Stories from the Horn #166
April 4, 2023
This week I will turn 45 and it will be my last birthday in the Horn of Africa (that I know of). There have been some memorable birthdays throughout these years! From the necklace my family made me out of volcanic rocks, a hike to the Obock Lighthouse, a chocolate balloon that exploded in our kitchen, my first birthday in Somaliland spent alone while my husband was in the capital getting our car (and a present of a gold Somali ring, well done), to an April birthday flood, they have been good.
This weekend a friend took my family out on a boat and we were able to spend time on a sandbar that only appears at certain times based on the tides, in the middle of the sea. It was like walking on water, until the tide rose and the sandbar disappeared again. I’ve wanted to see it and walk on it for years and finally had the chance. Then we snorkeled around while the tide remained low and swam so close to eels, turtles, cuttlefish, clownfish, the water like glass. It was a stunning last-birthday week gift.
(Not taken in Djibouti, but looks just like this)
On to the stories…
Djibouti
Tragically yesterday (April 3) THREE cars flipped over in separate accidents in Djibouti. Accidents of this nature are rare here because of so few people and so few roads on which you can (should) drive fast. I drove past one of them and it looked horrific. At least one person was killed, several were injured.
Djibouti makes the list of top 10 green projects underway in Africa
Djibouti and Ethiopia agree on building a road to connect the two countries
Chabelley airfield celebrates 10 years
Confucius Institute inaugurated in Djibouti
Here is a view from up above downtown Djibouti
And a street view from 1931
Diaspora
The New York Times features Somali food for Ramadan. I don’t know anyone who calls sambuusa “sambuus” and I have never seen the other two dishes before. The honeycomb bread does look delicious. Where is this magical food made?
Feminists need to oppose hijab bans and hijab mandates This is a good opinion piece. What do you think of her arguments?
An article in the NYT about the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It includes information about other salt lakes around the world but doesn’t include Lac Asal’s, Djibouti’s salt lake. Oh well. Interesting read anyway.
Somaliland
DP World expands offerings at port in Somaliland
Tributes pour in to honor Amina Abdullah Hersi who died in March in Somaliland
Somalia
No Justice, No Peace in Al-Shabaab’s Legal System in the Harvard Review
Breaking the fast in Somalia with only water TIME
Somalia’s all-female media team BBC
Have a great week!
Love all of your reflections so much! Where is the sandbar you mentioned? I'd love to visit this place. And thanks for the excellent collection of article and videos; I've read/watched nearly all of them and continue to be filled with gratitude to you for helping me learn about and grow to love even more this region and its people and places.
I just read about the Great Salt Lake in Outside Magazine, and I cannot for the life of me understand why this isn't bigger news. Is Lac Asal's also home to a city?