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Eye on Africa

Somalia’s federal Parliament term expires amid electoral dispute

Tuesday April 14, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Federal Parliament reached the end of its four-year mandate on Tuesday, April 14, closing a term that has anchored the country’s post-transition political order since lawmakers were sworn in on April 14, 2022, under Article 60 of the Provisional Constitution. The bicameral legislature played a pivotal role in the months that followed, providing the legal basis for the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on May 15, 2022, and the formation of the federal government…

Somali forces kill 27 al-Shabab fighters in Jubbaland State

Tuesday April 14, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali national forces, working alongside regional security units and international partners, killed 27 al-Shabab fighters in a major offensive across the Middle and Lower Juba regions, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday. According to the ministry, the strikes focused on militant positions in areas under the districts of Jilib, Hagar and Afmadow as ground troops pressed forward against the al-Qaida-linked group. “During the course of these ground operations, airstrikes supported by…

Somalia faces defining test to pair offshore wealth with onshore responsibility

By Dr. Ali Said FaqiTuesday April 14, 2026 Somalia is approaching a defining crossroads. The possibility of offshore oil and gas development by the Turkish firm could open a route to economic independence and lasting stability. For a nation long dependent on outside assistance, it is an unusually promising chance to shape its own economic destiny. Yet promise by itself will not deliver results. Around the world, resource-rich countries have learned that without sound governance, natural wealth can deepen instability instead…

Former Nigerian Oil Minister Denies UK Court Bribery Allegations

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian petroleum minister, has made headlines as she stands trial in London, vehemently denying allegations of bribery and luxury accommodations linked to government contracts. Accused of enjoying opulent stays and extravagant spending sprees in the UK, she asserts that these claims are baseless. In her testimony to the jury, Alison-Madueke maintained her innocence, stating she never misused her position to solicit or accept bribes, despite facing six serious charges under the UK Bribery…

Ghanaian Footballer Fatally Shot in Armed Attack on Team Bus

Tragedy struck Ghanaian football as promising player Dominic Frimpong lost his life following a violent robbery targeting a bus carrying his team, Berekum Chelsea, on their return from a league match. Reports from law enforcement indicate that a VIP bus, transporting around 30 players and staff members, was approached by a group of six armed assailants while traveling from Samreboi to Berekum. Three of these individuals were armed with pump-action shotguns. Frimpong was critically injured during the attack, succumbing to…

Puntland State interior minister accuses federal government of undermining state

Tuesday April 14, 2026 Garowe (AX) — Puntland State’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Hirsii Ali Qarjab, accused Somalia’s federal government on Monday of mounting a political and security offensive against the semi-autonomous state. In remarks to reporters, Qarjab said Puntland State is watching developments in the country closely and is ready to defend its territory if the need arises. “Puntland State has always stood for strengthening the unity and cooperation of the Somali people,” he said. “We expected development, security…

Mogadishu traders stop accepting Somali shilling amid inflation, currency decline

Tuesday April 14, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — In a swift and sweeping move that caught many residents off guard, traders across Mogadishu on Monday stopped accepting the Somali shilling, pushing the national currency out of one of the last major markets where it still circulated in limited form. The change took hold quickly in the city’s busiest markets, on public transport and in neighborhood shops, leaving many people — especially low-income residents who depend on cash for daily purchases — facing immediate difficulties paying…

Somali Shilling: Rebuilding the National Currency and Modern Financial System

By Abdullahi Farah AbdullahiMonday April 13, 2026 1. Hordhac iyo Muhiimadda Shilin Soomaaliga Shilin Soomaaliga, oo ah lacagta rasmiga ah ee Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya tan iyo 1962, wuxuu muddo dheer ka mid ahaa astaamaha ugu waaweyn ee dhaqaalaha dalka. Waxaa lagu bixin jiray mushaaraadka shaqaalaha dowladda, canshuuraha ayaa lagu uruuri jiray, ganacsiguna si caadi ah ayuu ugu socon jiray. Xilli nidaamka maaliyadeed uu lahaa qaab dhisan, Shilinku wuxuu ka tirsanaa lacagaha bulshada iyo ganacsatadu si buuxda ugu…

Killings of Elderly Surge in Malawi Amid Witchcraft Allegations

Malawi is facing a sharp escalation in violence against its seniors, with the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations warning that killings tied to witchcraft allegations are surging. The group reports 11 elderly people were murdered in the first three months of this year—putting the country on pace to surpass the 22 deaths documented across all of 2025. Executive Director Andrew Kavala called the trend “alarming,” noting that more than 300 older persons have been killed over witchcraft accusations since 2015. Urging…

Somalia appoints Hussein Qasim Yusuf as new immigration agency director

Monday April 13, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Council of Ministers on Monday named Hussein Qasim Yusuf as the new Director General of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), ending Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuxulow’s tenure at the helm. The cabinet approved the appointment during its weekly meeting after a recommendation from the Ministry of Internal Security. The government said the leadership change is part of broader reforms designed to reinforce Somalia’s security institutions and improve immigration and…