Eye on Africa

Northeastern State Leadership Stands Firm on Development Initiatives Garowe (AX) – On a day that marked a significant infrastructural advancement for the Northeastern State region, President Said Abdullahi Deni made a resounding statement regarding the future of development projects in his territory. Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration of a $5 million bridge funded by the World Bank, Deni articulated a clear vision: his administration will not entertain development initiatives that come wrapped in…

On June 9, an impressive ultra-large container vessel (ULCV), the MSC Rifaya, docked at Durban port, South Africa, making an unplanned stop for emergency repairs after its journey from Ashdod, Israel. This unexpected visit marked a significant moment in maritime logistics, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of South African shipping infrastructure. The MSC Rifaya, a colossal vessel nearly 400 meters in length, weighs over 200,000 metric tonnes. This immense ship holds a prominent place in the realm of…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a significant Saturday for Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the handover ceremony at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), an event that symbolizes not just a change in leadership but also a fresh chapter in the country's enduring quest for security. The mantle of leadership passed from Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe to Mahad Mohamed Salad, who now takes the reins as the new director. The ceremony unfolded at NISA headquarters in Mogadishu, drawing an assembly…

In a significant and heartening step towards unity, a group of esteemed traditional elders convened in Mogadishu on Saturday, urging opposition leaders to actively engage in the upcoming National Consultation Forum. This initiative, called by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aims to tackle the nation’s pressing political and security challenges, issues that weigh heavily on the hearts of many Somalis. During a press conference brimming with hope and purpose, the elders warmly welcomed the President’s thrust towards…

Weather Alert: Prepare for Strong Winds and Large Waves A dramatic scene unfolds as strong winds whip through the landscape on a rainy day, captured in a recent footage report from Weather Today. Reflecting this chaotic beauty, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a crucial weather advisory that urges citizens to brace for intense winds and towering waves over the next six days. The message, released on Friday, June 13, is not just mere meteorological jargon; it carries the weight of severe implications for both…

Rising Health Spending in East Africa: A Response to Aid Withdrawal In recent months, the finance ministers across East Africa have found themselves navigating a challenging landscape, driven primarily by U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of billions of dollars in aid. This decision has triggered a profound re-evaluation of health expenditures within the region. What does this mean for healthcare systems already grappling with insufficient resources and an upsurge in health crises? The stakes are incredibly…

Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives…

**Mogadishu (AX)** – On a bright Saturday morning, a significant chapter unfolded in the pages of Somalia’s educational journey. Nearly 40,000 students embarked on the pivotal 12th Grade Certificate Examination for the 2024–2025 academic year. Such moments, steeped in hope and ambition, are not merely about tests; they represent dreams, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge amidst challenging circumstances. This year, an impressive total of **39,397 students** from various regions and districts across the…

In a significant development, the Kenyan police conducted an operation on Thursday in Elwak, Mandera County, resulting in the arrest of two men who had crossed into Somalia and enlisted in the Somali National Army. This incident highlights a complex intersection of local challenges and wider geopolitical issues that affect not only Kenya but also its neighboring countries. Authorities reported that the suspects, aged 23 and 32, were linked to a troubling pattern of robberies in the Elwak region. Acting on a tip-off, police…

Protests Erupt in Nairobi Following the Tragic Death of a Blogger On a tense Thursday afternoon, the streets of Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, echoed with the cries of protesters. The air was thick with emotion as citizens gathered to voice their outrage over the shocking death of a local blogger known as Albert Ojwang. Just days before, Ojwang had been arrested, reportedly for criticizing the country’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat. As the situation escalated, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse…