Eye on Africa

Refugee Policy and Faith Leaders' Responses Earlier this year, a significant policy emerged through an executive order that aims to prioritize Afrikaner descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa for refugee status in the United States. This move has stirred various reactions across the globe, as it raises vital questions about the moral fabric of humanitarianism today. According to the U.S. State Department, the intent behind this initiative is to protect “communities at risk of race-based expropriation…

Tragic Landmine Explosion Near Baraawe Airport: A Call for Renewed Vigilance On a seemingly ordinary Saturday in Baraawe, a devastating incident unfolded that left a community shaken. Reports indicate that at least one life was lost, while two others sustained injuries due to a landmine explosion in close proximity to Baraawe Airport, located in the picturesque Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. Local residents, who witnessed the tragedy, have recounted the harrowing moment, painting a poignant…

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in Ivorian politics, has unexpectedly resumed his role as the leader of the country’s foremost opposition party. This surprising turn of events occurred just days after he had stepped down from the position. Following legal complications that emerged with his presidential aspirations for the upcoming October elections, Thiam initially announced his resignation from the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire - African Democratic Rally. At 62, his political journey has taken a tumultuous path,…

Mogadishu (AX) – As the sun rises over Baghdad, anticipation is palpable. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is gearing up to attend the esteemed 34th Arab League Summit this Saturday. This summit, taking place in Iraq’s capital for the first time in over a decade, is themed "Dialogue, Solidarity and Development," a phrase that resonates on multiple levels in today’s geopolitical landscape. The importance of this summit cannot be overstated. In a world rife with conflict and uncertainty, the commitment to address…

Gabon’s Political Transition and the Release of Ali Bongo Ondimba The former President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, has been freed from house arrest and has journeyed to Luanda with his family, according to a recent announcement from Angola's presidency. Removed from power in a coup in August 2023, Bongo and his family had been held in Libreville amid allegations of embezzlement and corruption. Holding sway over Gabon for more than five decades, the Bongo family's reign concluded amidst a torrent of allegations and a…

The commitment of the Trump administration to bolster U.S. exports to Africa is not merely a political statement; it is a clarion call for transformation. “We aim to elevate U.S. exports and investments in Africa, eliminate trade deficits, and foster mutual prosperity,” shared Ambassador Troy Fitrell, currently leading the Africa Bureau at the State Department. His remarks were made during an American Chambers of Commerce gathering in the vibrant city of Abidjan, a place rich with opportunity yet often overlooked. This…

U.S. Prepares to Welcome First Group of White South African Refugees The Trump administration is on the brink of a contentious initiative: welcoming a select group of white South Africans into the U.S. under its refugee program. This move, as relayed by three insiders, underscores a glaring anomaly in the current policy landscape, which largely restricts refugee admissions worldwide. Why this special consideration? The advance party, consisting of roughly 50 Afrikaners, is scheduled to touch down at Washington Dulles…

Unrelenting Floods Ravage Mogadishu: A Tale of Resilience In the wake of a tempestuous night, rain-soaked Mogadishu grappled with the aftermath of relentless deluges that left at least seven dead, among them two women and two children. Homes were toppled, residents trapped, and essential roads severed, officials reported on Saturday. The torrents—over 115 millimeters in an eight-hour onslaught—descended Friday night, persisting until dawn. This wall of water unleashed flash floods, paralyzing much of the city,…

Mogadishu (AX) – Last Friday, the calm of Kahda district in Mogadishu was shattered by the deafening sound of a landmine explosion, injuring at least seven people, including two government soldiers. Reports from eyewitnesses and local officials paint a vivid and distressing picture of the aftermath. The blast didn’t just disrupt the moment; it left many civilians with severe injuries—particularly affecting their legs. In isolated instances such as these, one can’t help but reflect on the fragility of life and the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's turbulent landscape, a disturbing trend unfolds—a relentless crackdown on the press. Since mid-March, security forces have reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated at least 41 media workers. This alarming situation has sparked outrage among rights groups, who label it a "war on the truth." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the current period as an "alarming escalation" of hostilities against journalists. Among those raising the alarm are organizations…