Eye on Africa

In a recent disaster that underscores the perilous interplay between weather and life, four individuals tragically lost their lives in Rwanda. Their stories, likely filled with dreams and daily routines, were abruptly extinguished by deadly flooding and landslides that swept through the country, leaving behind a trail of devastation. As per the report released by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, the catastrophic event also ravaged over 70 hectares of crops, threatening the livelihoods of countless families.…

"We hadn't encountered anything like it before; the intensity was unlike any infectious disease we had ever faced," reflected former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the recent launch of a compelling new book that chronicles Liberia's struggle against the Ebola virus. Titled Stepping Up to the Plate: Liberia's Untold Ebola Story, this publication emerges from a collaborative effort by the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism and the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women's Empowerment. The book aims to shed light…

Reimagining Emergency Medical Services in Africa: A Conversation with Emergency Response Africa CEO, Folake Owodunni The recent Prehospital Emergency Care Stakeholder Summit: Beyond the Ambulance held in Lagos was more than just another healthcare conference. It brought together passionate healthcare leaders, dedicated policymakers, innovative tech entrepreneurs, and committed community advocates—all united by a common goal: reshaping emergency medical services (EMS) in Africa. Sitting down for a reflective…

U.S. and Partners Crack Down on Al-Shabaab’s Financial Operations with New Sanctions In a fresh effort to curtail the ongoing threat from Al-Shabaab, the United States, in coordination with the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), recently imposed sanctions against key operatives integral to the group's financial and operational structures. While such moves are hardly new, this latest action emphasizes the growing urgency felt by international partners to disrupt Al-Shabaab's extensive financial networks. Have…

Assessing Military Strength in the Horn of Africa: Challenges and Possibilities When discussing military strength and strategic capability across the globe, Somalia offers a poignant example of complexity and vulnerability. In a region characterized by geopolitical dynamism, Somalia's heavy reliance on external support, particularly foreign-led training missions and cooperation from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), underscores inherent weaknesses. Analysts caution that this dependence reveals deep…

African Leaders Embrace Crisis as Opportunity at Marrakech Summit Amid escalating global trade tensions, African heads of state, policymakers and key stakeholders converged over the weekend in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, united in their resolve to transform prevailing challenges into pathways for growth and development. The occasion—the third annual AfriHeritage Awards and Concert—blended vibrant celebration with candid conversations on Africa's strategic response to shifting global dynamics. Could this…

UAE Reportedly Deploys Israeli-Made Radar System Near Northeastern State's Bosaso Airbase Have you ever considered how much can be discovered without leaving the comfort of one's home office? In a world increasingly watched by satellites, open-source intelligence (OSINT) communities continue to surprise us with insights that once were reserved for spy thrillers. This week, independent OSINT analysts have turned their keen eyes toward Somalia’s semi-autonomous Northeastern State region. Specifically, a curious discovery…

U.S. Tariffs and the Unforeseen Consequences on Africa’s Most Vulnerable Economies When President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff hikes, it wasn't only the usual global economic powerhouses that paused in their tracks. Beneath the major headlines, tucked away from mainstream international attention, were smaller developing nations—countries that, economically speaking, barely register a blip on the American trade radar. Yet these nations, many located in Africa, now face potentially devastating consequences. One…

In a decisive move reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape, South Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States. This strategic decision aims to mitigate the rising diplomatic tensions following Donald Trump's return to the presidency, a development that has stirred considerable discussion both domestically and abroad. President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the weight of his nation's interests on his shoulders, emphasized that Jonas will champion South Africa's diplomatic, trade, and bilateral…

Fitch Ratings Highlights Nigeria’s Rising Debt Service Obligation Amid Economic Optimism In a recent assessment, Fitch Ratings drew attention to Nigeria's projected rise in debt servicing costs for the year 2025. This insight emerges even as the rating agency expresses growing confidence in Nigeria's evolving economic policies. One might wonder, how does a country bolster investor confidence while simultaneously facing increasing costs of managing its external debt obligations? The…