Editor's note

There is hope for peace in the Horn of Africa after Ethiopia and Eritrea declared an end to 20 years of hostilities. Diplomatic relations are being restored and economic ties normalised. But warns Martin Plaut, the complex details of the peace deal still need to be worked out. For his part Yohannes Gedamu looks at the role played by Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who has tackled difficult issues in extraordinary speed in his first 100 days in office.

Former US President Barack Obama is in South Africa next week to deliver the 2018 Nelson Mandela Annual lecture. It is a particularly significant lecture because it marks the 100th anniversary of Mandela’s birth. John J. Stremlau argues that, given the precarious state of world politics, Obama can be expected to deliver a weighty address.

It’s only the second time in history that it’s happened: a meteorite being tracked falling through space and then being found once it fell to earth. Alexander Proyer and Fulvio Franchi explain how they tracked the pieces down in Botswana. And how each meteorite is a piece of the puzzle to understanding our solar system.

Julius Maina

Regional Editor East Africa

Top stories

Eritrea and Ethiopia have made peace. How it happened and what next

Martin Plaut, School of Advanced Study

Few believed they would see an end to two decades of hostility between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia's Ahmed is driving change at speed. Now the hard work must begin

Yohannes Gedamu, Georgia Gwinnett College

Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have improved thanks to efforts made by Ethiopia's new premier.

Obama's Mandela lecture comes at an auspicious time for democracy

John J Stremlau, University of the Witwatersrand

Drawing on Mandela's legacy, Obama can help the world better understand the nature of threats to democracy.

Rare meteorite recovery in Botswana can help reveal secrets of outer space

Alexander Proyer, Botswana International University of Science and Technology ; Fulvio Franchi, Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Each meteorite is a piece of the puzzle to understanding our solar system.

Politics +Society

How South Africa should view foreign policy in a changing world order

Maxi Schoeman, University of Pretoria; Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science

South Africa must position itself to play a decisive role in shaping a new world order as the theUS retreats from global leadership.

Could African Union law shape a new legal order for the continent?

Femi Amao, University of Sussex

The emergent AU law is seen as distinct and separate from international law and the domestic laws of member states.

Young Nigerians have made their mark, but odds are still with the old in 2019

Oludayo Tade, University of Ibadan

Young aspirant politicians lack support structure and the money, both of which remain strong factors in deciding politics in Nigeria.

Peace in South Sudan? Not without a stronger state and reconciliation

Andrew Edward Tchie, University of Essex

As pockets of conflict continue to destablise South Sudan, much hope has been placed on the most recent peace deal.

Health + Medicine

Corruption in the Nigerian health sector has many faces. How to fix it

Obinna Onwujekwe; Aloysius Odii; Chinyere Mbachu; Eleanor Hutchinson; Hyacinth Ichoku; Pamela Adaobi Ogbozor; Prince Agwu; Uche Shalom Obi

Corruption in Nigeria's health sector can be eliminated by the implementation of a few simple strategies.

How health workers have adapted to South Africa's breastfeeding policy

Sara Nieuwoudt, University of the Witwatersrand

Health workers promote exclusive breastfeeding to HIV positive mothers more than they do to mothers who are negative.

Arts + Culture

Arrest and release of Somaliland poet puts spotlight on regional troubles

Claire Elder, University of Oxford

The arrest and sentencing of Somalilander Naima Qorane for publishing pro-unity poetry is just the tip of the iceberg in a state that's eager to maintain its sovereignity as a nation.

Why African teams fell short at the World Cup - again

Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu, University of Texas at Tyler

A great deal of hope was placed on a few outstanding African players whose abilities did not blossom at the World Cup.

Science +Technology

A big moment for Africa: why the MeerKAT -- and astronomy -- matter

Vanessa McBride, International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development

Astronomy is accessible to anyone with a view of the sky.

How the latest tech and some healthy activism can curb fake news

Co-Pierre Georg, University of Cape Town; Christoph Aymanns, University of St.Gallen; Jakob Foerster, University of Oxford

We used the latest techniques from artificial intelligence to study how support for or opposition to a piece of fake news can spread within a social network.

Environment + Energy

Business + Economy