Eye on Africa

Polling places in North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic, swung open wide for a crucial presidential election. This slice of the Horn of Africa is making headlines as residents cast their votes to decide who will steer the ship for the next half-decade. The incumbent boss, President Muse Bihi Abdi from the Kulmiye party, hopes to stick around. However, he's got some serious competition breathing down his neck. There's Abdirahman Irro, frontman for the main opposition crew, Waddani, and not to be outdone,…

The Nigerian government recently expressed its approval of a report that concluded there was "no evidence" to support claims that military personnel engaged in illegal abortions targeting Islamist insurgents in clandestine operations. The Nigeria Human Rights Commission, which operates with governmental oversight, undertook a thorough investigation after three reports by Reuters surfaced in December 2022. These reports made serious allegations against the Nigerian military, suggesting the existence of a covert, systematic…

Hargeisa (AX) — A staggering one million-plus voters in the self-proclaimed Republic of North Western State of Somalia turned out early on a Wednesday morning to participate in presidential and parliamentary elections, catching the eye of both local and international onlookers.The current head honcho, President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye party, faces competition from Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Waddani party and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID. Bihi, who has been captaining the ship since 2017, recently…

Following the whirlwind events of the U.S. elections in November 2020, President Biden’s administration paused, opting to re-evaluate portions of an existing trade pact before rolling out a new series of discussions. Fast forward to August 2022, Kenya witnessed a leadership shift as former Deputy President William Ruto rose to the presidency, taking the reins in the ongoing negotiation process. The buzz around these trade talks, formally known as the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), brims with optimism in…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a shocking incident in Guriel, a town in the Galgaduud region of Somalia, two Ethiopian nationals lost their lives on Monday. It all started with a clash reportedly involving an individual clad in the uniform of the Somali federal forces, which has triggered a wave of fear and prompted many Ethiopian workers to flee the area. Eyewitnesses recounted that one of the Ethiopian men was shot dead on the spot, while the other, severely wounded, succumbed later in the day. This violent episode has stirred…

Hargeisa (AX) — A Critical Vote in the Horn of Africa In the rugged landscape of the Horn of Africa, North Western State of Somalia, a self-styled republic, stands at a crucial point in history. The region is preparing for a momentous event: the dual election scheduled for this Wednesday. Citizens will engage in selecting their leader and defining the political parties that will guide the region's governance over the next decade. Combining a presidential race with a political party ballot, this election is pivotal for North…

South African sensation Tyla has made waves at the MTV Europe Music Awards, securing not just one, but three prestigious titles: Best Afrobeat, Best African Act, and Best R&B. This is a monumental achievement, as she’s now the first African artist to snag three MTV EMA awards in a single evening. What a phenomenal feat! Dressed to impress, Tyla paid homage to the legendary Aaliyah by donning a striking replica of the iconic Roberto Cavalli dress the late star wore during the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. A heartfelt…

In the sun-whipped regions of Somalia, where the ground rarely sees rain, date palm trees have become indispensable allies for rural folks. They’re not just green life in the dry, they’re a lifeline, putting food on tables and coins in pockets. It’s been nearly ten years since the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rolled out its initiative to boost these trusty trees here, and guess what? They’re still standing strong against climate’s curveballs, offering a smidgen of stability where it's needed most. CREDIT/…

In Kismayo, a significant announcement is expected soon from the Jubaland Election and Boundaries Commission, which plans to unveil a novel approach to selecting its parliamentary members. This marks another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between the federal government of Somalia and the semi-autonomous Jubaland region. The new selection procedure, set to be detailed today, highlights Jubaland's push for increased self-governance, further straining its relationship with Mogadishu.Under the leadership of President Ahmed…

In a noteworthy political shift, several members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have jumped ship to the newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party) over the past six months. High-profile figures like Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and more recently, advocate Dali Mpofu, have all made the switch, stirring quite the buzz in South Africa's political landscape. Julius Malema, the charismatic leader of the EFF, has brought attention to a rather intriguing proposal made by…