - www.reuters.com/world/africa...
January 17, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Trump offers to mediate Egypt-Ethiopia dispute on Nile River waters - www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland: Northeast Africa at a Critical Juncture
By Belete Belachew Yihun for African Arguments
africanarguments.org/2026/01/isra...
By Belete Belachew Yihun for African Arguments
africanarguments.org/2026/01/isra...
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland: Northeast Africa at a Critical Juncture | African Arguments
Somaliland, Israel and Ethiopia
africanarguments.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland: Northeast Africa at a Critical Juncture
By Belete Belachew Yihun for African Arguments
africanarguments.org/2026/01/isra...
By Belete Belachew Yihun for African Arguments
africanarguments.org/2026/01/isra...
“The Roots of Political Transformation in Ethiopia: A Review Essay” published in JMAS.
I bring into conversation three recently published books on the politics and history of Ethiopia.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
I bring into conversation three recently published books on the politics and history of Ethiopia.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
The roots of political transformation in Ethiopia: a review essay - ‘Ethiopia’s Developmental State: Political Order and Distributive Crisis’, by Tom Lavers , Cambridge University Press, 2023, 116.71 ...
The roots of political transformation in Ethiopia: a review essay - ‘Ethiopia’s Developmental State: Political Order and Distributive Crisis’, by Tom Lavers , Cambridge University Press, 2023, 116.71 ...
www.cambridge.org
January 14, 2026 at 11:12 AM
“The Roots of Political Transformation in Ethiopia: A Review Essay” published in JMAS.
I bring into conversation three recently published books on the politics and history of Ethiopia.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
I bring into conversation three recently published books on the politics and history of Ethiopia.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
⚠️ Confirmed: Live network data show a nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity in #Uganda; the measure comes days ahead of general elections and corresponds to a shutdown notice from the Uganda Communications Commission "to mitigate the rapid spread of misinformation" 📉
January 13, 2026 at 3:48 PM
⚠️ Confirmed: Live network data show a nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity in #Uganda; the measure comes days ahead of general elections and corresponds to a shutdown notice from the Uganda Communications Commission "to mitigate the rapid spread of misinformation" 📉
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
📍Seminar series “Histories across the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf”
Join our online seminar series at
🔗 unito.webex.com/meet/redmix
#ERC #ERCCoG #REDMIX @erc.europa.eu
Join our online seminar series at
🔗 unito.webex.com/meet/redmix
#ERC #ERCCoG #REDMIX @erc.europa.eu
January 13, 2026 at 9:06 PM
📍Seminar series “Histories across the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf”
Join our online seminar series at
🔗 unito.webex.com/meet/redmix
#ERC #ERCCoG #REDMIX @erc.europa.eu
Join our online seminar series at
🔗 unito.webex.com/meet/redmix
#ERC #ERCCoG #REDMIX @erc.europa.eu
That's one way to make America great again.
"With four runners required to score in cross-country team competition, Ethiopia will be unable to record a team result in either the U20 men’s or U20 women’s races, ending its 44-year medal streak."
www.thereporterethiopia.com/48536/
"With four runners required to score in cross-country team competition, Ethiopia will be unable to record a team result in either the U20 men’s or U20 women’s races, ending its 44-year medal streak."
www.thereporterethiopia.com/48536/
U.S. Denies Entry To 14 Ethiopian Athletes Ahead Of World XC Championships
For the last four decades, Ethiopia has won a medal at every World XC Championships. It’s an unbelievable 44-year streak built on dominance and talent. But
www.thereporterethiopia.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:55 PM
That's one way to make America great again.
"With four runners required to score in cross-country team competition, Ethiopia will be unable to record a team result in either the U20 men’s or U20 women’s races, ending its 44-year medal streak."
www.thereporterethiopia.com/48536/
"With four runners required to score in cross-country team competition, Ethiopia will be unable to record a team result in either the U20 men’s or U20 women’s races, ending its 44-year medal streak."
www.thereporterethiopia.com/48536/
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
although authors overstate some of their claims, their diagnosis of the underlying problem - the demise of conflict studies due to changing character of global order - not without merit.
dissentmagazine.org/article/the-...
dissentmagazine.org/article/the-...
The Demise of Conflict Studies - Dissent Magazine
An entire industry specializing in mediation, peacekeeping, disarmament, and transitional justice has become largely obsolete.
dissentmagazine.org
January 13, 2026 at 9:27 AM
although authors overstate some of their claims, their diagnosis of the underlying problem - the demise of conflict studies due to changing character of global order - not without merit.
dissentmagazine.org/article/the-...
dissentmagazine.org/article/the-...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
UAE removing its military from Bosaso after angry Somalia ends agreement - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-removing-its-military-bosaso-after-angry-somalia-ends-agreement
UAE removing its military from Bosaso after angry Somalia ends agreement
Emiratis withdrawing hardware and personnel from several Somali bases as Saudi-UAE conflict heats up in the Red Sea
www.middleeasteye.net
January 12, 2026 at 12:35 PM
UAE removing its military from Bosaso after angry Somalia ends agreement - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-removing-its-military-bosaso-after-angry-somalia-ends-agreement
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 'Africa's biggest airport' reut.rs/3L88tlx
Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 'Africa's biggest airport'
Ethiopian Airlines on Saturday officially started a $12.5 billion construction project for what officials say will be Africa's biggest airport when completed in 2030 in the Ethiopian town of Bishoftu.
reut.rs
January 10, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 'Africa's biggest airport' reut.rs/3L88tlx
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
Analysis of Saudi repositioning on Yemen, drawing in wider Red Sea regional dynamics and engagement with Horn of Africa.
Nadwa Al-Dawsari for MEI.
mei.edu/publication/...
Nadwa Al-Dawsari for MEI.
mei.edu/publication/...
January 8, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Analysis of Saudi repositioning on Yemen, drawing in wider Red Sea regional dynamics and engagement with Horn of Africa.
Nadwa Al-Dawsari for MEI.
mei.edu/publication/...
Nadwa Al-Dawsari for MEI.
mei.edu/publication/...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
Regardless of the debate about the legitimacy of its independence claim, the explicit use of the example of Somaliland to erase Palestine (and enable genocide) sickens me www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli...
Israeli foreign minister in Somaliland: 'Unlike Palestine, it's not a virtual state'
Gideon Saar expected to visit Berbera port on first visit to Somaliland since Israel recognised breakaway region
www.middleeasteye.net
January 6, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Regardless of the debate about the legitimacy of its independence claim, the explicit use of the example of Somaliland to erase Palestine (and enable genocide) sickens me www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
“The only place in the world where the Cold War was cold was in Europe and North America”. Similarly the only place where the US military has shown “restraint” is in Europe and North America. The “rules based order” is a normative ideal rather than a description of reality. It was an ambition.
The ‘rules‑based international order’ was underwritten—again, with exceptions—by American military restraint and structured power. That era is over. If Europeans want to preserve it, military power is like a dinner jacket: when it’s required, nothing else will do.
January 3, 2026 at 4:22 PM
“The only place in the world where the Cold War was cold was in Europe and North America”. Similarly the only place where the US military has shown “restraint” is in Europe and North America. The “rules based order” is a normative ideal rather than a description of reality. It was an ambition.
Unchartered waters? In the name of Patrice Lumumba & co, a very precedented thing happened in #Venezuela today.
January 3, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Unchartered waters? In the name of Patrice Lumumba & co, a very precedented thing happened in #Venezuela today.
“Egypt, already bound to Eritrea and Djibouti by strong political and military ties, will build infrastructure at the two ports to refuel and resupply warships from its southern fleet, including destroyers, submarines, and troop and helicopter carriers.”
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Egypt finalises deal to develop Djibouti's port in bid to pressure Ethiopia over Nile dam | The National
Deputy Prime Minister Kamel El Wazir seals the deal during a visit to the Horn of Africa nation
www.thenationalnews.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:10 PM
“Egypt, already bound to Eritrea and Djibouti by strong political and military ties, will build infrastructure at the two ports to refuel and resupply warships from its southern fleet, including destroyers, submarines, and troop and helicopter carriers.”
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
It was such an honor for me to be in conversation with
@lalehkhalili.bsky.social someone I deeply admire and respect, about empire, capital, sudan and the uae in the Fumnambulist.
thefunambulist.net/magazine/fol...
@lalehkhalili.bsky.social someone I deeply admire and respect, about empire, capital, sudan and the uae in the Fumnambulist.
thefunambulist.net/magazine/fol...
Capitalism as Empire-Making: Sudan and the UAE Plunder
In this conversation, Nisrin Elamin and Laleh Khalili discuss the intricate relations between capitalism and imperialism from Sudan outward. They examine together how “empire-making” projects bring…
thefunambulist.net
January 2, 2026 at 8:14 PM
It was such an honor for me to be in conversation with
@lalehkhalili.bsky.social someone I deeply admire and respect, about empire, capital, sudan and the uae in the Fumnambulist.
thefunambulist.net/magazine/fol...
@lalehkhalili.bsky.social someone I deeply admire and respect, about empire, capital, sudan and the uae in the Fumnambulist.
thefunambulist.net/magazine/fol...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
Thanks, @marcowenjones.bsky.social for this dysinformation rabbit-hole analysis. The Somaliland-Sudan-UAE-Israel-Tommy Robinson nexus was not on my radar. Fascinating reading in light of recent developments in the Horn and the Gulf.
marcowenjones.substack.com/p/amjad-taha...
marcowenjones.substack.com/p/amjad-taha...
Amjad Taha, Muslim Brotherhood Maxxing and the Emirati Dysinfluencer Factory
Inside an AI-powered influence network linking Emirati influencers, pseudo-news sites, and the European far right
marcowenjones.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Thanks, @marcowenjones.bsky.social for this dysinformation rabbit-hole analysis. The Somaliland-Sudan-UAE-Israel-Tommy Robinson nexus was not on my radar. Fascinating reading in light of recent developments in the Horn and the Gulf.
marcowenjones.substack.com/p/amjad-taha...
marcowenjones.substack.com/p/amjad-taha...
Secrecy seems to be the norm in this region. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Egypt increases pressure on Ethiopia through port deals with Eritrea and Djibouti | The National
Cairo will develop strategic seaports as Nile dispute escalates
www.thenationalnews.com
December 25, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Secrecy seems to be the norm in this region. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
Somalis have answered Trump’s latest racist tirade not with outrage but with a tidal wave of trolling. africasacountry.com/2025/12/minn...
Minnesota was promised to us
Somalis have answered Trump’s latest racist tirade not with outrage but with a tidal wave of trolling.
africasacountry.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Somalis have answered Trump’s latest racist tirade not with outrage but with a tidal wave of trolling. africasacountry.com/2025/12/minn...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
This is not a good sign.
Press Release: #Eritrea has withdrawn its Membership from IGAD
shabait.com/2025/12/12/p...
Press Release: #Eritrea has withdrawn its Membership from IGAD
shabait.com/2025/12/12/p...
Press Release: Eritrea has withdrawn its Membership from IGAD
Eritrea has formally informed the IGAD Secretary General of its decision to withdraw from the Organization.Eritrea’s decision stems from, and is predicated, on the following poignant facts and…
shabait.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
This is not a good sign.
Press Release: #Eritrea has withdrawn its Membership from IGAD
shabait.com/2025/12/12/p...
Press Release: #Eritrea has withdrawn its Membership from IGAD
shabait.com/2025/12/12/p...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
The New South Yemen
Gregory D. Johnsen's analysis of the latest developments
agsi.org/analysis/the...
Gregory D. Johnsen's analysis of the latest developments
agsi.org/analysis/the...
The New South Yemen - AGSI
The Southern Transitional Council is betting that if the South can be united under its leadership it can cordon the South off from the Houthis in the North, utilize oil and gas revenue, and create a…
agsi.org
December 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The New South Yemen
Gregory D. Johnsen's analysis of the latest developments
agsi.org/analysis/the...
Gregory D. Johnsen's analysis of the latest developments
agsi.org/analysis/the...
Reposted by Biruk Terrefe
We are happy to announce that the competence network Postcolonial Hierarchies in Peace and Conflict(Hierarchies) has been granted a two-year extension by the BMFTR, beginning 1 April 2026.
December 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM
We are happy to announce that the competence network Postcolonial Hierarchies in Peace and Conflict(Hierarchies) has been granted a two-year extension by the BMFTR, beginning 1 April 2026.