Eye on Africa

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…

The bustling streets of Mogadishu had barely settled down from the recent diplomatic fanfare when officials from Somalia and Ethiopia quietly jetted off to Ankara. Here, beneath the expansive Turkish skies, a new chapter in East African diplomacy was set to unfold. Could an age-old quest for maritime access merge with modern realpolitik to reshape the Horn of Africa? In a world where global alliances shift as easily as the dunes in the Somali desert, hopes and anxieties collide. It's interesting how, in the realm of…

Execution of Somali National Unveils Complexities in Legal Systems In a sobering revelation of the harsh global punitive measures, Saudi authorities executed Mohamed Nur Hussein Ja'al, a Somali national, for drug smuggling on Sunday. Alongside him, a Saudi citizen found guilty of murder faced the same unforgiving fate. These recent events were announced by the Ministry of Interior, underscoring the nation's stringent criminal justice approach. Imagine a person caught in a web of intrigue and peril, Mohamed…

FILE - Aslam Longton (bottom right) and Jamil Longton (bottom left) are seen at the Kenya National Human Rights Commission in Nairobi, Feb. 2, 2025. (Credit: Kenya National Human Rights Commission) The specter of forced disappearances looms ominously over Kenya, a nation that has recently been rocked by political unrest and social discord. Since the summer of 2024, when sweeping protests engulfed the country, a staggering 82 instances of alleged abductions have been documented by the Kenyan National Human Rights Commission.…

In the lively embrace of a bustling Hargeisa evening, Somali singer Haboon Nuura beamed with an illustrious glow, reflective of the impassioned welcome she received. The scene unfolded at Egal International Airport, where a symphony of cheers, warm smiles, and waving North Western State of Somalia flags greeted her arrival. Wasn't it just a vivid testimony to her significant place in the hearts of the people? Nuura found herself at the center of attention, not always a comfortable place to be, particularly when…

Tragedy Strikes in Orebro: Unanswered Questions and Immigrant Concerns Stockholm (AFP) - When tragedy strikes without a clear motive, the air is thick with uncertainty and unspoken fears. The mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Orebro is Sweden's deadliest to date, leaving a community—and a nation—grappling with questions that may remain unanswered. Is it possible to explain the unexplainable? The haunting reality is that most of the victims came from foreign backgrounds, stirring ongoing debates and…

Amidst a seemingly endless undercurrent of geopolitical tension, a group of Somali special forces captains stood stoically against the backdrop of 2022. They were part of a specialized commando unit, their faces stern as they engaged with their U.S. Army trainers. The photograph, captured by Luis Tato for The Washington Post, is a vivid reminder of the complex tapestry of military alliances woven across Africa and the Middle East. In Nairobi, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these delicate dynamics. An…

In an unequivocal declaration, Somalia's opposition coalition has castigated President Mohamud's government, accusing it of forsaking the nation's federal architecture and diminishing vital constitutional checks and balances. To those familiar with Somalia's intricate political landscape, might this be the rubicon we had hoped to avoid? "The president has reduced the constitutional framework to mere window dressing," the coalition’s statement proclaimed. It continues, "Such actions flagrantly breach…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

On an ordinary Saturday, right amidst the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, an unassuming revolutionary shift occurred. Selma Haddadi was appointed as the next deputy chairperson of the AU Commission—an appointment that resonates across the continent like an unexpected melody echoing through familiar chords, signaling a fresh symphony for Africa. Hailing from Algeria, Haddadi holds the esteemed position of ambassador to Ethiopia. Her election marks the beginning…