Eye on Africa

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…

In a recent dialogue with journalists, President Emmerson Mnangagwa firmly reaffirmed his dedication to adhering to the constitutional mandate of a two-term limit. As he articulated his vision, he indicated that his presidency will conclude in 2028, as originally scheduled. This steadfast declaration comes amid persistent discussions about extending his tenure to 2030, discussions he categorically dismissed. “While I respect the democratic rights of those advocating for an extension, my decision is resolute. I will not allow…

When tragedy hits home, it echoes painfully through the lives of those left behind. Leyla Mahmud Ahmed was no exception to this heartache, as she grappled with indescribable anguish over the execution of her brother, Mohamed Nur Hussein, in Saudi Arabia. The ruling, she emphatically claims, was unjust and devastatingly felt by her family. (Credit: Supplied via BBC) Mogadishu (AX) — The grim news was delivered with chilling finality: Mohamed Nur Hussein, a Somali man detained for seven long years in Saudi Arabia, had been…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

Have you ever wondered about the lengths some will go to in the pursuit of profit, even as it risks public health? In a startling incident in Hargeisa, four Yemeni nationals stand accused of engaging in such nefarious activities. On a sunny Monday morning, the calm of this bustling city was disrupted when the North Western State of Somalia police detained these individuals. Their alleged crime? Repackaging expired medicine with fabricated expiration dates, apparantly aiming to sell them in local markets. The drama unfolded…

The political chessboard of Africa recently witnessed a riveting scene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There, beleaguered yet unyielding, stood Raila Odinga—Kenya's former Prime Minister—eyeing the coveted African Union Commission (AUC) seat. Could this campaign, riddled with global intrigue and political posturing, alter the course for Odinga or simply add weight to the rich tapestry of his illustrious career? Raila's quiet return to Kenya marks the culmination of a journey both long and intricate. His campaign took him to no…

In the vibrant halls of Mogadishu's newly inaugurated Hodan Hospital, a strong voice echoed, promising an end to the cycle of fear and violence gripping Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, determined and resolute, has set his sights on vanquishing the international terrorist forces that have long cast shadows over the Horn of Africa nation. Why does Somalia continuously find itself tangled in this relentless struggle against terror? President Mohamud, addressing the nation with unwavering clarity, proposed a holistic…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling streets of Somalia's capital, a significant initiative quietly unfolds, marked by the colorful presence of health workers armed with life-saving vials. With palpable determination, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, bolstered by global allies like WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has embarked on a crucial four-day polio vaccination campaign. Their mission? To immunize 2.5 million children under the tender age of five against a persistent adversary:…

Mogadishu (AX) — It started as a regular Monday in Burao, with Mahmoud Mohamed Yusuf performing his daily rounds for the Burao Water Agency. Equipped with meticulous records and a resolve to ensure accurate billing assessments for household water consumption, Yusuf had no inkling that this routine task would be his last. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was shot and killed, a chilling incident that has left the community in shock and disbelief. Yusuf was simply doing his job, armed with nothing more than data…