Eye on Africa

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: An Inspiring Kickoff in Rabat The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off on a cool evening in Rabat at the Stade Olympique, where anticipation hung in the air like the prelude to a great symphony. The hosts, Morocco, faced off against Zambia in a match that was as much about grit and determination as it was about skill. Despite being outpaced by Zambian zeal, Morocco showcased their resilience by fighting back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw. A Game of Resilience The…

Somalia's Delicate Dance: Election Accord Offers Hope Amid Political Discord In a move designed to steady Somalia’s precarious political landscape, an agreement has been struck between the federal government and elements of the opposition to undo contentious constitutional changes enacted earlier this year. While the accord attempts to put the state on a path towards unity, a bifurcated opposition raises questions about Somalia's future stability. The Election Accord: A Path to Political Reconciliation? Somalia's…

Breaking the Silence: The Enduring Battle Against Female Genital Mutilation in The Gambia Despite a national ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) that has been in place since 2015, the practice remains alarmingly prevalent in The Gambia. The echoes of tradition still resound through communities, fueled by mothers and older women who cling to the rituals passed down through generations. In a country where nearly half the population identifies as Muslim, cultural and religious beliefs intertwine, creating a complex…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and Pakistan's Vision for Collaboration In a rapidly changing global landscape, the importance of strategic alliances cannot be underestimated. This was evident when Somalia and Pakistan took significant steps to fortify their cooperation in diverse sectors, following a high-stakes meeting in Saudi Arabia. This alliance not only resonates within their borders but also has wider implications for the Muslim world and beyond. A Meeting with Purpose On the bustling sidelines of the 21st…

Turkey's Strategic Embrace of Africa: A New Chapter in Global Partnerships Under the dynamic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has meticulously crafted a nuanced and multifaceted relationship with the African continent. This evolution marks not just an economic or political engagement but a significant departure from the typical narratives of foreign influence historically experienced by African countries. An Unforgettable Turning Point: Erdoğan’s Visit to Somalia In 2011, with pixels of drought and…

Zimbabwe's Human Rights Struggles: A Deepening Crisis As Zimbabwe approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape, a recent report by the U.S. Department of State has cast a stark light on the country’s ongoing struggles with human rights. The grim findings reveal a pattern of severe violations that has yet to see meaningful accountability from President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, raising urgent questions about the future of democracy in this Southern African nation. Violations Beyond the Headlines The…

Justice or Political Vendetta? The Case of Rached Ghannouchi In a courtroom shadowed by controversies, Tunisia's opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi finds himself ensnared in a legal battle that many observers argue extends beyond the realm of justice. This latest ruling, tacking on additional years to his existing sentences—over 20 years from previous convictions—has triggered a stir among advocates of political freedom and human rights, both domestically and internationally. The Latest Sentencing This week, Ghannouchi,…

Urgent Humanitarian Crisis Looms Over Cameroon: A Call for Global Attention In the heart of Central Africa, the specter of hunger looms large as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) raises an alarming red flag: in just a matter of weeks, over half a million refugees and vulnerable Cameroonians may be stripped of their essential humanitarian food assistance. As resources dwindle, the urgency of the situation starkly illustrates the fragility of life in a region already burdened by poverty and conflict. Food…

In the Crosshairs of Insecurity: Katsina's Call for Urgent Action In the heart of Nigeria's northern Katsina state, a somber cloud hangs over the community following a horrific attack on a mosque that left dozens of worshippers dead. The chilling violence, described by survivors as a retaliatory strike against villagers who had taken justice into their own hands by killing accomplices of armed gunmen, highlights a creeping menace that has become an all-too-common facet of daily life in the region. Calls for urgent…

Somalia's New Political Consensus: A Step Toward Stability? In a remarkable turn of events, a coalition of opposition leaders in Somalia has forged a new political framework with the federal government, setting the stage for a potential transformation in the Horn of Africa. This development, which emerged from the Somali Salvation Forum, is more than a diplomatic victory—it's a critical attempt to stabilize the nation through consensus and collaboration. A New Electoral Framework On Monday, the coalition reached an…