Eye on Africa

Dialogue and Diplomatic Ties: Somalia's Regional Engagement In a landscape where the echoes of history continuously shape the present, the recent discussions between Somali and Egyptian officials shone a spotlight on broadening alliances and nuanced diplomacy. Somalia and Egypt, in their deepening dialogue, navigated topics that resonate beyond their immediate borders, touching upon aspirations for collective peace and integration in the broader region. Interestingly, the possibility of trilateral cooperation with…

Over a decade ago, nations within the Great Lakes region united under a mineral certification scheme, aimed at curtailing the illegal exploitation of vital minerals. This endeavor was not merely bureaucratic; it sought to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in a region often marred by strife. Yet, experts now caution that the promised progress has been minimal, leaving the specter of conflict still looming over these resource-rich lands. During a recent congregation at the International Conference on the…

Imagine starting every day knowing that your nation is one of the powerhouses of oil production in Africa. Nigeria, for instance, has always held a pivotal role in this delicate dance of numbers and barrels. Just in March, Nigeria's oil production averaged about 1.40 million barrels per day (mbpd). If we flip back a page to the previous month, February, there was a slight uptick, with production averaging 1.465 million barrels per day. Interesting how these small fluctuations can tell a story, isn’t it?…

Mogadishu (AX) — A winds of change seem to be gracefully sweeping through the Horn of Africa, as Somalia intensifies its regional diplomacy efforts. In recent months, the country has fostered tighter alliances with Egypt, Eritrea, and Djibouti, demonstrating a united front against Ethiopia's controversial maritime agreement with North Western State of Somalia. This treaty has become a lightning rod for tensions, for Somalia sees it as a profound threat to its sovereignty. These evolving dynamics were recently examined in a…

In the intricate dance of international relations, France and Algeria find themselves on a rather rocky path. France has recently raised concerns over Algeria's alleged plan to expel some of its diplomats, and if this plan were to go ahead, France warned of potential retaliatory measures. This brewing tension saw light when France announced on Monday, via a Reuters report, that it had caught wind of Algeria’s intent to expel a dozen of its diplomats. The North African nation, however, has remained tight-lipped,…

In the aftermath of the contentious October 2024 elections, Human Rights Watch has voiced grave concerns regarding the apparent absence of a credible investigation into a surge of political killings. This alarming trend has predominantly victimized individuals affiliated with the opposition, particularly those who openly contested the re-election of President Daniel Chapo. How does one reconcile the fundamental principles of democracy with such deadly repression? This question lingers ominously in the air as HRW shines a…

Minnesota Attorney General Advocates for Community in Fraudulent Housing Case MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — In the picturesque city of Minneapolis, a legal drama is unraveling that echoes a broader narrative of trust, betrayal, and resilience in the Somali-American immigrant community. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has urged a judge to compel Nolosha Development to refund substantial deposits from Somali-American families who found themselves ensnared in a web of unkept promises and dreams…

Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring Fuel prices—those defiantly fluctuating metrics that often dictate our frustrations at the pump and influence our day-to-day choices. I mean, who hasn't spent that fleeting moment wondering if it's worth driving across town just to save a few cents per litre? According to recently compiled data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com, some countries have either mastered the art of keeping these prices low—or have strategies so elusive that they look like they've cracked…

In a tense diplomatic showdown, the French government has signaled its intent to respond robustly if Algeria proceeds with its threat to expel twelve officials from the French embassy in Algiers. This escalation follows Algeria's strong reaction to the detention of several embassy staff in Paris. The French authorities contend that these individuals are linked to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, raising questions about the intersection of diplomacy and human rights. Just last weekend,…

OCHA's Staffing Cuts: Navigating Unforeseen Challenges The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known more commonly as OCHA, has been a vital player in the global humanitarian arena—akin to a beacon guiding aid to regions most in need. Their mission, to ensure that aid is delivered quickly and effectively to crises-stricken populations, is pivotal, especially amidst unfolding natural disasters and escalating conflicts. But with looming budget constraints, can OCHA continue to carry…