Eye on Africa

Leaders from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are being called upon to engage in crucial conversations aimed at halting the violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also exploring strategies to safeguard civilians caught in the turmoil in Sudan. These discussions are set to unfold at the forthcoming summit in Burundi. "This summit presents a vital platform for African leaders to confront the ongoing crises in Congo and Sudan, among others. They must create tangible,…

A multitude of lawmakers aiming to unseat House Speaker Fonatii Koffa remain resolute in their intentions, disregarding a directive from the Supreme Court that called for a suspension of their activities. This order springs from a formal appeal made by Speaker Koffa himself, intended to halt any proceedings concerning his potential ousting until a scheduled meeting between both factions on November 4. The faction opposing the Speaker, which boasts more than 40 representatives from the House, identifies itself as the…

In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, an African Union peacekeeper strolls by a line of armored vehicles. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, better known as ATMIS, is grappling with the possibility of stumbling blocks in its concluding phase. Why? The culprits are inadequate funding and heightened regional unease, particularly with neighbor Ethiopia in the mix. Mogadishu (AX) — The African Union's mission in Somalia is hitting snags as it edges nearer to its finale. The root of the hiccups?…

Election day in Mozambique commenced on a tranquil note. Yet, when poll results surfaced, a remarkable shift occurred. Reports from Mozambique News Reports and Clippings indicate that thousands of citizens, predominantly the youth, took to the streets, vehemently contesting the declaration that Frelimo had secured a staggering 70% of the vote. This outpouring of discontent has stirred the fabric of Mozambican society. Many critics, fueled by the perception of electoral manipulation, expressed their frustration. As one young…

In a recent announcement, Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health, disclosed that the current Marburg virus outbreak originated with a 27-year-old individual who had come into contact with fruit bats while working in a cave linked to mining activities. This patient sought care at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali. Initially misdiagnosed with malaria, further testing eventually confirmed he was infected with the Marburg virus, leading to a rapid spread of the disease among close contacts and several healthcare workers.…

Chad has launched a comprehensive vaccination initiative that includes the R21 malaria vaccine, representing a significant advancement in safeguarding the health of its younger population. This ambitious campaign is set to provide the PCV13, rotavirus, and malaria vaccines to an impressive total of 19.7 million children aged between six months and five years. Notably, the malaria vaccine will specifically benefit 168,522 children across 28 targeted districts. By incorporating the malaria vaccine into its national…

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa and Somalia have vehemently denounced Israel's recent assault on Iran, asserting that it endangers regional stability. In a late Saturday statement, the South African Foreign Ministry remarked, "This strike is an intolerable breach of Iran's sovereignty." The ministry added that alongside the atrocities in Gaza, Israel’s relentless attacks on Lebanon and its ongoing annexation of the West Bank have cultivated a dire humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East. The call for an immediate…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission is urging the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to reevaluate its choice to withdraw from Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference. This decision, according to the Commission, could potentially destabilize the delicate peace deal between the two parties, established back in 2018.ONLF, which champions the cause for self-determination in Ethiopia’s Somali region, blames the government for reneging on crucial commitments, prompting them to abandon the conference mere days…

A Glimpse of the National Dialogue Commission Gathering in Ethiopia's Somali Region (Photo: public domain) On Sunday, the National Dialogue Commission embarked on a pivotal gathering in Ethiopia's Somali region, as detailed by BBC Amharic. A myriad of issues came under the spotlight during this session—everything from the structural composition of the government and possible constitutional revisions to the symbolism of the country's flag. Language officialdom and the interpretation of Ethiopia’s rich history were also up…

In Istanbul on October 19, 2024, Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, delivered remarks at a press conference. (REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya/File Photo. Purchase Licensing Rights) Next week, the Turkish foreign minister is jetting off to Djibouti. The agenda? A pivotal Turkey-Africa ministerial shindig, aiming to bolster ties between Ankara and the African continent, according to ministry insiders. Over recent stretches, Turkey, a NATO ally, has ratcheted up its footprint and sway in Africa. It's been boosting trade nearly…