Eye on Africa

The State of Democracy in Somalia: A Tenuous Balance Recent conversations within Somalia's political landscape have ignited a sense of urgency among opposition leaders. They express concern that the Federal Government may be overstepping its bounds, a move that, if unchecked, could jeopardize the public's trust in the very foundation of democracy. Are we witnessing executive overreach that may blur the lines of accountability? During a recent summit, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble…

Bribery in Ghana: Insights from the Governance Series Wave 1 Report In a sobering revelation from Ghana's recently released Governance Series Wave 1 Report, nearly one in five individuals, specifically 18.4%, who interacted with public officials over the past year admitted to offering bribes, predominantly in cash. This statistic not only sheds light on a pervasive issue but also challenges us to consider the broader implications of such behavior on society. This report is part of Ghana’s ambitious effort to assess its…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…

A New Era for AfDB: Sidi Ould Tah Steps Up In a significant development for African finance, Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. This decision was made during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. As an observer of this pivotal moment, one might ask: what does this mean for the future of development in Africa? Stepping into this crucial role, Tah will inherit the leadership from outgoing…

When South Africa assumed the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) last year, it marked a pivotal moment for both the nation and the continent at large. The government initiated an ambitious year-long campaign, aiming not only to showcase South Africa's unique attributes but also to advocate for an African agenda on the global stage. As the world prepares for the G20 summit on November 22nd and 23rd, Johannesburg will host leaders from 19 of the largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union and the…

FILE - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., defending sweeping cuts to foreign aid programs. Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently found himself at the center of a storm, facing increasing backlash from health experts and humanitarian organizations over his defense of substantial reductions in foreign aid. During a congressional hearing on May 21, Rubio made a contentious claim: “No one has died because of USAID”— a statement quickly challenged…

In a pivotal moment for African development, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Mauritanian finance minister, has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This noteworthy achievement follows a keenly contested election held during the Board of Governors' meeting in Abidjan, where Tah triumphantly emerged victorious after three challenging rounds of voting. In the end, he garnered a remarkable 76% of the votes, signaling a robust endorsement from his peers. As the news reverberated across the…

Introducing the POCO X7 Pro: A New Era of Power In a world where our devices are an extension of ourselves, the POCO X7 Pro emerges as a captivating blend of cutting-edge technology and striking design. This smartphone is crafted for the tech-savvy users—whether gamers or creative professionals—who seek nothing short of excellence in every interaction. Imagine holding a device that doesn’t just comply with your needs but anticipates them. Available in three eye-catching colors—Black, Green, and the vibrant POCO Yellow—the…

Remembering General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice It is with profound sorrow that we reflect on the life and legacy of General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, a stalwart figure in Somalia’s military history, who passed away on May 28, 2025, in a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. This news, delivered through an official statement by Somali MP Abdullahi Aden Kulane, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have defended our nation's sovereignty. “With great sorrow, I extend my…

In the heart of East Africa, Kenya stands out not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich agricultural heritage. According to a recent report by Business Insider Africa, the past fiscal year has showcased the remarkable agricultural productivity of this vibrant nation, emphasizing the vital role of crops in its economy. It’s interesting to note that over 75% of agricultural production in Kenya comes from smallholder farmers. These individuals often toil on small plots of land, relying on their…