Eye on Africa

The Significance of the Somalia-Egypt Diplomatic Visit The recent diplomatic visit by President Mohamud of Somalia to Egypt underscores a pivotal moment at the intersection of regional politics and international relations. This visit occurs as Ethiopia stands on the brink of unveiling its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—a monumental hydropower project that has elicited strong responses from downstream nations such as Egypt and Sudan. These countries harbor deep concerns that the dam will significantly lessen their…

In a momentous development for Ghana's upstream petroleum sector, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has officially declared the Declaration of Commerciality (DoC) for the Eban-Akoma oil and gas discoveries. Located within the Cape Three Points Block 4 (CTP-B4), this landmark announcement is poised to rapidly change the landscape of the industry. This declaration has been put forth by a collaborative joint venture, which includes reputable players like Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Ltd, Vitol Upstream…

Electoral Reform in Somalia: A Tenuous Narrative MOGADISHU (AX) — In a revealing turn of events, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has publicly reprimanded Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe for allegedly contravening a pivotal national agreement surrounding electoral reforms. This accusation centers around an indirect vote conducted recently in the Balcad district of Middle Shabelle, a move that, according to Balcad, completely disregards the established electoral timeline. It’s worth noting…

High traffic congestion—marked by prolonged commute times and widespread frustration over lost hours—greatly impacts a nation's economy, environment, and overall quality of life. Every day in major cities, like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cairo, countless commuters often face journeys that stretch beyond two hours. Can you imagine spending a significant portion of your day simply navigating from home to work? The ramifications of such lengthy commutes are profound. Many employees find themselves fatigue-laden upon…

Garowe (AX) — In a significant development that may reshape Northeastern State’s political landscape, the regional parliament is gearing up to vote on a highly controversial motion aimed at revoking the parliamentary immunity of the former Speaker, Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril. Accused of spearheading efforts to detach the Sanaag region from Northeastern State and align with the SSC-Khaatumo administration, this action raises layers of complexity and stakes in a region already fraught with political tensions. Those in favor of…

The tourism sector in Africa is exhibiting remarkable recovery and potential, with a staggering 66.3 million international tourists anticipated to visit the continent in 2024. This influx is projected to generate a substantial $38 billion in total receipts, as highlighted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This isn't merely a statistical triumph; it represents an uplifting narrative of revived interest in the continent's vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. The…

Strengthening Humanitarian Efforts: A New Partnership Between Kuwait and the United Kingdom MOGADISHU, Somalia (AX) — In an inspiring display of international solidarity, Kuwait and the United Kingdom have recently signed two significant memoranda of understanding, committing a notable $10 million in humanitarian aid aimed specifically at communities ravaged by conflict in Sudan and Somalia. The announcement made on Sunday signals a renewed effort to pour vital resources into areas where hardship has become a way of life…

The saga between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump has taken an unexpected turn, igniting discussions about political affiliations and the very nature of American governance. This tumultuous relationship was once characterized by mutual support, but recent developments have turned it into a widely scrutinized public feud. The rift became glaringly obvious back in May when Trump unveiled the so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill," a sweeping tax-and-spending proposal. Musk, known for his forthrightness, publicly…

The Geopolitical Balancing Act: Somalia's Navigating Partnerships As the new year unfolded on January 1, 2024, Egypt’s strategic ambitions took a significant leap forward. The country eagerly embraced an agreement with Addis Ababa, granting naval and commercial access to the vital port of Berbera in North Western State of Somalia for an extensive period of up to fifty years. In a swirl of diplomatic tension, this memorandum of understanding drew sharp criticism from Somalia, which condemned the deal as an “illegal…

Starlink: A Double-Edged Sword in Conflict Zones Over the past couple of years, a concerning pattern has emerged. Various photos and videos shared on social media platforms have illustrated the use of Starlink terminals by militant factions. Such revelations have understandably raised alarms among regional governments and international partners, who are now grappling with this evolving challenge. A notable instance comes from Le Monde, which reported that in June 2024, a video surfaced showing a Starlink…