Eye on Africa

Nairobi (AX) — On Tuesday, Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia warmly endorsed the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to take over from the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) come January 2025. President Mohamud was in Kenya from October 21st to 22nd, continuing a regional tour of nations contributing troops to ATMIS. Their discussions hovered over challenges and opportunities in stabilizing Somalia and the…

Wicknell Chivayo, a well-known and often divisive figure in Zimbabwe’s business landscape, has firmly rejected any suggestions of his involvement in a contract for supplying ballot papers to the Namibian Electoral Commission (NEC). Chivayo expressed his dismay, deeming the claims linking him to this contract both unfounded and alarming. A report by the Daily Maverick pointed to Chivayo's connections with Ren-Form, the firm awarded the task of designing, printing, and packaging ballot papers for Namibia's upcoming…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Somali government firmly declared its control over selecting which international allies will provide forces for the African Union's upcoming Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the dawn of January 2024. On Wednesday, a formal communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity for troop decisions to mesh with Somalia’s core interests and sovereign rights. The administration took a strong…

As Guinea-Bissau gears up for its forthcoming elections, a notable chill has fallen over the media landscape, prompting serious worries about the state of press freedom in the country. Many media outlets face insurmountable obstacles, particularly the hefty $5,000 licensing fees imposed by the government, which they must pay to continue broadcasting. Consequently, a significant number of radio stations have found it challenging, if not impossible, to muster the funds necessary to renew their licenses in time for the…

Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, recently announced some promising news regarding the country's battle against the Marburg virus. Since the outbreak first emerged in September, there’s been a notable decrease in the rate of new infections, a sign that has the nation hopeful. Nsanzimana described this trend as "very encouraging." Reflecting on the initial phase of the outbreak, he mentioned, "The first two weeks felt somewhat stagnant; we were still unearthing the nature of this virus." However, he expressed…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a surprising turn of events, Abdirahman Duale Bayle, who once held the position of Somali Finance Minister, alongside other notable political figures, has thrown his lot in with North Western State of Somalia’s opposition party, Waddani, with the November ballots just around the corner.Having distanced himself from his earlier campaign for a 'Greater Somalia,' Bayle made a homecoming to North Western State of Somalia after years in the federal quarters. "We’re jumping aboard this ship and teaming up with…

Venâncio Mondlane, an independent candidate vying for the presidency in Mozambique, has issued a powerful call for a nationwide strike to protest widespread electoral malpractice. According to a civil society group known as Mais Integridade, the fraudulent activities were so flagrant that they unfolded right under the noses of various observers. "It’s hard to believe what we've witnessed," one member of the group noted, reflecting the disillusionment felt by many. Tragically, the political climate has grown increasingly…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has bestowed Egypt with the distinguished title of malaria-free, a momentous achievement that signifies a remarkable triumph in public health. This accomplishment is the culmination of nearly a century-long commitment by this North African nation to eradicate a disease that has shadowed its history since the dawn of civilization. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Malaria has been intertwined with Egyptian civilization for millennia.…

Mogadishu (AX) – Pulling in like a breeze on a Sunday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud landed in Djibouti as he continued his whirl through nations backing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). As the jet touched down, President Mohamud received a warm welcome from Djibouti’s Prime Minister, Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, alongside a crew of top officials. It was a moment brimming with diplomacy and friendship. On this pit stop, he’s slated to chinwag with Djibouti’s big cheese, President Ismael Omar…

Jigjiga (AX) - The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has withdrawn from Ethiopia's National Dialogue, accusing the ruling Somali regional party of breaking promises with political factions. In a Sunday statement, the ONLF alleged that the ruling party handpicked attendees for the dialogue, sidelining varied perspectives and undermining the exclusivity pact. "An exclusionary approach defies the essence of National Dialogue, designed to unite all parties to tackle conflict's core issues. Without key players from…