Eye on Africa

Nigeria's Nutrition Crisis: A Silent Struggle for Survival In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling capital, Abuja, a stark warning resonates from the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable: the nation stands on the precipice of a silent crisis, grappling with a “triple burden” of malnutrition. This term paints a grim picture, embodying a complex web of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies that threatens the health and future of millions—especially the youngest among us. Understanding the Triple Burden As…

Voices from the Capital: A Clash Over Free Speech and Political Power The bustling avenues of Mogadishu tell tales of resilience, struggle, and now, a spotlight on the evolving discourse of power and free expression in Somalia. The Somali Salvation Council, a coalition shaped by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has brought forth a boiling issue in the Somali capital: the arrest of Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud Haadoole. A Controversial Arrest Earlier this week, Mogadishu's dynamic rhythm was cut by an event that has…

markdown Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and Djibouti Forge Deeper Ties In the bustling city of Mogadishu, amid the backdrop of age-old buildings and a resilient populace, a meeting of diplomatic significance quietly unfolded. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Abdiqadir Hussein Omar, marking a noteworthy moment in the continued camaraderie between these two Horn of Africa nations. A Message of Solidarity Emissaries serve not just as messengers but as symbols of continuity and…

Kenya’s Unrest: A Reflection of Global Struggles What was initially a peaceful anniversary demonstration in Kenya devolved into a tragedy of violence and loss, highlighting the fissures in a nation grappling with political and economic pressures. With at least 16 fatalities and hundreds injured, the protest’s aftermath is a stark reminder of the complexities facing modern democracies. The Events Unfold On what was meant to be a peaceful commemoration of anti-tax protests that turned deadly a year prior, chaos ensued in…

A Year of Tumult: Kenya’s Struggle for Justice On a simmering Wednesday across Kenya, the echoes of a year-old struggle became deafening once more. The nation found itself embroiled in a deadly dance of protest and repression, with at least 16 lives lost, predominantly at the hands of the police. These demonstrations, marking the grim anniversary of previous anti-tax protests, reflect an undeniable discontent with governance, societal inequities, and a longing for justice. The Human Toll “16 verified dead,” stated Irungu…

The Tragedy of al-Mujlad: A Grim Reminder of Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis In a devastating blow to the fragile health infrastructure in Sudan, an attack on al-Mujlad Hospital in West Kordofan took the lives of over 40 individuals, including children and medical staff. This tragic incident, part of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), underscores the dire humanitarian situation in the region. Frontline Violence and Vulnerable Civilians The attack occurred near the front line,…

A New Chapter for Haiti: Understanding the Global Stake in a Troubled Nation In the heart of Port-au-Prince, a city pulsating with the clamor of daily life and stories untold, a pivotal moment in international relations is unfolding. As Kenya's multinational security support (MSS) mission in Haiti reaches a crossroads, the United States has signaled a desire for a new international force to assume control. This shift, marked by high-level dialogues between Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco…

Breaking News: U.S. Airstrikes Target ISIS Strongholds in Somalia's Baallade Valley The Baallade Valley in Somalia reverberated with the sound of warfare on Saturday night as U.S. forces launched a series of airstrikes aimed at dismantling the presence of the Islamic State (ISIS), according to security officials. The operation, which extended over several hours, concentrated on Maraagade—an area recognized for its entrenched ISIS strongholds. The strikes were reportedly audible in regions surrounding Bosaso, a significant…

Sobering Seizure at Somalia's Gateway: A Closer Look at the Drug Crisis Amid shimmering heat and the steady hum of life at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport, Somali police intercepted an alarming cargo—48 sacks of narcotics ready to breach the borders. As passengers crisscrossed the airport's buzzing terminals, this illicit cache threatened to slip quietly into the world beyond. A Calculated Haul This wasn't just a minor find. The Office of the Attorney General detailed the discovery: 48 bags, each divided into…

Somali Forces Foil Roadside Bombing in Lower Shabelle: A Triumph in Ongoing Conflict In the sunbaked landscape of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the rhythm of daily life was suddenly disrupted this past Saturday. Members of the Somali National Army's 14th October Battalion, led by the vigilant Brig. Gen. Abdirahin Mohamed Munye, safely intercepted a deadly roadside bomb intended to wreak havoc in the district of Janaale. This decisive action reflects the persistent challenges faced in a nation long-scarred by conflict and…