Eye on Africa

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

Authorities have taken one individual into custody for interrogation regarding the tragic mass shooting in Lusikisiki, in which 18 lives were lost in the Eastern Cape. This horrific incident unfolded at a homestead within Ngobozana village, where a family was in the midst of preparing for a traditional ritual. This ceremony was designed to signify the conclusion of a mourning period for a mother and daughter who had been tragically killed in August of the previous year. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his…

Men gather around candidate Abdi Daisane (right), who's gunning for Minnesota State Representative. Here, he shares his campaign vision at the Waamo Café on Aug. 30 in St. Cloud. Credit: Paul Middlestaedt | MPR News Minnesota’s Somali community has grown significantly, flexing newfound political strength—especially in St. Cloud, where their numbers have surged. More than 20 years after the first Somali refugees arrived in St. Cloud, some are diving into governance and politics. This includes shaking up traditional…

Four years have zipped by since George Floyd’s tragic passing, shaking the law enforcement community. During that span, scores of officers departed, and fresh recruits were sparse. City officials announced a turning point last month, with recruitment numbers finally climbing.Sitting amidst her fellow graduates at the American Indian Center, Ikran Mohamed beams, fresh from completing the Minneapolis Police Department’s training. Credit: Matt Sepic | MPR NewsThis piece is brought to you courtesy of MPR News in tandem with…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged the Somali diaspora to engage more actively in fostering economic prosperity and regional stability. This appeal was made during the 10th International Somali Diaspora Conference held in Istanbul.The assembly saw representatives from the Somali diaspora meet with international allies. IGAD's Health and Social Development Director, Fathia Alwan, highlighted the vital role of remittances in supporting the economies of IGAD member nations.…

Come October 1, Egypt will helm the African Peace and Security Council for a month, announced Mohamed Gad, Egypt’s ambassador to Ethiopia and its Permanent Representative to the African Union. Egypt aims to boost the Council's efforts in safeguarding peace, security, and stability, while tackling the multifaceted security and development issues plaguing the African continent, Gad stated Monday. Circumstances today are pretty gnarly—both regionally and globally—heightening security threats left and right. This scenario…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday, the Somali government inked a landmark $68.5 million Development Assistance Grant Agreement with the United States. This move is a big leap forward in pushing socio-economic progress throughout the nation.In a solemn ceremony held in Mogadishu, the deal was signed by Somali Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, and USAID Somalia Mission Director Catie Lott.Focused on bolstering economic growth,…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Monday, Somali Minister of Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, and his Turkmenistan counterpart, J. Gurbandeldiyev, connected via video call, discussing ways to bolster ties in education, culture, and tech sectors. Fathudin Ali Muhammad, the Somali Ambassador to Turkmenistan residing in Ankara, took part in the session. The main focus was on fostering collaboration and promoting university-level education between the two countries. Turkmenistan's Minister of Education applauded Somalia's enthusiasm…

Mogadishu (AX) — A weary Al-Shabaab leader, turned off by endless infighting within the faction, surrendered to Somali authorities. This surrender aligns with an uptick in militants abandoning the group lately. Qaasim Ahmed Duhul, known in the group as Suulal Ceyn, cited the government's pardon and reintegration efforts as his motivation. For eight arduous years, Duhul was embedded in Al-Shabaab's ranks. With the help of clan elders in Masagawaa, he gave himself up to the 28th battalion of the 21st division. Speaking to…

The High Court of Botswana has officially ruled that four out of five presidential hopefuls possess the necessary backing to vie for the nation's highest office, as stipulated by law. Among these contenders is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is eyeing a second term in the presidency. Joining Masisi in this political contest are Duma Boko, the head of the opposition coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando, representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana…