Eye on Africa

In the ever-complex theatre of global politics and security, decisive actions often ripple far beyond their immediate context. Recently, a certain audacious maneuver by the Trump administration spotlighted this dynamic: a steadfast commitment to obliterate threats to peace and ensure that Somalia remains devoid of terrorist havens. But one might wonder, how does such a commitment manifest amidst the desert plains and bustling towns of Somalia? The United States Africa Command, commonly referred to as AFRICOM, recently…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a robust appeal to national stability, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday called out opposition leaders, accusing them of sowing seeds of discord instead of championing the nation’s developmental strides. At the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hospital in Mogadishu, President Mohamud pushed back against his critics' claims, dismissing them as deceptive and detrimental. "Politicians claiming the apocalypse is upon us, that Dante’s inferno is our destiny, are delusional and need help," he…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-beating heart of Somalia, a passionate fervor echoed through the grand hall last week as the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) wrapped up its Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu. This assembly wasn't just a meeting; it was a clarion call, a seminal gathering aimed at fortifying the nation's labor movement for the coming years. With a captivating theme—"Empowering Workers' Voice for Justice"—the two-day congress attracted 328 delegates. These included fervent representatives…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the labyrinthine alleys of Jamaame district, nestled within Somalia's storied Lower Juba region, a quiet storm was brewing. It was a subtle chaos orchestrated with the precision of a maestro by the elite Danab commandos of the Somali National Army. But they were not alone in this symphony of military strategy. Alongside them, adding their own fierce cadence, were Jubbaland’s revered Dervish forces. Consider the complexity of such operations. How does one synchronize movements across such challenging…

Muhsin Hendricks, renowned as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically killed in what appears to be an assassination in Gqeberha, South Africa. The circumstances surrounding his death are nothing short of shocking; his vehicle was ambushed, highlighting a dark chapter in the ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. Hendricks was not merely an imam; he was a revolutionary figure passionately advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ people within the Muslim community. His mission was…

Mogadishu: A Prelude to Political Discord? In the midst of Mogadishu's bustling environment, an air of apprehension seems to linger. Imagine the scene: a dimly lit conference room, the hum of whispered conversations punctuating the tension in the air. Here, at the convergence of deliberate political dialogues, a somewhat unsettling proclamation was made. Allegations Against the President At the Himilo Qaran political party's recent gathering, a spirited opposition figure, Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan,…

Baidoa (AX) — In a turn of events that can only be described as harrowing yet hopeful, the security forces in Somalia's South West State have succeeded in rescuing four children, much to the relief of their anguished families. These children—each tender and impressionable—found themselves in the clutches of the notorious Al-Shabaab, a scourge force bent on enlisting them into their militant ranks as child soldiers. Can one truly grasp the enormity of such a violation? Local authorities announced this heartening news on…

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

**Mogadishu (AX) –** A dramatic airstrike executed by the United States unfolded over the weekend, commandeering attention in the dry, sandy expanses of northeastern Somalia. Two members of the ISIS faction met their demise, as disclosed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on a sleepy Monday morning. Why does this matter? The strike paints a wider picture of the second strategic assault within the month against ISIS enclaves nestled in Somalia's rugged Northeastern State region. These efforts underline Africa Command's…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…