Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious offensive, Somalia's National Security and Intelligence Agency (NISA) unleashed a blistering assault against al-Shabaab, taking down at least 19 of their operatives in the Yaaqle area within Middle Shabelle. They made this announcement on Friday, painting a vivid picture of a strategic victory in their ongoing anti-terrorism campaign. This calculated operation zeroed in on a concealed lair, harboring al-Shabaab fighters plotting under the radar. NISA claims they successfully neutralized key…

Marian Hassan, a passionate educator, has dedicated her career to teaching Minnesotans about the Somali language and capturing oral histories from elderly Somali residents. This enthusiastic endeavor is essential to stopping the impending loss of language in the state. With her insightful work, Marian highlights an issue close to her heart—protecting Somalia's rich cultural legacy. Although Somali ranks as the third most spoken language in Minnesota, following English and Spanish, it's fascinating to realize that it wasn't…

In a recent move, the Zimbabwean government has mandated that administrators of WhatsApp groups within its jurisdiction must register and obtain a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). This development is not just a bureaucratic tick-off; it reflects significant shifts in the country’s regulatory landscape. POTRAZ has set a minimum licensing fee of U.S.$50, but this amount could skyrocket to as high as U.S.$2,500, depending on the group's nature and size. The authorities…

In a recent article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michelle Gavin opines that the push to amend the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will deepen the already palpable skepticism among citizens towards their government. Since assuming the presidency in 2018 through questionable means, Felix Tshisekedi has faced significant challenges in addressing the urgent needs of the Congolese people. "A leopard doesn’t change its spots," as the saying goes, and many citizens are beginning to believe little…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Friday, the U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM if you're in the know, set the record straight about a drone that took a nosedive on Tuesday in the southern reaches of Somalia. What did they say? Well, turns out it was an American drone—not Turkish, like some local chatter had claimed. This misstep had folks initially mistaking the fancy flying gizmo for a Turkish Bayraktar TB2. Quite the mix-up! The drone, an MQ-1C Gray Eagle to be exact, crash-landed near Farsooley—a spot under the watchful eye of…

At the 12th World Urban Forum held in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt, an important step towards a fairer transportation future was unveiled. During this event, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). In crafting this action plan, over 1,300 diverse stakeholders from across Africa provided invaluable insights. This strategic framework emphasizes the urgent need to invest in alternatives to…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

Mogadishu (AX)— In an intriguing turn of events, the former head honcho of the Somali intelligence agency, Fahad Yasin, is urging PM Hamza Abdi Barre to roll up his sleeves and tackle the brewing political discord with Jubaland's top dog, Ahmed Madobe. According to Yasin, this situation is a pivotal moment for Hamza's administration—a "crucial test" if you will. For those unfamiliar with Yasin, he's been a bit of a lightning rod in Somali politics, known for his close ties with ex-President Farmajo. But he's dropping some…

Somalia's U-17 football squad squared off against Algeria in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations match, their performance a testament to their determination on the field. Wearing their distinctive blue kits, the young Somali players worked tirelessly to thwart Algeria’s aggressive advances, showcasing remarkable tenacity and skill. Mogadishu (AX) — In Uganda, the stage is set for the U-17 CECAFA qualifiers. Here, East and Central Africa's burgeoning football maestros will strive to claim their spots in the prestigious 2025…

Mogadishu (AX) — Donald Trump's return to the presidency has sent shivers through immigrant groups across America, especially among Somali communities now wrestling with fresh anxieties over deportation. His campaign emphasized a stringent approach toward undocumented migrants, pledging historic levels of deportation. This has stirred alarm particularly among Somali families who view North America as a sanctuary and now fear their settled lives might face upheaval. Many are considering the possibility of relocating to…