Eye on Africa

Kenya Steps In: A Fresh Bid to Broker Peace in Somalia By Ali Musa Axadle Times international–Monitoring. The winds of political change in Somalia are stirring tensions once again. As clashes between federal and Jubbaland forces threaten to escalate, neighboring Kenya has quietly stepped into the fray, offering to mediate talks between Somalia's federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubbaland administration. The unfolding situation marks yet another pivotal moment in the Horn of Africa, where decades-long instability…

A Crisis in Botswana: Health Emergency Amidst Economic Struggles In a stark televised address, President Duma Boko announced a public health emergency in Botswana, highlighting a dire situation that has been compounded by economic straits, dwindling international aid, and overwhelming shortages of essential medicines. The announcement comes at a time when this Southern African nation, known for its stability and diamond wealth, finds itself grappling with unprecedented challenges that threaten the well-being of its…

Tragedy in Ghana: Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Key Ministers In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across Ghana and its neighboring countries, the nation's defense and environment ministers perished in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. The tragic event unfolded as the nation grappled with rising regional security concerns and a reshaped political landscape. A Sudden Loss The helicopter, carrying eight individuals, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala…

In the Shadow of Waste: One Year After Kampala's Landfill Collapse When the massive landfill at Kiteezi in Uganda’s bustling capital, Kampala, surrendered to its own weight, the catastrophe heralded by a deafening roar, many mistook it for the routine noise of a low-flying airplane. But as the echoes faded, chaos erupted. A deluge of detritus surged across the landscape, uprooting trees and engulfing whatever lay in its wake. Zamhall Nansamba was among the fortunate. With her heart pounding and her children in tow, she…

Eastern Congo Peace Talks: A New Chapter or More of the Same? In a rare show of diplomacy, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have embarked on a journey to untangle a web of conflict that has plagued the mineral-rich eastern region of Congo for over three decades. The landmark peace agreement, signed in June, marks the first step in a potentially long road towards peace. A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Longstanding Conflict On Thursday, representatives from both countries met for their first discussions in…

Inside Somalia’s Judiciary Financial Quagmire Mogadishu, long viewed as the beating heart of Somalia’s hopeful resurgence, now finds itself at a crucial juncture. Somalia’s Auditor General, Ahmed Issa Gutale, has thrust the nation’s judiciary into the spotlight by accusing its top courts of obstructing essential financial audits. This revelation, leading to the disappearance of over $1 million, raises profound questions about transparency and governance in the country. A Call for Transparency, Met with Silence During a…

Mourning and Mystery: The Death of Alino Faso in Ivory Coast In the heart of West Africa, tensions flare and unanswered questions linger following the death of Alain Christophe Traore, more widely recognized as Alino Faso, a prominent pro-junta influencer from Burkina Faso. Chaotic yet poignant, the march that took place on a recent Wednesday in Ouagadougou was not just a call for justice but a reflection of a deeper regional wound. A Sudden Loss Alino Faso, age 44, found himself embroiled in a political labyrinth after…

Sudan's Deepening Conflict: A Nation at a Crossroads As Sudan's civil war deepens, the African Union has taken a decisive stand against the formation of a rival government declared by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a statement issued Wednesday, the AU's Peace and Security Council implored all member states and the global community to reject the "parallel government" proposed by the RSF, warning of the severe implications it holds for both peace efforts and the nation's future. The Fragmentation of Sudan Once allies,…

Zimbabwe’s Currency Conundrum: A Tale of Change and Skepticism In a bold yet controversial move, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced plans to unveil newly designed ZWG notes, aiming to phase out the previous versions deemed “defiled” by the public. As Zimbabwe grapples with tumultuous economic challenges, the currency change raises questions about the nation’s financial future, consumer trust, and the potential for recovery. Facing Devaluation and Distrust The journey of the ZWG notes has not been smooth.…

Unlocking East Africa’s Halal Potential: A Global Economic Journey In the bustling heart of Nairobi, a unique confluence of minds marked the beginning of a new chapter for East Africa. It was an event that could redefine the region’s engagement with the global economy, estimated to grow into a colossal $5.91 trillion industry by 2033—the halal economy. The Workshop That Could Hosted at Nairobi’s landmark Jamia Mosque, the Halal Business Development and Export Readiness Workshop unfolded under the emblematic theme of…