Eye on Africa

Jess Hallett remarked pointedly, "If you've been there and feel no empathy, there’s likely a deeper issue at play." Once a vocal opponent of UK immigration, a transformative journey from Somalia to the UK altered Jess Hallett's views. This journey recalibrated her perspective profoundly. Originating from Llanelli, Jess was among six assertive Brits chosen for Channel 4's compelling series, Go Back To Where You Came From. Traversing the perilous people smuggling routes, she experienced the dread of precarious boat…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's a sunny Saturday, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has a reason to beam with pride. This afternoon, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who recently achieved the notable milestone of being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. An occasion worth celebrating, no doubt. Imagine, for a moment, the intricate dance of diplomacy that played out at the bustling AU summit in Addis Ababa. Underneath the grandeur of the…

The face of American immigration policy has been transformed with proposals that have set off a chain reaction of debates and consternation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stepped into the spotlight, touting the infamous Guantánamo Bay as a fitting detention location. "It's a perfect place," Hegseth stated, fortifying his support with assurances of practicality. Yet, the dispatch of additional U.S. troops to the site has signaled a disquieting preparation for what many anticipate as an unprecedented influx. "Sending…

The shadowed peaks of the Al-Miskaat mountains in the Bari region of Northeastern State conceal a tense drama. Here, far from the bustling towns below, a critical operation unfolds. Experienced military tacticians have joined Northeastern State's forces, charged with the daunting task of eradicating ISIS militants from these rugged terrains. It is no small undertaking and certainly not for the faint-hearted. General Mohamed Hirsi Morgan, a seasoned veteran of the Somali National Army, and General Bashir America, once at the…

The anticipation surrounding the African Union Commission (AUC) elections is palpable, with Kenya throwing its weight behind Raila Odinga for the esteemed Chairmanship. Why does this matter so much? For those acquainted with Kenyan politics, Mr. Odinga’s bid embodies hope and a vision for a more integrated and prosperous Africa. Over recent months, Mr. Odinga has embarked on a diplomatic odyssey. In what resembles a chess game of alliances, he has engaged with over 40 African Heads of State, each conversation a move on a…

Underneath the sun-scorched skies of Luuq, a town steeped in both history and hardship, a poignant narrative unfolds—a story of transformation, redemption, and perhaps, hope. Isn't it curious how one decision can forever alter the arc of a life once lost to extremism? In an eerie yet expectant silence, Somali security forces watched as Abuukar Aadan Buulle, a man once entrenched in the militant web of Al-Shabaab, emerged from the shadows to renounce his past. A figure who had navigated through the underbelly of terror,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture the halls of power veiled in silence, a silence heavy with the weight of political trepidation. Somali lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig offers a stark warning: if the House of the People stays shuttered, legislators might resort to holding their own sessions, parallel and unauthorized. A drastic measure, indeed, but Hidig has pointed fingers at certain political leaders, accusing them of intentionally crippling parliamentary operations. This dialogue invites us to ponder: in a land rife with challenges,…

In a notable stride against extremist encroachment in digital realms, Telegram has put a definitive end to Iclaam, a notorious channel infamous for broadcasting the sinister narratives of the Islamic State (ISIS). This move resonates profoundly in the ongoing endeavor to squelch the potent sway extremists wield via social media channels. Have you ever wondered how platforms designed for connection can also be harnessed as tools of division? If there’s one thing that stands out in this digital age, it’s the role of…

In a world where communication is increasingly dominated by impersonal emails and voicemails, have you ever wondered what it takes to deliver a message with the weight of personal presence? Recently, a delegation composed of some of Somalia's earnest auditors and legal experts chose the path less traveled. When their calls and emails fell into an abyss of silence, they decided to hand-deliver their crucial letters. Venturing into the heart of Somalia's Supreme Court, they sought out someone—anyone—willing to accept their…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a pivotal election steeped in African political dynamics, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious as the newly appointed chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). His triumph came after he secured 33 decisive votes in a fiercely competitive election on Saturday in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa. The contest was no simple affair. Youssouf faced formidable opponents in Kenya's Raila Odinga and Madagascar's Richard Randiamandrato. The climactic announcement came…