Eye on Africa

The current political situation in Somalia is a complex tapestry, woven with threads of negotiation, power struggles, and the ongoing effort to balance federal authority with local autonomy. Recently, Somalia’s federal government has been embroiled in mounting political tensions with its member states. In March, a decisive step was taken by the federal parliament to amend the governance model, opting for a presidential system. However, this decision has not been universally welcomed. Northeastern State, often seen as one…

Conversations on Security: A Collaborative Pathway in Somalia In the midst of the bustling and often unpredictable landscape of Somalia, the air at the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu was charged with a palpable sense of purpose. United Nations Security officials and commanders from the UN Guard Unit converged for a critical meeting, a gathering that resonated with shared intent and collective responsibility. This high-level briefing on security was not just another routine agenda. With security dynamics continually evolving,…

USAID's Role in Africa and the Recent Policy Impacts USAID, an abbreviation that might not ring a bell for everyone, stands for the United States Agency for International Development. Over the years, it has essentially woven itself into the developmental tapestry of Africa. From health to education, and from economic growth to humanitarian aid, USAID has been like a helping hand that you didn't even realize kept so many things from slipping. But here’s a twist in the tale: recent shifts in U.S. policy have made this hand…

South Sudan recently characterized the US decision to revoke visas as both unfair and politically motivated. This controversy can be traced back to an incident involving a Congolese national. South Sudan argues that this individual, rather than its own citizens, initiated the diplomatic kerfuffle that ultimately drew Washington’s reproach. This situation leads us to ponder: How often do misunderstandings in global affairs stem from misidentified individuals?…

Imagine yourself at the bustling Kenya-Somalia border, a place where the lives of countless travelers and locals interweave against a backdrop of uncertainty and resilience. The border, which stretches from one point to the customs area in Mandera County, plays a significant role in the lives of those who inhabit this region. Recently, news from this area has been disconcerting. Armed militants, reportedly linked to the infamous Al Shabaab terror group, have abducted five chiefs from Mandera. Their ominous demand? A…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a city that has witnessed both turmoil and resilience, a poignant chapter concluded on Monday night at Digfeer Hospital. Sheegow Ahmed Ali, a Somali military officer of notable repute, succumbed to the ravages of liver failure and complications tied to Hepatitis B, according to trusted Somali health officials. His passing, however, left lingering questions not just about his health but also about the circumstances enveloping his final days. It's worth pondering how…

Algeria and Mali's Diplomatic Rift: A Tale of Airspace and Tensions Monday dawned with an air of tension as both Algeria and Mali took the bold step of suspending flights across each other's skies. This decision, stark and sudden, highlights the simmering discord that has festered between the two nations, escalating an already strained relationship. But what exactly triggered this? How did two nations, once neighbors in mutual peace, arrive at the brink of diplomatic fallout? The roots…

Refounding Niger's Identity - A Journey Away from Colonial Shadows Much has changed in Niger recently, amid shifting political landscapes and an underlying wave of national pride. The Refoundation Charter, etched into the pages of Niger's Official Journal and reverberating through the country's online and offline corridors, signals a deliberate pivot towards a sovereign identity. As reported by Sputnik, this document encapsulates a narrative of resistance and rekindled selfhood. At…

Mogadishu (AX) — The path to Mogadishu is fraught with challenges. Once-thriving towns now lay shattered, with makeshift outposts marking territories—changing hands one too many times, too quickly to remember. A new report from the insightful Soufan Center has painted a stark picture: Al-Shabaab's newest offensive in central Somalia threatens to destabilize Mogadishu. The capital stands vulnerable as Somalia’s forces—spread far too thin—grapple with an alarming surge in militant activities. Since February 2025, a chilling…

Mogadishu (AX) — The corridors of Somali politics have always been a tapestry of complex narratives and diverse voices. Against this backdrop, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has raised a clarion call for justice. He passionately appeals for a transparent exploration into the untimely demise of Sheegow Ahmed Ali, a former military stalwart who sadly passed on Monday while in government detention. As the night cloaked the city in solemn silence, Farmaajo’s declaration echoed across Mogadishu. "It's…