Eye on Africa

The Complexities of Democracy in East Africa: A Personal Insight into Martha Karua’s Recent Deportation In an unsettling turn of events, renowned Kenyan lawyer and presidential candidate Martha Karua found herself detained in Tanzania, an action that raises questions about the state of democracy in East Africa. According to reports, Karua was held for three hours before being expelled from the country, a move her spokesperson confirmed. This incident occurred just as she prepared to observe the high-profile trial of Tindu…

It’s an intriguing twist in the world of real estate when a mansion owned by a well-known figure stands empty, shrouded in controversy. The sprawling estate of Sean "Diddy" Combs, nestled in the luxurious Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, has been officially on the market since September 2024. Priced at a staggering $61.5 million, it carries not only its opulence but also an unfortunate association with serious allegations surrounding its owner. Spanning 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, this mansion…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Aviation across Africa and the Middle East finds itself on the cusp of significant change. The coming decade promises a surge in passenger demand, upcoming safety regulations, and maintenance challenges that could potentially elevate operational risks. For airlines and operators navigating these high-growth yet resource-constrained environments, the margin for error is becoming increasingly slim. In this landscape, Danan Aviation Consulting, a Canadian-based aviation advisory firm, emerges as a vital…

On Monday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) made a landmark decision affirming that Equatorial Guinea possesses legal sovereignty over a cluster of small islands situated in the potentially resource-rich Gulf of Guinea. For many, this may feel like just another ruling in the international legal arena—but the implications resonate deeply. Imagine engaging in a decade-long tug-of-war over territories, only to finally see the scales tipped in your favor. This ruling effectively marks the closure of a…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week. Their agenda? A wide-ranging discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues that matter deeply to both nations. Yet, as the anticipation builds, so does the strain between their administrations. It's crucial to ask: what are the underlying currents driving this tension? The backdrop of this high-stakes meeting is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies. In…

Forging New Paths: Ramaphosa's Visit to Washington In a significant diplomatic move, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Washington this week, largely with the aim of fostering investment opportunities for companies helmed by none other than Elon Musk. This initiative is seen as part of a broader effort to mend fences with U.S. President Donald Trump, as emphasized by Ramaphosa’s spokesperson. The upcoming meeting presents a unique platform for both nations to recalibrate their relationship, which has…

The Community's Stand: A New Chapter in Aadan Yabaal In a powerful display of unity, reinforcements from various regions of Hiiraan—encompassing Moqokori, Mahaas, Jalalaqsi, and Buuloburde—are rallying in a concerted effort. Community militias have prepared to initiate what local leaders are calling a “final push” to reclaim the district of Aadan Yabaal. This isn’t merely a tactical maneuver; it represents a profound desire to liberate a community that has lived in the shadows of fear for far too long. “Our…

Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges in Somalia “Families are being battered on every front — flood, hunger, and neglect,” observed Etienne Peterschmitt, Somalia's representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This stark reality illustrates the multi-faceted struggles faced by households in Somalia today. With the remnants of what little they possessed receding like the floodwaters, a growing concern emerges: the international lifeline that has traditionally provided support to these communities…

As living costs continue to rise in East Africa, Nairobi is increasingly feeling the pressure of food inflation, much like its neighbor Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The soaring prices of basic commodities have left many residents grappling with financial strain, prompting important discussions about the state of food security in these bustling urban centers. A recent report from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission (CCC) has shed light on the troubling rise in maize prices, which…

In a notable shift in strategy, U.S. envoys stationed in Africa will now be evaluated based on the commercial agreements they facilitate, rather than the volume of aid distributed. This change, articulated by a senior official from the State Department, reflects a burgeoning focus on economic collaboration rather than traditional assistance. Historically, many African nations have been among the largest recipients of U.S. aid. However, under former President Trump’s policies, particularly those leaning towards economic…