Eye on Africa

New Travel Restrictions for Nigerian Nationals: A Growing Concern In a recent communication circulated among travel agents on Tuesday, the Dubai immigration authorities announced a significant change that will directly affect Nigerian nationals. All transit visa applications from Nigeria will no longer be processed, marking the closure of an essential travel route often utilized by Nigerians who connect through the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision raises a myriad of questions: What alternatives…

For just over a year now, the Ruto administration has found itself embroiled in an escalating clash with a new generation of young Kenyans. These young citizens are vocal and resolute, demanding meaningful changes to their socio-economic circumstances. They are not merely asking for reform; they are passionately insisting on it. This palpable discontent has manifested itself in demonstrations that, regrettably, have often turned violent. The streets have seen a fierce back-and-forth between the authorities and…

Political Dynamics in Northern Somalia: A Statement from Traditional Elders Garowe (AX) — On a pivotal Wednesday, a collective of respected traditional elders from the Sanaag and Haylaan regions made headlines by issuing a strong statement against efforts to integrate their territories into the newly endorsed SSC-Khaatumo administration. As significant political figures and fellow elders prepare to gather for a major conference in Las Anod next week, the stakes have never been higher. These elders assert that both Sanaag…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken a firm stance against the recently imposed 30% tariff by U.S. President Donald Trump. He characterizes this decision as a "unilateral" action that lacks solid backing from trade data. Announced to take effect on August 1, this tariff highlights a peculiar dynamic, as South Africa is the only sub-Saharan nation singled out in Trump's proclamation. This distinction underscores a complicated and often strained relationship between the two leaders. In a letter addressed to Ramaphosa, Trump…

In recent days, frustration and unrest have surged in Kenya, culminating in violent confrontations between protestors and police forces. What started as simmering discontent toward President William Ruto's government has erupted into chaos, raising profound questions about democracy and governance in the nation. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 31 lives have been lost and over 100 individuals wounded during protests that swept through the country on Monday. It’s a stark reminder of a…

The recent sale of gold marks the resumption of operations at a significant mining site, which had been dormant for nearly six months due to a prolonged disagreement between Barrick Gold and the Malian government. In the world of mining, disruptions like these often send ripples through local economies, drawing attention from investors and the public alike. As operations begin anew, one can't help but wonder: what does this mean for Mali, its economy, and its future collaborations with foreign investors?…

On a vibrant Tuesday in Mogadishu, a significant gathering unfolded that underscored a critical chapter in Somalia's ongoing narrative—a chapter where women are positioned at the helm of the country's future. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre convened a high-level consultative meeting with hundreds of passionate women from diverse backgrounds. This assembly wasn't just another meeting; it was a clarion call for inclusivity, emphasizing the integral role of women in shaping pivotal areas such as elections,…

Political Dynamics in Las Anod: A New Era for the SSC-Khaatumo Las Anod (AX) — The political landscape in Northern Somalia is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the recent arrival of Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, the former Speaker of the Northeastern State Parliament. On Tuesday, he touched down in Las Anod accompanied by a delegation representing the Sanaag and Haylaan regions. Their purpose? To engage in the SSC-Khaatumo Regional State Completion Conference, an event eagerly awaited by many and set to…

New U.S. Visa Regulations for Nigerians: What You Need to Know The recent announcement from the U.S. State Department has created quite a buzz. Effective July 8, 2025, most nonimmigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerian nationals will be limited to single-entry status and will only be valid for three months. Such a significant change prompts us to pause and reflect on its broader implications. Under these new guidelines, applicants for visas will encounter updated terms regarding validity and entry…

In a striking display of camaraderie, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently remarked to President Donald Trump that he would be nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize. This conversation unfolded during a momentous dinner in the ornate Blue Room of the White House, where the two leaders celebrated their collaborative military strikes on Iran's nuclear locations, touting the operation as a resounding success. Why is it that we often witness such bold proclamations of peace amidst the backdrop of turmoil?…