Last week, it was reported that landlocked Ethiopia-- with Russian assistance-- was nearing completion of a glittering new complex to house the country's naval headquarters. Constructed in Addis over three hectares at seemingly vast expense, the building personifies a kind of 'Potemkin Village,' the fake construct designed to mislead outsiders into believing in something more impressive than its reality. It appears set to play a central role in the ongoing ambition of the federal government to restore vaguely-worded Ethiopian 'access' to the sea, which may yet involve the invasion of Eritrea, as well as the supposed beautification of the capital.
Somalia’s President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo faces increasing international isolation and domestic financial collapse, prompting a strategic “Look East” pivot. Relations with Somalia’s traditional Western partners, particularly the EU, have deteriorated over the electoral crisis, which Farmaajo bears primary responsibility for. In late 2020, the EU withheld budgetary assistance to pressure the regime, creating a major shortfall that hindered civil service and military payments. Despite this, Villa Somalia maintained the illusion of electoral progress through piecemeal negotiations, while planning for a unilateral term extension. As Western support waned, Farmaajo dispatched emissaries to the Gulf, Turkey, North Africa, and China, but key allies, including Egypt and Qatar, have been slow or reluctant to provide assistance. In a sign of growing desperation, the regime is now turning to Russia and other long-standing partners to secure financial backing. The Somali government faces mounting challenges: empty coffers, unpaid soldiers, civil servants going months without salaries, and the risk of mutinies. The coming weeks may prove decisive for Farmaajo’s ability to sustain his extended mandate, as the viability of his administration increasingly depends on foreign assistance and his capacity to maintain internal loyalty. Without a major external boost, the regime’s survival is in serious jeopardy.