Eye on Africa

Sovereign debt crisis imperils developing economies as G20 gathers in Johannesburg Global economic experts are raising the alarm: sovereign debt in many developing countries, especially across Africa, has reached a critical stage and risks triggering wider instability if left unaddressed. With G20 leaders preparing to meet in Johannesburg this month, analysts say the summit is an urgent opportunity for coordinated action on debt sustainability and finance for development. The warning follows reporting that many low- and…

Somalia’s Upper House approves national human rights commissioners Somalia’s Upper House has approved the appointment of nine commissioners to the National Independent Human Rights Commission, a key step in formalizing the country’s human rights oversight architecture. The commissioners were sworn in immediately after the vote, completing the parliamentary endorsement process. Twenty-eight senators voted in favor during Wednesday’s session; one abstained. The House of the People approved the creation of the Commission on…

Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister Denies Genocide Claims Amid UN Controversy Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has firmly rejected ongoing international claims alleging the Nigerian government’s complicity in the genocide of Christians. This statement comes in the wake of accusations regarding the government's inability to safeguard its citizens, particularly those of the Christian faith, amidst escalating violence in parts of the country. Tuggar's remarks were made following a gathering at the United…

North Western State of Somalia declares coordinated internet price hike illegal North Western State of Somalia’s government has ruled that a recent, simultaneous internet price increase by telecommunications companies was unlawful and incompatible with the region’s free‑market system. A ministerial committee said the coordinated move lacked legal basis and was reversed within days after public backlash across major towns and online. Officials said prices must reflect competition and market forces, not joint action by service…

Libya’s New Agreement to Align Financial Policies Libya's central bank announced an important agreement between the country's two legislative bodies, aimed at creating a unified development program. This move seeks to align the financial strategies of the rival administrations in a framework they both accept. Libya is a major oil producer with divided governance between west and east. The country has lacked a unified budget for over a decade. The new agreement focuses on unifying spending channels for development…

Somalia’s space ambitions meet environmental realities Somalia’s coastline and equatorial latitude have thrust Bashaqle, in Middle Shabelle, into conversations about an African launch site. The prospect promises strategic access to orbit and a pathway into the global space economy. It also brings complex environmental, health, and governance questions that must be addressed before ignition. Equatorial launches reduce fuel needs and enable heavier payloads to orbit, making Bashaqle geographically attractive. Turkey’s…

India offers aid as Botswana confronts acute medicine shortages India has offered to assist Botswana in addressing a severe shortage of essential medicines, officials said during a visit by Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The offer was announced by Botswana President Duma Boko at a joint media briefing, underscoring the urgency of the country’s health supply crisis. President Boko announced the offer while briefing the media alongside visiting Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Available reports put the stock of essential…

Gunmen Strike Despite Security Presence in Kebbi State In a shocking incident that has left a community shaken, armed assailants launched a raid in Kebbi State, Nigeria, resulting in multiple casualties. Reports indicate that the attackers infiltrated the area via the densely wooded Zamfara forests, demonstrating their ability to bypass military checkpoints that were supposed to ensure safety in the region. Fatalities and Community Impact The violent raid resulted in the tragic deaths of a school teacher and a local…

Historic Milestone: Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles Eliminate Measles and Rubella In a landmark achievement for public health, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles have become the first sub-Saharan African countries to eliminate measles and rubella, a significant milestone verified by the African Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination. This accomplishment positions them among a select group of 94 and 133 countries globally that have successfully eradicated measles and rubella,…

Bridge Collapse in DR Congo Mine Claims 32 Lives In a tragic incident underscoring the perils faced by artisanal miners, at least 32 individuals have lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) due to the collapse of a bridge at the Kalando copper and cobalt mine. The bridge, which was unable to withstand the weight of overcrowding caused by unauthorized miners, gave way under the strain, leading to the catastrophic event. Unauthorized Access: A Prelude to Disaster This disaster highlights a…