Eye on Africa

Zimbabwe police warn protesters will face “the full wrath of the law” after ex-Zanu PF veteran calls for nationwide demonstrations Harare — Zimbabwean authorities warned on Monday that any illegal gatherings would be met with force after a prominent war veteran and former Zanu PF committee member urged citizens to take to the streets to denounce President Emmerson Mnangagwa and alleged corruption among his inner circle. The government, meanwhile, announced a one-off $150 “Special Presidential Bonus” aimed at soothing…

Madagascar's New Dawn: Youth Uprising and Military Coup Shape the Nation's Future In the early hours of a fresh Malagasy day, Colonel Michael Randrianirina stood before the country's High Constitutional Court, marking the end of a swift and decisive power shift. After a whirlwind coup that sent its ousted president into hiding, Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar's new leader, leaving the island nation and its 30 million inhabitants at a crossroads. A Nation in Turmoil Madagascar, renowned for its unique biodiversity…

Somalia’s Seat at East Africa’s Table: Why Mogadishu’s New EALA Delegation Matters A quiet milestone in Mogadishu In a bright room at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Somalia’s first full slate of lawmakers to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The ceremony, following a parliamentary vote that selected nine representatives, was deliberately understated — no brass bands, no triumphal headlines. Yet the significance should not be missed. Less than a year after its…

Navigating the Storm: Violence and Democracy in Nigeria's Political Landscape Ahead of 2027 As Nigeria gears up for its 2027 elections, a palpable tension hangs in the air, reverberating through the streets of a nation rich in culture but strained under the weight of political machinations. The fear of violence looms large, echoing the troubling cycles of electoral conflict seen in 1999, 2019, and most recently, in 2023, when hired thugs, gangs, and political militias turned polling stations into battlegrounds. Scholars and…

Somalia’s government swats down ‘New Jubaland’ talk — but the rumor reveals deeper strains Somalia’s federal government has moved to tamp down rising chatter about a breakaway “New Jubaland” in the country’s southwest, a rumor that ricocheted through community meetings and WhatsApp groups long before officials stepped in. The denial is clear. The politics behind it are anything but. What the deputy minister said In an interview with the Somali outlet Arlaadi Media, Deputy Interior Minister Sadad Aliyow dismissed claims…

Zimbabwe’s ruling party fractures: treason charge exposes a widening succession battle President Emmerson Mnangagwa has accused his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, of incitement and treason after Chiwenga reportedly circulated a dossier to the Zanu PF politburo alleging party capture and corruption. The confrontation — played out through a newly appointed legal affairs secretary and a thick, contested memo — marks a striking public rupture inside the movement that has governed Zimbabwe for more than four decades. What…

Somalia’s cabinet meeting signals a push to turn battlefield gains into public services Mogadishu’s message: accountability, services, and a long game In Mogadishu on Thursday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sat at the head of the long table in the Council of Ministers and offered his cabinet a familiar charge with a sharper edge: make the machinery of government move faster, cleaner, and closer to the people. The weekly meeting, officials said, looked beyond the security front lines to the hard work of…

Africa’s Historic Football Surge: Nine Nations Gear Up for 2026 FIFA World Cup The thrill of African football is poised to reach unprecedented heights as the continent prepares for a historic representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With nine African nations already securing their spots and one more potentially joining through a challenging intercontinental playoff, this upcoming tournament promises to showcase the rich talent and fervent passion that defines African soccer. Championing the Continent Among the nine…

Cameroon on Edge as Opposition Candidate Declares Electoral Victory In an electrifying twist in Cameroon's political landscape, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a prominent opposition candidate, declared an early victory in the recent presidential election, challenging the longstanding rule of President Paul Biya. As Tchiroma's proclamation reverberated through social media, the tension within this Central African nation has palpably escalated. The Unfolding Drama "Our victory is clear, it must be respected," Tchiroma…

The End of an Era: Remembering Raila Odinga, “Baba” of Kenyan Politics In a poignant moment for Kenya and beyond, the longtime opposition leader, Raila Odinga, passed away at the age of 80. His death, confirmed by party officials and Indian media, marks the close of a significant chapter in the nation's political history. Known endearingly as "Baba" (Father), Odinga leaves behind a legacy interwoven with the tumultuous yet transformative journey of Kenyan democracy. A Legacy of Resilience and Reform For over three…