Eye on Africa

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…

Graves in the Path of Progress: A Tale of Loss and Resilience in Mogadishu On the outskirts of Mogadishu, the bulldozers of development are closing in on the past. This relentless push for progress has driven a Somali family to make a heart-wrenching decision—to exhume the remains of their parents from Moalim Nur cemetery and transport them to the distant soil of Guriel in the Galgaduud region. The memory of last year's destruction of the Policia (Bulusia) cemetery looms large, casting a shadow of anxiety over burial…

Political Turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo: The Trial of Joseph Kabila Just weeks after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marked the anniversary of its independence, the specter of its turbulent political history darkens the horizon once again. Prosecutors in a military court have called for the death penalty for former president Joseph Kabila, a figure whose nearly **18-year reign** left an indelible mark on the nation. Charged with treason, plotting to overthrow the government, and support for the…

Escalating Tensions in Somalia: Ethiopian Troops Hit by Remote-Controlled Landmine In the isolated Waajid district of Somalia, a remote-controlled landmine attack marked another grim chapter in the ongoing struggle against insurgent violence. On Tuesday, a convoy of Ethiopian troops, part of the African Union peacekeeping mission, was struck, resulting in casualties, though the exact number remains undisclosed. This incident underscores the growing instability in the region, where hopes for peace are continuously thwarted…

Mobilizing for Health: Africa’s Fight Against Mpox One Year Later In a world where every second counts, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) is racing against the clock. One year since declaring mpox a public health emergency, the organization is ramping up its efforts to combat the spread of the disease and save lives across the continent. With the shadow of a global health financing crisis looming, the urgency for international collaboration has never been greater. The Context of a Crisis Mpox, a viral…