Eye on Africa

Kamto's Exclusion: A Growing Shadow Over Cameroon’s Elections In the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon prepares for its upcoming presidential elections, yet the air is thick with skepticism and unease. The exclusion of Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition leader and steadfast critic of long-time President Paul Biya, from the list of approved candidates for the 12 October election has unleashed a flurry of questions regarding the integrity of the electoral process. A Voice Silenced Maurice Kamto, once a beacon of hope for…

Hope and Heartbreak at the African Nations Championship This past weekend, the energy in East Africa was palpable as the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship unfolded, yet the local excitement soon transformed into poignant heartbreak. Despite fervent home support for the co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the tournament’s dramatic atmosphere didn’t culminate in the fairytale many had hoped for. Instead, it was the defending champions, Senegal, and the rising surprise team from Sudan that emerged victorious,…

Embassy Shift: The Implications of the U.S. Visa Suspension in Zimbabwe In a poignant reminder of the intricacies of international diplomacy and the growing concern over security, the United States Embassy in Harare has abruptly halted all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services. This decision, driven by national security and public safety considerations, underscores the delicate balance governments must maintain between welcoming international visitors and protecting their own citizens. As the world watches, this…

Rwanda's Bold Move: A New Chapter in Migration Policy In a world where migration is often a contentious topic, Rwanda has taken a significant step that reflects both its historical context and its current ambitions. A recent agreement with the United States has paved the way for Kigali to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S. This partnership, which was formalized in June, marks a deepening of relations between the two nations and underscores Rwanda's evolving role as a hub for humanitarian support. The…

Mohamed Said Gees: An Architect of Peace and Education in Somalia The recent passing of Mohamed Said Gees, a revered Somali academic, statesman, and peacemaker, has left a profound void in the fabric of Somali society. Gees, who died on August 23 at the age of 77 and was laid to rest in Virginia, embodied a lifetime dedicated to education, cultural preservation, and reconciliation amidst Somalia's turbulent history. A Remarkable Journey from Education to Politics Born on November 11, 1946, in the northern town of Erigavo,…

A Struggle for Survival: The Cholera Crisis in Darfur's Refugee Camps In the parched camps of Tawila, western Sudan, fear is as palpable as the scorching heat. Here, among the dusty landscapes, an invisible enemy strikes—and it's spreading with the relentlessness of a desert wildfire. Cholera, a ruthless bacterial infection, is carving through the refugee population with lethal speed, leaving healthcare workers racing against time to save lives. A Humanitarian Nightmare In the shadow of recent conflict, Mona Ibrahim's…

Alarming Findings in Somali Maternal Health Raise Urgent Questions In Mogadishu, the echoes of a concerning narrative are reverberating through the bustling corridors of the Somalia Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital. Recent findings reveal a stark reality facing Somali women: more than three-quarters of those undergoing cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia are experiencing dangerous dips in blood pressure. This revelation comes from a new study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, shedding…

Confrontation and Compassion: A Tale of Protest and Unity in Johannesburg In a towering city where hope and division often coexist, South Africa's ongoing struggle with immigration has taken on a new chapter. Last week in Johannesburg, the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula marched through the streets, demanding action against undocumented immigrants while clashing with human rights defenders. The protest, marked by heightened emotions and palpable tensions, not only highlights the deep-seated anxieties many South…

Libya’s Elections: A Nation Crossroads and the Quest for Democracy As Libyans prepare to head to the polls this Saturday for municipal elections, it's not merely a test of democratic processes, but a reflection of a nation struggling with deep-seated divisions and insecurity. The regions of Benghazi, Tobruk, and Sirte refusing to participate underscore the enduring fissures within the country. The Challenges of Fragmented Governance Since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya…

Chad’s Political Landscape: The Sentencing of Succes Masra and Its Implications On a sweltering afternoon in Ndjamena, the atmosphere turned heavy as a court sentenced opposition leader Succes Masra to 20 years in prison, a verdict that reverberated across the heart of Chad's already tenuous political landscape. Observers, international voices, and local citizens alike are questioning the motivations behind this charge, which the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has branded as politically motivated. The ruling has generated a sense…