Eye on Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — As the investigation into the harrowing murders of three Somali women in Eastleigh intensifies, police have unearthed a car suspected to have been used in their kidnapping. This discovery marks a significant stride as mourners prepare to lay the victims to rest. The community grows restless, demanding justice as protests ignite throughout the neighborhood. Discoveries surfaced on Thursday when sleuths tracked down the vehicle amidst the bustling stalls of Ukulima Market in Kamukunji, Nairobi. It's…

When film director Mo Harawe mentioned his Somali roots, he observed certain stereotypes shaping people's views of the nation, a peculiar quirk he'd picked up on. Talking to Middle East Eye, his regular run-ins with these clichés fired up the inspiration for what would become a groundbreaking Somali film making waves at the Cannes Film Festival come May 2024. Harawe says, "Crafting the screenplay felt instinctual, mapping out diverse characters drawn from Somalia's everyday life." As Cannes stands pivotal in the cinematic…

MOGADISHU, Oct 24 (Reuters) - In an effort to track al Shabaab militants and provide residents with a sense of security, thousands of surveillance cameras have been installed throughout Somalia's bustling capital. However, this initiative has also sparked fear among business proprietors who dread retaliatory violence. Launched this year under the city government's directive, CCTV systems have, according to officials, bolstered the ability of law enforcement to monitor militant movements in Mogadishu while ensuring…

Mogadishu (AX) — Reports buzzing on social media about a supposed crash involving government aircraft were dismissed by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), dismissing them as sheer fabrications. The SCAA firmly stated that none of the newly acquired planes have faced such mishaps, rubbishing claims of them hitting the ground in off-limit locales.Releasing a detailed statement on Tuesday, the SCAA labeled these stories as part of a concerted effort to spread falsehoods by what they termed "Somalia's antagonists." As…

Families uprooted by crop failures are seeking sanctuary in makeshift camps on the fringes of Baidoa. A harsh drought in Southwest Somalia has compelled over 120 families to forsake their farms and way of life, enduring severe conditions in rudimentary shelters. Image: Radio Ergo Mogadishu (AX) — Jinay Isaaq Hassan spent her days in the quaint village of Mintaanyo, diligently working her six-hectare farm while raising her children. However, her life took a drastic turn earlier this year. The life-giving rains failed to…

Renamo has seen a dramatic reduction in its parliamentary representation, losing two-thirds of its seats and stepping down from its status as Mozambique's second-largest political party. That title now belongs to the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), which has made significant strides with independent candidate Venâncio Mondlane at the helm, securing a total of 31 seats. As the election results awaited confirmation, there were appeals for tranquility. This came shortly after the chair of the…

On a lively Saturday, a flotilla of boats darted around MV Ruen during a daring Indian military raid, as captured by Ministry of Defence/PIB and relayed through CNN. Mogadishu (AX), famed for its vibrant markets and historical allure, has resumed its piracy saga. After a lull lasting five months, Somali pirates have re-emerged, casting shadows over global shipping routes that stretch across the vast oceans. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), under the vigilant watch of Operation ATALANTA, sounded the alarm when a…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government announced Thursday that its esteemed Danab Commando Force successfully executed a strategic operation in the Galgadud region, taking down a dozen al-Shabab militants and injuring 12 more. This meticulously planned strike occurred in the Gerile area within the Eldher district, a known hideout for fighters plotting their next moves, as they lurked, "fangs sharpened," ready to strike. The government's statement triumphantly noted, "Twelve insurgents met their end, while 22 others…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has taken a dim view of the Burkina Faso government’s recent submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, highlighting its glaring omissions regarding human rights abuses. Various organizations advocating for human dignity have urgently appealed for enhanced protections for civilians amidst the ongoing armed struggles. They emphasize the necessity of lifting restrictions placed on journalists, dissenters, and political opponents, while also demanding that those responsible for…

Gabon is gearing up for a significant referendum on November 16, where citizens will cast their votes concerning a newly proposed constitution. This impending decision has ignited a spectrum of reactions across the political landscape. One noteworthy aspect of the proposed constitution is that it would enable military leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to mount a campaign for the presidency. This particular element has raised eyebrows and prompted intense backlash from various opposition factions. The draft…