Eye on Africa

Puntland State’s new anti-terror law tests a familiar bargain: more security, fewer liberties The ink is barely dry in Garowe. With a stroke of the pen on October 8, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni signed into law a sweeping anti-terrorism bill that grants security agencies powers long sought, and just as fiercely debated. The legislation, approved by the regional parliament in late July, is now published in the official gazette and enforceable across Puntland State’s cities, coasts and mountain ranges. This…

A Nation Mourns: Raila Odinga's Legacy and the Turbulence of Farewell Nairobi, Kenya — In a somber atmosphere turned chaotic, Kenya bid farewell to one of its most enduring figures, Raila Odinga, amid clashes that left four dead and many injured. The tumultuous events at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday encapsulated the deep emotional and political currents that Odinga, who passed away in India at age 80, represented throughout his life. A Life of Struggle and Influence Raila Odinga's story is woven into the fabric of Kenya’s…

In Johannesburg, women leaders bridge generations and push for jobs — and a celebration crowns three days of purpose Johannesburg — For three days in mid‑October, a gathering of activists, funders, policymakers and entrepreneurs threaded personal histories into public strategy at the Women Create Wealth Summit. Hosted by the Graça Machel Trust from Oct. 13–15, the conference stitched together urgent conversations about jobs and intergenerational leadership with a softer, human purpose: to lift and celebrate the women who…

Somalia’s ID Deadline Tests the Promise of Digital Inclusion In a quiet Saturday statement that ignited a very noisy week on the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) said it will stop issuing national ID cards for free after October 31, 2025. The line that got people moving was simple: “The National ID Card Registration Fee Exemption Period ends on October 31. Please take advantage of the opportunity and apply at your nearest NIRA Center!” Within hours, long queues…

Somalia and Turkey move to seal a labor pact — and raise bigger questions about jobs, skills, and dignity In a quiet room in Doha on Friday, Somali Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed sat down with Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, to push forward a bilateral labor cooperation agreement. On paper, it is a technical accord: training programs, civil service capacity-building, and a plan to spur job creation. In practice, it is also a test of whether two close partners…

As Côte d'Ivoire Prepares for Elections, Misinformation Casts a Shadow As Côte d'Ivoire gears up for a critical election on October 25, a silent yet pervasive threat looms over the democratic process: misinformation. The nation, known for its vibrant culture and commitment to progress, is grappling with a troubling rise in false narratives proliferated through the ever-ubiquitous social media. This election, like previous ones, is not just a test of the political system but a reflection of the societal fractures that…

African Cinema: A Resurgence of Culture and Identity African cinema has always been a rich tapestry, woven together with the threads of diverse stories and vibrant cultural expressions. Recently, however, this medium has witnessed an extraordinary renaissance, one that not only highlights the unique narratives of the continent but also asserts its place on the global stage. Central to this movement is the Film Africa festival, an event that serves as a crucial bridge connecting African filmmakers to international audiences.…

Unveiling a Buried Truth: The Thiaroye Massacre and France’s Colonial Legacy In the shadows of history lies the forgotten story of the Thiaroye massacre, a tragic event that has recently come under the spotlight with revelations pointing to a deliberate cover-up. On December 1, 1944, French troops opened fire on West African soldiers demanding their due pay at the Thiaroye camp near Dakar, Senegal. For decades, the official death toll was reported as at least 35. Yet, new findings suggest that these numbers are drastically…

Somali forces arrest suspect said to be planting landmines in border town Beled Hawo, Somalia — Security forces in Somalia’s Gedo region say they have detained a man accused of attempting to lay two landmines along a busy route in the border district of Beled Hawo, averting what officials believe could have been a deadly attack on civilians and military convoys. The late-night arrest on Tuesday, confirmed by the Somali National Army’s media unit, came during a targeted operation as patrols swept through the district’s main…

Towards Peace: A Fragile Ceasefire Agreement in the Congo In a development that offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing turbulence, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have reached an agreement to establish a joint ceasefire monitoring body. The announcement, made through social media statements from both entities, marks a crucial step forward, emerging from protracted negotiations in the opulent surroundings of Doha, Qatar. This agreement, however, arrives…