Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – With an air of both determination and urgency, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stepped up to address the nation with a poignant message: taxes matter. In a country grappling with financial instability, his administration is poised to launch a far-reaching tax collection initiative in the days to come. The message was clear as he spoke to the people of Mogadishu on Monday. President Mohamud extended an appeal, perhaps even a plea, for cooperation, underscoring a fundamental tenet of civic duty—the…

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

In the arid and turbulent terrains of Bosaso, a sense of tangible tension hangs in the air, not unlike the dust and whispers of the past conflicts that have dusted its streets. For some time now, this coastal city, esteemed for its commercial prowess, has found itself ensnared in the grip of militant groups, each more brazen than the next. Recently, however, a shift of sorts has begun to unfold. As vividly as a scene from an action film, Northeastern State security forces have detained several individuals linked to the…

A Delicate Dance: Ethiopia and Somalia's Diplomatic Dialogue ANKARA, Turkey — In a development bristling with diplomatic intrigue, Ethiopia and Somalia initiated pivotal discussions on Tuesday, maneuvering through a maze of complex geopolitical tensions. These technical talks between high-ranking diplomats marked a significant moment, emerging from a contentious pact involving Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia. A situation reminiscent of a chess match…

On a somber afternoon that seemed no different from the rest, a chilling event unfolded that changed the uneasy rhythm of life in the quiet precinct of Maxamed Mooge. Captain Cabdi Cali Nuur, a devoted leader and the commander who many said had a heroic sense of duty, met a tragic end. He was mercilessly slain under circumstances that continue to baffle both the mind and the heart. Serving his community with an unwavering spirit, Captain Nuur was a figure of strength, embodying unwavering loyalty to the law. But today, the…

In the heart of Mogadishu, amid the orchestrated chaos that often defines Somali politics, a fresh chapter for the nation's parliamentary journey is about to unfold. On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the serene yet somber atmosphere was punctuated by an announcement destined to shape the political landscape in the coming months. The esteemed Speakers of both houses of the 11th Somali Parliament declared, with a hint of anticipation in their voices, that the 6th session would commence on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Some might…

Mogadishu (AX) – A restless night unfolded in El-Bur, nestled within Somalia's Galgadud region, as a local militia known as Ma'awisley undertook a daring raid on the abode of an Al-Shabaab leader. The night air was tense with anticipation as the militia launched their surprise attack under the cloak of darkness, targeting none other than Yahye Laba Madax. Can you picture the furtive glances and the whispered strategies as these determined individuals, driven by a mix of courage and fear, plotted against a formidable…

Ma’awisley’s Tactical Strike on Al-Shabaab: An Evolving Conflict in Somalia’s Heartland Mogadishu (AX)—Under the cloak of night, an enigmatic group of local militia fighters, known as the Ma’awisley, orchestrated a masterstroke against the notorious Al-Shabaab. Their target was an embedded Al-Shabaab stronghold in El Buur, a district nestled deep in the heart of Galgaduud, central Somalia. Has there ever been a struggle fraught with such tension and resilience? According to both security…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In a landmark decision, a Swedish court handed down prison sentences to four men accused of engagement with the Islamic State (IS). The charges involved recruitment, weapons training, and spreading propaganda, though the court acquitted three of a purported plan for domestic violence. This resonates with a sentiment once shared by the philosopher Karl Popper: "Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance." And thus, the law acts to preserve society's peace. The Nacka District…

The military junta, under the leadership of Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has once again faltered, neglecting another deadline for restoring democracy in Guinea. This delay in the transition to civilian governance was outlined in an agreement forged in 2022 with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), concluding a long, tumultuous year of discussions. The long-awaited process intended to initiate preparations for the 2025 elections had been scheduled to commence on New Year's Day. Yet, instead of rallying the…