Eye on Africa

In the heart of Frankfurt, a sea of placards emerged, screaming messages in both German and English. A particularly poignant one pleaded, “Stop Amhara Genocide!” Meanwhile, similar scenes unfurled across the Atlantic, where protests percolated through the streets of North America. Calgary, ordinarily a bastion of calm, was overtaken by thousands rallying against the carnage in Ethiopia's Amhara region. A cacophony of voices pierced the air in Washington, D.C., while Seattle echoed with demands for peace. The sheer scale…

In a captivating video snapshot, we see Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, originally from Kenya and now a proud U.S. citizen, addressing the audience at the Minnesota State Capitol on November 8, 2024. She shares the remarkable news of being elected as the first Kenyan-born member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — On November 5, Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley shattered ceilings as the inaugural Kenyan-born individual elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her journey is one painted with hues of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Internet personality Ramsey Khalid Ismael, infamously recognized by his online moniker "Johnny Somali," finds himself the center of controversy in Japan and South Korea. His offensive antics have not only triggered public outcry and legal repercussions but have also riled up the Somali diaspora. They believe his actions have unjustly stained their community's name. Though Ismael sports the nickname "Johnny Somali," he lacks Somali roots—he has openly expressed that he is of Ethiopian descent. At just…

Kismayo, September 2023: Jubbaland State and Somalia's federal government have hit a rough patch. Why, you ask? Jubbaland's camaraderie with the central government is on hold. The reason? The tides have shifted due to claims of federal disregard for Somalia's constitution and an apparent lack of respect for Jubbaland's self-rule. "In short, we’re pulling our support until the federal folks start playing by the rules," announced Jubbaland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on Sunday. They're throwing shade at the federal squad…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's dynamic political sphere, the Himilo Qaran political party, helmed by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has shown its support for Jubbaland State’s recent electoral committee establishment, a decision met with a mix of applause and controversy. Despite the federal government's disapproval, this bold move symbolizes a significant shift in regional governance. On Sunday, Himilo Qaran rolled out a statement that gave a thumbs up to Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the…

Mogadishu — A Breakthrough in Somalia's Security Efforts On Thursday, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia broke the news of capturing a suspect tied to somber deeds. With his hands reportedly in the murky waters of terror, Abdisamad Ahmed Osman stands accused of playing a supporting role in the gruesome event of October 26th: the assassination of two innocent lives in the Dharkenley District. Osman's alleged part in the grim drama wasn't passive. He reportedly drove the Bajaj, a humble…

In Kismayo, Jubbaland State's big cheese, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, pulled a surprise move by announcing a brand-new, seven-member Independent Election Committee on Saturday. Tasked with the job of sorting out the nitty-gritty of future elections in Jubbaland, this committee's formation quickly raised eyebrows and triggered a backlash. Critics were swift to voice their concerns, pointing out that the chosen committee members have been cozy with Madobe himself—a fact that hasn't sat well with Somalia's federal government…

Understanding the impact of a Trump presidency on Somalia isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Like an intricately woven tapestry, the situation in Somalia is complex, with threads of strategic importance, security challenges, and continuous developmental strides interwoven throughout. Let's dig in, shall we? Firstly, Somalia sits in a geopolitically crucial spot, acting as a gateway in the Horn of Africa, which necessitates a nuanced understanding of foreign policy impacts. Picture this: you're in a crowded marketplace, and…

The targeted area hit by the drone strike lies within the bounds of Arge in the Durbete district (image courtesy of BBC Amharic). Toronto - A devastating drone assault has shaken the Amhara region of Ethiopia, leaving a grim toll of over 50 civilian lives. The incident, another in a troubling series, claimed elders, children, and women among its victims. Alarmingly, one expectant mother was among those killed. The attack did not stop at fatalities; around 21 individuals sustained injuries, many serious and some critically…

Somalia has voiced its concerns to Germany over the idea of "compulsory" deportation of Somali nationals.On a Wednesday visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had a sit-down with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The main agenda? They chatted about teaming up on handling the return of Somali migrants from Germany.Posting to X, Farhan Mohamed Jimale, who speaks for the Somali government, shared that President Mohamud emphasized to Chancellor Scholz that forced repatriation isn't the way forward for Somalis in…