Eye on Africa

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…

Empowering Women Farmers: A New Initiative in Somalia On May 8, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Mogadishu. Janine Cocker, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to Somalia, and Etienne Peterschmitt, the FAO Representative in Somalia, shook hands, symbolizing their commitment to a brighter future for women's empowerment and climate resilience in agriculture. This partnership heralds a new chapter for Somalia’s agricultural landscape, driven by the initiative aptly named “Scaling Up Gender-Inclusive…

The latest market report reveals a consistent decline in the prices of all ORB (Official Reference Basket) components, aligning with the downward trend in corresponding crude oil benchmarks. This convergence between basket component prices and crude oil benchmarks isn't just a coincidence; it's rooted in the broader market dynamics that dictate pricing in this volatile industry. Moreover, lowered official selling prices across the primary marketplaces have exacerbated the price drops, creating a ripple effect felt by…

Bridging Borders: A Call to Action from Ethiopia’s Somali State President NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a heartfelt and compelling appeal, Mustafa Mohammed Omar 'Cagjar', the President of Ethiopia’s Somali State, has invited Somalis living abroad to return and reinvest in their homeland. Speaking to a throng of diaspora members in Nairobi, he made a passionate case for not just relocation, but active participation in the region’s renaissance, particularly targeting professionals and entrepreneurs based in Kenya. “Our region…

Political Tensions in Somalia: A Closer Look In the complex landscape of Somali politics, recent events have sparked intense debates and stirred emotions among citizens and leaders alike. Comments from Barre appear to be a direct response to a swell of coordinated criticism emerging from diverse quarters of Somalia’s political sphere. In the past few days, a coalition of 103 members of parliament and sixteen former leaders—including ex-presidents and prime ministers—have collectively accused President Hassan Sheikh…

Burkina Faso and Senegal, both significant players in West Africa, are intricately linked by their historical, cultural, and geopolitical narratives. Their intertwined stories play a vital role in shaping bilateral relations that are growing increasingly relevant in today's complex world. The proximity of these nations within the Sahel region, despite not sharing a direct border, acts as an invisible thread connecting them—woven through a shared commitment to tackling significant security concerns. In recent…

In a significant turn of events, former President Ali Bongo and his family have arrived in Luanda, the vibrant capital of Angola, following their recent release from Gabonese authorities. This marks a pivotal moment for the Bongo family, who have endured tumultuous times since a coup deposed Ali Bongo and reshaping the political landscape of Gabon. The aftermath of the coup, which took place in August 2023, saw tragic repercussions for many. Among those affected were Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo, Ali's wife and son, who…

Urgent Call for Support in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab Mogadishu (AX) – In a passionate plea that echoes the sentiments of many, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, the leader of the Wadajir Party and a Member of Parliament, has called upon the Federal Government of Somalia to urgently provide military assistance to local fighters engaged in the valiant battle against the Al-Shabaab militant group in the Hiiraan region. This is not just a request; it is a call to arms for the very essence of community resilience. As the…

Nigeria and China: A New Era in Economic Collaboration The latest developments in Nigeria's industrial landscape signal a promising chapter for the country’s aspirations towards industrialization. With China's ever-expanding foothold in Nigeria—especially in the realm of natural resources—this year has been a remarkable one for the two nations. They are deeply engaging with each other, particularly as Nigeria stands out as Africa’s largest oil producer and a country ripe with potential. This significant progression was…

Egypt Condemns Devastating Attack in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) – In a profound expression of empathy and solidarity, Egypt has condemned the tragic suicide bombing that occurred at the Damanyo military base in Mogadishu on Sunday. This heinous act took the lives of at least 20 individuals and left 15 others with grievous injuries. Such events raise difficult questions: How can communities come together in the face of such violence? What steps must be taken to foster resilience and healing? The Egyptian Foreign Ministry…