Eye on Africa

Somalia’s leaders pledge unity, faster local elections and intensified security after National Consultative Council meeting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s top political leaders reaffirmed national unity, accelerated election timelines and stepped up security operations against extremist groups during a virtual session of the National Consultative Council chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday. In a statement after the meeting, the council endorsed the Federal Government’s…

Somalia, Pakistan sign visa-waiver pact for diplomatic passport holders MOGADISHU — Somalia and Pakistan have signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, marking a bid to accelerate high-level engagement and deepen political cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was concluded during a meeting in Pakistan attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yousuf, underscoring renewed momentum in bilateral ties. Pakistan’s Special Secretary at…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s main opposition alliance, the Somali Future Council, says it will attend a federal government–led consultative conference in Mogadishu, a move the bloc casts as essential to averting a constitutional vacuum and breaking the country’s escalating political and electoral impasse. In a statement issued Saturday, the alliance framed its participation as a bid to secure an inclusive political settlement that preserves the unity and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The Somali Future…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Friday it arrested five alleged al-Shabab militants accused of plotting to infiltrate Mogadishu and carry out attacks aimed at destabilizing the capital. In a statement, the agency, known as NISA, said the suspects were detained following an intelligence-led operation that tracked the network’s movements and communications. Authorities said they seized explosives, weapons and vehicles believed to have been readied for use in attacks. NISA did not…

MOGADISHU — Somalia has canceled its defense and security agreements with the United Arab Emirates, a move the government said Friday was necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and public safety while keeping broader diplomatic ties intact. Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Daud Aweys Jama said the termination applies strictly to military and security cooperation frameworks between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. He argued the arrangements had become more harmful than helpful to Somalia’s…

National Disaster Declared Amid Deadly Floods in Southern Africa South Africa and Mozambique are grappling with devastating floods that have claimed lives and displaced thousands. Authorities in both countries are working tirelessly to respond to this catastrophic event. Severe flooding declared a national disaster in South Africa. Heavy rains have affected Mozambique, with entire neighborhoods submerged. Rescue efforts are ongoing as both nations strive to recover and assist survivors. Impact in South Africa…

The Destructive Floods Devastating Mozambique Severe flooding in Mozambique’s Gaza province has forced over 300,000 people from their homes, causing widespread devastation. The situation, exacerbated by weeks of torrential rain, has submerged significant portions of the region. Over 40% of Gaza province is underwater. 327,000 displaced residents are sheltering in temporary sites. President Daniel Chapo canceled a trip to Davos due to the crisis. Humanitarian Crisis and Evacuations With authorities striving to…

Sudan's Civil War: A Troubled Path to Peace Sudan's military leadership is reviewing a new proposal by the United States and Saudi Arabia to establish a humanitarian truce and broader cease-fire. This potential diplomatic breakthrough comes as the country approaches 1,000 days of conflict. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) received the initiative, which focuses on humanitarian relief. The Security and Defence Council, including military and civilian figures, met to discuss it. The proposal aims to operationalize…

The Impact of Prolonged School Closures in Sudan Sudan faces an alarming educational crisis as millions of children remain out of school due to ongoing conflict. This section explores the core issues contributing to one of the world's longest school closures. Over eight million children in Sudan face nearly 500 days without formal education. Conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hinders educational access. Schools are either closed, damaged, or repurposed as shelters, particularly in…

Algerian Parliament Criminalizes French Colonization Algeria's parliament has passed legislation condemning French colonial rule, marking a significant step in the country's historical narrative. However, lawmakers stopped short of demanding compensation or an official apology from France. The law was unanimously approved by the upper house, the Council of the Nation. 12 articles concerning compensation and apology were reserved for further revision. Legislation was already approved by the lower house on Dec. 24.…