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Eye on Africa
Regional reporting and analysis from across Africa, covering diplomacy, security, politics, business, and major developments shaping the continent.
Ramaphosa Hails G20 Wins, Shrugs Off Trump’s Threatened Ban
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday praised South Africans for their unity and hospitality after Pretoria successfully hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit — the first time the gathering was held on African soil — and more than 130 related meetings.
In a nationally broadcast address, Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to citizens whose cooperation, he said, helped South Africa present a “People’s G20” to visiting heads of state and delegations. He said global leaders had commended the country’s warm welcome and the spirit of ubuntu…
Somalia’s South West minister demands federal MP’s handover for clan violence trial
BAIDOA, Somalia — South West State’s minister of security on Sunday urged the federal government to hand over federal legislator Dahir Amiin Jeesow to the regional administration to face trial over allegations he helped instigate deadly clan clashes in Lower Shabelle.
Speaking to reporters in Baidoa, Security Minister Hassan Abdukadir accused the member of parliament of acting as a spoiler in Walanweyn district and across parts of the Lower Shabelle region, where a recent surge of inter-clan violence has strained local…
Somali President Meets Religious Scholars, Hails Their Governance Guidance and Anti-Extremism Efforts
MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday hosted a dinner in Mogadishu honoring religious scholars who attended the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference, underscoring a deepening partnership between the government and faith leaders to counter extremist ideologies, bolster public awareness and strengthen national unity.
In remarks at the event, Mohamud praised the scholars’ longstanding role in Somali society and governance, saying their guidance, advice and moral leadership remain essential as the country…
Guinea-Bissau’s New Transitional President Takes Oath of Office
Coup in Guinea-Bissau: General Horta Nta Na Man Installed as Transitional President
In a dramatic turn of events, Guinea-Bissau's military has officially installed General Horta Nta Na Man as the transitional president, marking the beginning of a one-year interim administration. This announcement follows a coup that saw senior military officers depose President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, halt the electoral process, and establish the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order."
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau…
Somalia’s National ID Conference Signals Next Stage of Digital Transformation
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s push toward a unified, secure and inclusive digital identity gathered fresh momentum as government leaders, development partners and technology stakeholders mapped the next phase of the national ID rollout at the 2nd Somali National ID Conference, held Nov. 24-25 in the capital.
Convened by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, the conference underscored how the country’s digital ID program has…
Social Media Intensifies Sudan’s Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The Rise of Digital Propaganda in Sudan's Conflict
Amid the brutal power struggle between Sudan's military factions, social media has become a battleground of misinformation. With rampant fake news and manipulative narratives, trust in reliable information has eroded.
Both sides exploit social media to spread misleading information.
False claims on social media deepen societal divisions.
Traditional media suppression fuels disinformation.
The Stakes of Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict between army…
UN Alerts of Major Setback in Global HIV Efforts in Decades
UNAIDS Warns of Deteriorating HIV Services Amid Funding Crisis
Abrupt funding cuts and deteriorating human rights conditions have disrupted HIV prevention and treatment services across dozens of countries, UNAIDS has warned. In a stark report released to mark World AIDS Day, the UN agency highlighted a troubling trend: international assistance for HIV programs has sharply declined, with projections indicating that external health funding could plummet by 30-40% by 2025 compared to 2023 levels.
The agency's Executive…
Guinea-Bissau’s President Embalo Escapes Amid Rising Military Tensions
Guinea-Bissau Military Coup: A New Leader Installed
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau faced a seismic shift as soldiers installed a new military leader. This forceful takeover followed a contentious presidential election and led to President Umaro Sissoco Embalo fleeing to Senegal.
Gen. Horta Inta-A named head of a transitional military government for one year.
Embalo safely arrived in Senegal; Dakar coordinates with Guinea-Bissau for constitutional restoration.
Controversies surround the Nov. 23…
Somalia’s South West State president condemns illegal checkpoints after traveler killed over $2
BAIDOA, Somalia — South West State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has condemned the spread of illegal checkpoints across the region, calling them a major threat to civilian movement and safety and urging communities to back justice and stabilization efforts.
Laftagareen said armed individuals obstructing travelers on public roads is “unacceptable,” especially as South West State navigates severe drought and recurring conflict that continue to disrupt livelihoods and strain security.
“It is unacceptable…
Somali Soldier Arrested After Video Shows Abuse of Woman at Hamarweyne Market
MOGADISHU — Somali police in the Hamarweyne district arrested a Somali National Army soldier on Saturday after a video widely shared on social media appeared to show him abusing a woman vendor at the busy Hamarweyne market, authorities said.
The suspect was identified by police as Abdifatah Mohamed Ibrahim, a member of the Somali National Army. He is in custody and will be transferred to court, the Banadir Regional Police Command said in a statement.
“The suspect is in police custody and will be referred to the…