Eye on Africa

**Mogadishu (AX) — An urgent situation unfolds in Saudi Arabia, where around 50 Somali citizens face capital punishment for alleged drug smuggling. Family members and Somali authorities are fervently seeking clemency, arguing for a reduction of sentences from the grim reality of execution to imprisonment. These individuals, mostly young, initially ventured to Saudi Arabia in search of employment opportunities. They were either coerced or misled into participating in drug trafficking across the Saudi border. Now, with the…

Nairobi, AX — Somalia's government made waves on Thursday, announcing a significant milestone in their quest for economic stability. They've struck a deal with Japan to wipe out $100 million in debt, a move that aligns with their broader push for economic progress and debt resolution. Somalia's Finance Minister, Bihi Egeh, joined forces in Nairobi with Japanese Deputy Head of Mission Ogihara Hiroshi to seal this landmark arrangement. This act marks a substantial leap in Somalia’s debt cancellation journey. As Finance…

In the bustling city of Frankfurt, an intriguing meeting took place between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Christoph Kannengiesser, CEO of Afrika-Verein. The venue? The renowned German-African Investment Conference. Their purpose was clear: forging stronger economic ties and boosting investment between Somalia and Germany. The event was covered extensively by SONNA, Somalia's National News Agency. FRANKFURT, Germany (AX) — In a spirited rallying cry, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke with great enthusiasm to…

Captured on a screen in Seoul, South Korea, the image of Donald Trump, once again the Republican presidential nominee and former President, graced Wednesday’s news programs on November 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) LONDON (AP) — The voice of American voters resounded louder and clearer than anticipated by many experts. As the world waits, a cloud of unease gathers over Donald Trump's re-election as President, stirring apprehensions among his allies about potential global instability. With a commanding lead beyond the…

Garowe (AX) — The drama unfolded Wednesday when Northeastern State's Minister of Information, Eng. Mohamud Aydid Dirir, threw shade at Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Dirir flat-out accused the President of giving the nod to deportation actions against Somali asylum seeker peeps in Germany. Yep, you heard it right! Not only that, Dirir is also fuming over what he claims to be the President’s involvement in booting low-income families out of their humble abodes in Mogadishu. Why? To hand over the land to private…

In a recent encounter that brought together minds from opposite ends of the global spectrum, Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, sat down with Mathieu Briens, the European Union's Deputy Managing Director for Africa. This wasn't just a meeting of suits and ties but a convergence of ideas and aspirations aimed at putting Somalia on a robust path to a brighter future. The Somali national news agency, SONNA, was right on the scene, painting a picture of diplomatic engagement. Amidst the backdrop of this high-profile…

Quote: "In the shadows of southern Somalia, significant developments are unfolding." These words best encapsulate the essence of a recent occurrence involving a drone crash in a location still under the sway of the militant group Al-Shabaab. On a seemingly typical Tuesday, an unexpected event stirred the atmosphere in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. Villagers in Farsooley, a small hamlet under Al-Shabaab's dominion, observed something unusual—a Turkish-made drone, armed to the teeth with missiles, took an…

Reporters from Bush Radio, a community radio station based in South Africa, are currently sharing their insights live from New York as part of an ambitious 14-month initiative. This project, aptly named "Strengthening Democratic Values through Cross-Cultural Journalistic Collaboration," seeks to enhance journalistic ties between South Africa and the United States. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to nurturing up-and-coming journalists from both countries. Together, they aim to tackle the pervasive issues of…

In a significant move, Somalia has announced the cancellation of over $1.1 billion in loans, roughly a quarter of their outstanding debt. Wow, isn't that a breath of fresh air? This declaration follows a string of similar commitments by lenders, freeing Somalia from financial shackles. The burden originated chiefly during Siad Barre's authoritarian rule, the aftermath of which led to civil chaos lasting three decades. The saga of heavy debt continued to loom large until now. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the…

Sure, let's create a unique and humanized interpretation of the provided content, while maintaining its core message: --- In the whirlwind climate of the 2024 U.S. election cycle, Somali-Americans experienced both triumphs and setbacks, marking their deepening footprint in American politics. Running the gauntlet among these prospective leaders, we have Omar Abdullahi Podi, Hudda Ibrahim, and Abdi Daisane soaring towards state and local positions in Minnesota. Not to be outdone, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar clinched…