Eye on Africa

Alarming Findings in Somali Maternal Health Raise Urgent Questions In Mogadishu, the echoes of a concerning narrative are reverberating through the bustling corridors of the Somalia Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital. Recent findings reveal a stark reality facing Somali women: more than three-quarters of those undergoing cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia are experiencing dangerous dips in blood pressure. This revelation comes from a new study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, shedding…

Confrontation and Compassion: A Tale of Protest and Unity in Johannesburg In a towering city where hope and division often coexist, South Africa's ongoing struggle with immigration has taken on a new chapter. Last week in Johannesburg, the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula marched through the streets, demanding action against undocumented immigrants while clashing with human rights defenders. The protest, marked by heightened emotions and palpable tensions, not only highlights the deep-seated anxieties many South…

Libya’s Elections: A Nation Crossroads and the Quest for Democracy As Libyans prepare to head to the polls this Saturday for municipal elections, it's not merely a test of democratic processes, but a reflection of a nation struggling with deep-seated divisions and insecurity. The regions of Benghazi, Tobruk, and Sirte refusing to participate underscore the enduring fissures within the country. The Challenges of Fragmented Governance Since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya…

Chad’s Political Landscape: The Sentencing of Succes Masra and Its Implications On a sweltering afternoon in Ndjamena, the atmosphere turned heavy as a court sentenced opposition leader Succes Masra to 20 years in prison, a verdict that reverberated across the heart of Chad's already tenuous political landscape. Observers, international voices, and local citizens alike are questioning the motivations behind this charge, which the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has branded as politically motivated. The ruling has generated a sense…

The Fall of Choguel Maiga: A Cautionary Tale of Power and Accountability in Mali In a dramatic twist reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedy, Choguel Maiga, the former prime minister of Mali, finds himself entangled in a web of controversy, facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering that could redefine the nation’s already tumultuous political landscape. This unsettling development, which follows his tenure as the head of the civilian wing of a military junta, raises deeper questions about governance, accountability,…

The Political Earthquake of Botswana: Reflections on Change and Continuity In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves across Southern Africa, Botswana’s long-standing political landscape has been irrevocably altered. The recent election saw the fall of former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, marking a seminal moment in a nation long identified with stability and prudent governance. To understand the implications of this political upheaval, one must look beyond the ballot results and the immediate aftermath. The defeat was…

markdown Kenya's Health Sector: Aden Duale's Battle Against Corruption The Kenyan health sector has long been plagued by insidious corruption. From phantom hospitals siphoning funds to procurement scandals unraveling at Afya House, billions meant to provide essential care have instead padded the pockets of cartels. For the average Kenyan, it's a grim reality of empty pharmacy shelves, abandoned clinics, and the heart-wrenching stories of patients turned away due to the steep cost of care. Enter Aden Duale: A Bold Agenda…

France Reconsiders Its Colonial Legacy: Macron's Acknowledgment of Rights Violations in Cameroon In a significant yet long-overdue reflection on historical injustices, French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the “repressive violence” that defined France’s actions during Cameroon’s arduous struggle for independence in the 1950s. This declaration arises from a broader reckoning with the colonial past that is entwined in the very fabric of France's identity. Macron's remarks were articulated in a heartfelt letter to…

Burkina Faso’s Junta Expels UN Official Amid Controversy Over Child Recruitment Report In a bold and highly controversial move, Burkina Faso’s military junta has declared Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the top United Nations official in the country, “persona non grata.” This expulsion underscores the growing tensions between the military government and international organizations amid an escalating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing jihadist conflict. The immediate catalyst for this decision was a report that called…

Somalia's Call for Peace Echoes Amid Gaza Conflict In a world wrought with geopolitical tensions, Somalia has taken a definitive stance, urging a cease-fire in the embattled Gaza Strip. During an emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Somalia's Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, condemned the escalating violence and pleaded for urgent protection for civilians in Gaza. Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry,…