Eye on Africa

In Kismayo, Jubbaland State's big cheese, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, pulled a surprise move by announcing a brand-new, seven-member Independent Election Committee on Saturday. Tasked with the job of sorting out the nitty-gritty of future elections in Jubbaland, this committee's formation quickly raised eyebrows and triggered a backlash. Critics were swift to voice their concerns, pointing out that the chosen committee members have been cozy with Madobe himself—a fact that hasn't sat well with Somalia's federal government…

Understanding the impact of a Trump presidency on Somalia isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Like an intricately woven tapestry, the situation in Somalia is complex, with threads of strategic importance, security challenges, and continuous developmental strides interwoven throughout. Let's dig in, shall we? Firstly, Somalia sits in a geopolitically crucial spot, acting as a gateway in the Horn of Africa, which necessitates a nuanced understanding of foreign policy impacts. Picture this: you're in a crowded marketplace, and…

The targeted area hit by the drone strike lies within the bounds of Arge in the Durbete district (image courtesy of BBC Amharic). Toronto - A devastating drone assault has shaken the Amhara region of Ethiopia, leaving a grim toll of over 50 civilian lives. The incident, another in a troubling series, claimed elders, children, and women among its victims. Alarmingly, one expectant mother was among those killed. The attack did not stop at fatalities; around 21 individuals sustained injuries, many serious and some critically…

Somalia has voiced its concerns to Germany over the idea of "compulsory" deportation of Somali nationals.On a Wednesday visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had a sit-down with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The main agenda? They chatted about teaming up on handling the return of Somali migrants from Germany.Posting to X, Farhan Mohamed Jimale, who speaks for the Somali government, shared that President Mohamud emphasized to Chancellor Scholz that forced repatriation isn't the way forward for Somalis in…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling city of Mogadishu, the interim committee established by the Somali parliament to formulate electoral laws and draft the framework for upcoming elections has taken a significant step. The committee has chosen Mahdi Guled, a former Deputy Prime Minister and seasoned MP, to be its chairman. Senator Iftin Hassan Iman Baasto stands by his side as the newly elected deputy chairman. On a bustling Saturday, this selection process unfolded within the walls of Villa Hargeisa. The meeting had the…

“Catch a glimpse of the gathering in Nairobi as Eric Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presided over a crucial meeting at Ecobank’s CEOs Forum on November 8.”In the hustle and bustle of Kenya's capital, top executives gathered to brainstorm fresh strategies for taking Kenyan businesses to new heights. Imagine expanding not just within the region, but globally! This conversation aligns closely with the ambitious African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With the AfCFTA on the…

The "Joint Border Administrators and Commissioners Meeting," marking the 28th round of collaboration between Ethiopia and Djibouti, unfolded in the town of Debre Zeit (also known as Bishoftu), just 44 kilometers southeast of bustling Addis Ababa. This significant gathering was highlighted in a recent announcement by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, putting a spotlight on a partnership crucial to both nations.In the leading roles of this diplomatic assembly were Selamawit Dawit, Director General of Ethiopia’s…

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bids Welcome to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha(Source: AFP) Qatar is under a bit of pressure from Uncle Sam, who wants the country to evict Hamas's political bigwigs by the end of the next month. This inside scoop comes from two insiders who spilled the beans to The National over the weekend. Qatar has acted as a cozy haven for these Palestinian leaders since 2012 after Khaled Meshaal moved there from Syria. Meshaal had been the head honcho of Hamas for over 20 years until 2017. It's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move, the Somali government recently declared that Ethiopian forces would be sidelined from the forthcoming African Union mission, which is set to replace the existing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, ATIMS, by January 2025.Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama shared this pivotal decision during a chat with Somali National Television, highlighting Ethiopia's purported breach of Somalia’s sovereignty as a key reason for their exclusion."Ethiopian forces have been…

On October 18, 2024, Amun Abdullahi, a remarkable journalist aged 49, lost her life in Afgoye, Somalia, under tragic circumstances. The International Press Institute (IPI) vocally denounces the brutal murder of Amun Abdullahi Mohamed, a distinguished Somali-Swedish journalist gunned down by a duo allegedly linked to the insurgent outfit Al-Shabab. Her death marks the second journalist murder in Somalia this year, following Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan from Somali National Television, who was tragically killed on March 13 by a…