Eye on Africa

Jubaland forms drought response committee as water crisis deepens; 1.5 million need aid, OCHA says KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe” has appointed a seven-member committee to steer the region’s response to a worsening drought, as aid agencies warn of escalating food insecurity and water shortages across southern Somalia. The decree, released Sunday, empowers an interministerial body to organize relief operations, accelerate aid delivery and coordinate with humanitarian partners. The committee…

Mogadishu (AX) — China has donated $1 million to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) to bolster drought relief as seasonal rains falter and food insecurity deepens across the country, Somali and Chinese officials said Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu formally handed over the contribution during a high-level meeting hosted by SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moalim Abdulle in Mogadishu. Wang said the aid reflects Beijing’s commitment to stand by Somalia “during these difficult times,” citing the “principle…

Political Accusations Against George Weah: A Closer Look A prominent Liberian broadcaster has come forward to address serious allegations against former President George Weah, describing them as politically motivated fabrications. Stanton Witherspoon, a veteran broadcaster based in the U.S., emphasized that various political commentators have tied Weah to deaths and disappearances during his presidency, but he argues that these claims lack credible evidence. Witherspoon asserted that the accusations form a coordinated…

President Peter Mutharika has announced the cancellation of almost all school-related fees in Malawi, saying the move fulfills a key campaign promise and ordering that "no public school should be requesting learners to make contributions towards the School Development Fund and any other fees, except boarding fees." The directive, disclosed in a presidential statement, is intended to reduce the financial barrier to primary and secondary education and to boost enrollment and completion rates. Malawi currently posts a primary…

At least 10 killed in Beledhawo amid suspected clan revenge attacks MOGADISHU — At least 10 people were killed in a series of attacks in Beledhawo town in Somalia’s Gedo region over the past several hours, local sources said Monday, in violence believed to be tied to escalating clan-related revenge killings across south and central Somalia. Residents in the Farjano neighborhood of Beledhawo district said five civilians were shot dead late Sunday. Among the victims, according to those accounts, was a sick man and four…

MOGADISHU — At least 10 people were killed in a series of attacks in Beledhawo town in Somalia’s Gedo region over the past several hours, local sources said Monday, underscoring a surge in clan-related revenge violence across parts of the country. The deadliest incident unfolded Sunday night in the Farjano neighborhood of Beledhawo district, where five civilians were shot dead. Among the victims was a sick man and four relatives — two brothers and two other close family members — who were reportedly caring for him, residents…

Kenya will not share citizens’ personal medical records with the United States under the new Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Sunday, moving to quell public concern over data privacy provisions in the seven-year deal. In a statement, Duale said the agreement permits only the exchange of aggregated health data. He emphasized that no unique personal identifiers or individual medical files will be accessible to U.S. authorities, and that Kenya retains full control over what…

At least 11 people, including a 3-year-old child, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were killed and 14 others wounded when gunmen stormed an illegal shebeen in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, police said Friday. Police said at least three attackers entered the unlicensed drinking venue and opened fire on a group of people. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unknown, authorities said. “Illegal and unlicensed liquor outlets are a major hotspot for mass shootings,” police spokesperson Brig.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the shadow of sandbagged checkpoints and concrete blast walls, the National Theater sits like a survivor. Years after a suicide bomber tore through its auditorium, the stage still glows under hard light. On a recent morning, Hassan Barre stepped forward to offer a different emblem of Somalia: poetry. “Somalis must be aware of their responsibility to their country and each other,” he recited, his cadence steady and unhurried. The 70-year-old cut a somber figure at the podium, his voice carrying over a…

Release of Abducted Schoolchildren in Niger State: A Fragile Victory Nigerian authorities announced that they have successfully secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary's Catholic boarding school in Niger state. This incident, which unfolded on November 21, saw 315 pupils and staff taken by gunmen from the co-educational facility located in north-central Nigeria. Following the chaos of the attack, around 50 students managed to escape, but the fate of another 165 children and staff remains unknown.…