Eye on Africa

Political Dynamics in Las Anod: A New Era for the SSC-Khaatumo Las Anod (AX) — The political landscape in Northern Somalia is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the recent arrival of Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, the former Speaker of the Northeastern State Parliament. On Tuesday, he touched down in Las Anod accompanied by a delegation representing the Sanaag and Haylaan regions. Their purpose? To engage in the SSC-Khaatumo Regional State Completion Conference, an event eagerly awaited by many and set to…

New U.S. Visa Regulations for Nigerians: What You Need to Know The recent announcement from the U.S. State Department has created quite a buzz. Effective July 8, 2025, most nonimmigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerian nationals will be limited to single-entry status and will only be valid for three months. Such a significant change prompts us to pause and reflect on its broader implications. Under these new guidelines, applicants for visas will encounter updated terms regarding validity and entry…

In a striking display of camaraderie, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently remarked to President Donald Trump that he would be nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize. This conversation unfolded during a momentous dinner in the ornate Blue Room of the White House, where the two leaders celebrated their collaborative military strikes on Iran's nuclear locations, touting the operation as a resounding success. Why is it that we often witness such bold proclamations of peace amidst the backdrop of turmoil?…

Reflections on a Nation in Turmoil: The Recent Protests in Kenya On July 7, 2025, the streets of Nairobi echoed with the fervent cries of Kenya’s citizens, as police officers set barricades to block access to the central business district. This date, significant for its historical resonance, marks the 35th anniversary of the “Saba Saba” protests—an event that once galvanized the nation towards aspirations of multiparty democracy but has now manifested in tragic loss and unrest. As reported by the police, eleven…

In a remarkable achievement for its relatively short existence, Sunbeth Energies has recently forged a partnership with Dangote Refinery, making it one of the few downstream companies in Nigeria to secure such a prestigious collaboration. This milestone not only showcases the company’s credibility but also elevates its standing as a trusted energy distributor in the region. Just under two years in operation, this partnership signals not only immediate gains but also long-term aspirations for growth and sustainability…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unsettling turn of events, Al-Shabaab militants have seized control of the crossroads town of Moqokori. This event marks their first significant foothold in the Hiiraan district in three years, raising alarms among residents and security officials alike. The capture occurred overnight on Monday, leaving the community reeling and government forces struggling to regain the upper hand. According to reports, units from the Somali National Army, supported by the Ma’awisley militia, gathered on the…

In 2014, a humble grassroots initiative took root with a vision: to empower smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This initiative blossomed into Johnvents, one of the nation’s most ambitious and integrated agribusiness companies. Recently, the company hosted a forum that served as a vital platform for connecting with stakeholders, vividly narrating a journey that has been marked by audacious moves, sustainable growth, and the cultivation of market credibility. During the forum, John Alamu, the Group Managing…

FILE - Former Somali National Army ground forces commander Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi speaks during a media briefing in Mogadishu. Beledweyne (AX) — This week, a significant turn of events unfolded in central Hiiraan as Al-Shabab fighters seized the strategically vital town of Moqokori. This loss, as articulated by a former commander of the Somali National Army, is both a tactical setback and a profound psychological blow to the Hawadle clan militia, who have championed community resistance. General Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, a…

The Future of Mozambique’s Energy Landscape: A New Agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries In a significant leap forward for Mozambique's energy sector, an agreement has been signed with South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries. This deal will pave the way for the delivery of an advanced Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platform, designed to unlock the country’s bountiful offshore gas reserves. The implications of this agreement could be far-reaching—not just for Mozambique, but for global energy dynamics. According to…

Dangote Refinery's Future: A Turning Point for Nigeria By the close of 2025, the Dangote refinery, a titan in Africa’s energy landscape, will pivot entirely to using Nigerian crude oil, as articulated by Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Industries. This journey toward self-sufficiency represents not merely a strategy for the refinery but a potential renaissance for Nigeria's oil sector. This ambitious refinery, boasting a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is owned…