Eye on Africa

Footage from surveillance cameras capturing a tragic collision that resulted in the deaths of five friends in June 2023 was highlighted as Derrick Thompson faced his federal trial.Tears rolled down, and comforting embraces were shared among family members as they watched the haunting footage in federal court. It was a heart-wrenching scene involving the tragic fates of five young Somali American women.During the trial’s opening moments, the grim video of the incident—where Thompson, the driver, struck the women's car—played.…

Convicted of a heinous crime, Mohamedamin Abdirisek Ibrahim stands accused of taking the life of his girlfriend, Saga Forsgren Elneborg, who was seven months pregnant in Örebro, Sweden. CREDIT: POLICE STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX): A Swedish appeals court has maintained the life sentence of Mohamedamin Abdirisek Ibrahim, a 22-year-old man previously found guilty of murdering his expectant girlfriend, Saga Forsgren Elneborg, in Örebro in April 2023. Ibrahim had contested the ruling, but the appeals court affirmed that the evidence…

In recent days, government representatives have reassured the public that President Paul Biya, who is 91 years young, is in good health, quelling the swirling rumors on social media platforms. Since his attendance at the China-Africa forum in Beijing earlier this September, Biya has largely disappeared from the public eye. His conspicuous absence from significant events, such as the United Nations General Assembly in New York and a summit in France, has fueled speculation regarding his well-being. People are genuinely…

Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya Airways is poised to hit the brakes on all its flights ferrying passengers to Mogadishu, Somalia, starting on October 14, 2024. The decision, attributed to some gnarly operational hiccups, was splashed across a letter by the airline’s honcho, Allan Kilavuka. This communiqué, dated October 9, 2024, was penned to Mohamed Daghar, the Principal Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport."We've run into some operational snags," explained Kilavuka in the letter, "so we've chosen to halt our…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Egyptian leader, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, is gearing up for a visit to Asmara, Eritrea, come Thursday, where he's scheduled for a three-party pow-wow with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This top-tier sit-down aims to bolster security partnerships and tackle mutual hurdles in the Horn of Africa and the bustling Red Sea zone. A big-ticket item on the agenda is the creation of a tri-nation coalition to navigate common challenges, with a spotlight on Ethiopia's…

Soldiers from Somalia's National Army trek across the desert landscapes, carrying out missions against Al-Shabaab insurgents in Bay and Bakool tribal lands. Provided by Somalian authorities.Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali National Army, under the leadership of the audacious 47th Battalion from the 8th Brigade, has amped up its aggressive tactics against Al-Shabaab factions nestled in Bay and Bakool provinces, homing in on pivotal safe havens. These military maneuvers, reaching into Elsharif, Mooro-Busle, and El-Mareere—crucial…

In Asmara, Eritrea, on October 9, 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki held bilateral meetings to discuss enhancing military cooperation and strengthening their relationship amidst regional shifts. Credit: Villa Somalia Somalia's leader, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, touched down in Asmara, Eritrea, this past Wednesday for a formal visit. Since taking the helm in 2022, this marks his fourth voyage. It's likely geared toward boosting a developing alliance among Somalia,…

In a grand setting, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepped up to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on a bustling Tuesday, September 24, 2024. (AP Photo by Richard Drew) - AP Photo/Richard DrewWith considerable spotlight, President Erdogan participated in the send-off ceremony for Turkey’s energy research vessel, Oruc Reis. This month, the ship departed towards the Somali waters, bolstered by two Turkish naval ships.Somali Energy AccordThe Oruc Reis deployment emerges from an energy…

On Tuesday, Kenyan legislators cast their votes on a proposal to kick the deputy president out of office. This followed an intense day of discussions, featuring a personal appearance by Rigathi Gachagua in parliament. He came to argue against accusations, including claims that he backed anti-government demonstrations in June. The resolution to impeach sailed through with a commanding 281 votes in favor, against only 44 dissenting votes—far surpassing the 117-vote threshold set by the constitution. The proposal now heads to…

Scenes from Mogadishu reveal the aftermath of a car explosion outside a local café, leaving devastation in its wake. This unsettling event took place on July 15, 2024. In the throes of conflict, 59 militants linked to Al-Shabaab and four brave soldiers have perished during separate military assaults in Somalia's southern and central heartlands, confirmed the nation's Information Ministry, as reported by Anadolu Agency. Entrenched battles against Al-Qaeda-tied Al-Shabaab fighters unfolded as the Somali National Army (SNA),…