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Eye on Africa
Regional reporting and analysis from across Africa, covering diplomacy, security, politics, business, and major developments shaping the continent.
The Misalignment of Federalism and Somalia: A Troubling Failure
Back when Somalia first dipped its toes into federalism, there was real hope in the air—an honest chance to stitch our country back together after endless chaos and strife. The idea of empowering regions, sharing power wisely, and acknowledging local priorities seemed a promising path. Yet, here we are, more fragmented than united.
If we're to grasp why federalism collapsed, we've got to see Somalia for what it is, not just some textbook example of a system that works great in places like Germany or the USA. We ain't those…
The Intolerable Burden of Hope: Understanding Why Somali Millennials Are Losing Belief in Transformation
Somalia's young'uns, especially those who sprouted just as the Siad Barre regime fizzled out, know naught but turmoil. Drama and chaos have been their babysitters. We’ve hung on for yonks, looking for some government worth its salt, but just when we think there might be some glimmer of silver linings, doubt crashes the party. Is change just a pipe dream?
A smidgen of impatience ain't outlandish given that every step forward seems to come with a hop back. Walking amidst shattered pledges and dislocation, our enthusiasm…
Donors and Troop Providers Anxious About Egypt’s Emerging Role in Successor to Atmis Mission
In the whirlwind of regional politics, the involvement of Egypt in Somalia's security landscape has sparked a fair amount of jitters among nations and international partners engaged in the African Union peacekeeping mission there. Egypt, flexing its military muscles, seems keen to play a pivotal role in Somalia as the African Union’s existing mandate wraps up. But oh, the plot thickens like a good mystery novel...Security wonks hint that this new player on the block—Egypt, wielding its influence by backing Somalia—has given…
Dahabshiil Eliminates ‘North Western State of Somalia’ from Its Platforms Following Directive from Somali Government
Mogadishu (AX) — In a twist of fate, Dahabshiil, a heavyweight in international financial services, decided to scrub any mention of 'North Western State of Somalia' from its platform. This decision follows strict orders from the government of Somalia. This compliance sparked a wave of negativity in North Western State of Somalia, where folks see it as a breach of their self-governance.
Dahabshiil is navigating the choppy waters faced by global enterprises under similar governmental pressure. Recently, even airlines like…
Somali Police Detain 24 Young Individuals for Security Violations During Mogadishu Soccer Game
A quartet of young chaps was nabbed by Somali police at Eng. Yariisow stadium on accounts of kicking up a ruckus at a local football match in Mogadishu. This grab was part of a sweeping effort to keep the peace at sports gatherings across the city. CREDIT/ Somali PoliceMogadishu (AX) — On a bustling Sunday, the Somali Police Force rounded up 24 youngsters after some hubbub broke out during a district footy showdown at Eng. Yariisow Stadium. Matches between Karaan and Wadajir districts, just a slice of the Banadir region's…
Jubbaland Claims Villa Somalia is Financing Social Media Campaigns Against Ahmed Madobe
Mogadishu (AX) – Mohamed Hassan Hiis, the Communication Director for Jubbaland Regional State, has thrown some bold accusations at Somalia's presidency. He alleges they're bankrolling a negative campaign on social media aimed squarely at Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe.Hiis pointed his finger at Abdiqadir Ali Dige, Villa Somalia's communications chief, claiming he's the mastermind behind this orchestrated social media blitz to tarnish Madobe's reputation. "Mr. President, can you really bank on these delegations to…
VERIFICATION: Circulating Posts in Ethiopia Spread Misleading Information About Horn of Africa Tensions
A Facebook post, emerging on September 18, 2024, surpassed viral status with over 800 shares. It flaunts a TikTok video captioned in Amharic, suggesting: "Abiy is bursting with joy."
The name "Abiy" references Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
Meanwhile, the caption hints at Egypt being "wrecked."
"Ethiopia's foes are in a panic," the video narrator claims. "Rumors swirling from Beijing—Xi Jinping’s domain—suggest Ethiopia's got its hands on the elusive J10 fighter jet." This aircraft is notable for slipping past…
VIDEO: Somalia’s $2 Billion Banking Industry Confronts Obstacles in Embracing Cryptocurrency
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s banking industry, worth a cool $2 billion, is gearing up for some serious expansion. This growth spurt is fueled by new rules and a rising wave of interest in fintech. But there's a hitch with bringing cryptocurrencies into the mix, as the sector grapples with syncing up international financial norms and Islamic banking values.
While people are starting to buzz about cryptocurrency in Somalia, the chatter is still pretty nascent. Local banks are dipping their toes into figuring out how to weave…
Tensions Rise Between Somalia and Ethiopia; UN Calls for Peaceful Dialogue
Washington— During a pivotal week for Somalia's security blueprint, dialogues in Washington and New York highlighted the pressing necessity for readiness ahead of the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Rising friction between Somalia and Ethiopia over Ethiopia's maritime accord with North Western State of Somalia has stirred the pot, capturing the attention of global stakeholders.
Somalia is on the verge of finalizing the lineup for the fresh AUSSOM, with the current African Union mission wrapping up…
North Western State of Somalia Rejects Somali Government’s Election Remarks as Unfounded
FILE - North Western State of Somalia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rhoda J. Elmi, makes her voice heard during a press briefing in Hargeisa.
Mogadishu (AX) — The North Western State of Somalia administration has refuted recent declarations from Somalia, labeling them as "unfounded" and accusing them of trying to meddle in North Western State of Somalia's self-determination. These accusations followed remarks by Fiqi at the UN Security Council, where he aired concerns regarding the political climate in…