Eye on Africa

Rising Health Spending in East Africa: A Response to Aid Withdrawal In recent months, the finance ministers across East Africa have found themselves navigating a challenging landscape, driven primarily by U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of billions of dollars in aid. This decision has triggered a profound re-evaluation of health expenditures within the region. What does this mean for healthcare systems already grappling with insufficient resources and an upsurge in health crises? The stakes are incredibly…

Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives…

**Mogadishu (AX)** – On a bright Saturday morning, a significant chapter unfolded in the pages of Somalia’s educational journey. Nearly 40,000 students embarked on the pivotal 12th Grade Certificate Examination for the 2024–2025 academic year. Such moments, steeped in hope and ambition, are not merely about tests; they represent dreams, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge amidst challenging circumstances. This year, an impressive total of **39,397 students** from various regions and districts across the…

In a significant development, the Kenyan police conducted an operation on Thursday in Elwak, Mandera County, resulting in the arrest of two men who had crossed into Somalia and enlisted in the Somali National Army. This incident highlights a complex intersection of local challenges and wider geopolitical issues that affect not only Kenya but also its neighboring countries. Authorities reported that the suspects, aged 23 and 32, were linked to a troubling pattern of robberies in the Elwak region. Acting on a tip-off, police…

Protests Erupt in Nairobi Following the Tragic Death of a Blogger On a tense Thursday afternoon, the streets of Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, echoed with the cries of protesters. The air was thick with emotion as citizens gathered to voice their outrage over the shocking death of a local blogger known as Albert Ojwang. Just days before, Ojwang had been arrested, reportedly for criticizing the country’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat. As the situation escalated, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse…

Opposition Leaders Critique Federal Government's Decision on C6+ Cooperation Framework Mogadishu (AX) — In a striking demonstration of discontent, Somalia’s leading opposition figures have openly criticized the federal government for its recent decision to dissolve the C6+ international cooperation framework. This move comes across as both unilateral and politically motivated, raising serious concerns about the potential isolation of the country and the jeopardization of hard-fought diplomatic and governance achievements.…

Kenya's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — On a notably vibrant Thursday in Mombasa, Kenyan President William Ruto spoke decisively about the strides the nation has made in combating the dark shadows of terrorism. With Al-Shabaab-linked attacks sparking fresh concerns in parts of northern and coastal Kenya, the backdrop of his comments was both pressing and urgent. As he addressed attendees at the closing of the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Prosecuting Agencies Conference,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development, five opposition parties in Somalia have expressed a cautious openness to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent call for national dialogue. However, they firmly state that their participation hinges on meeting specific conditions designed to ensure the process is inclusive, credible, and firmly rooted in constitutional principles. In a joint statement released on a recent Friday, representatives from parties such as Xaqsoor, Samadoon, DPC, Ramaas, and Dhulka Hooyo articulated…

In recent times, the landscape of gold mining in Africa has been evolving rapidly, as nations across the continent actively seek to assert more control over their natural resources. This journey toward resource nationalism is gaining momentum, and Tanzania stands at the forefront of this movement. A significant policy decision has just been made, placing Tanzania alongside other African countries that are reevaluating their relationships with foreign mining companies. With rising global gold prices, this initiative…

The Transformational Impact of the Nagaad Project in Somalia In the heart of Somalia, the landscape is shifting. Farhiya and Halima, two remarkable women, stand as testaments to this transformation. They are part of a larger cohort of 583 women engaged in the World Bank-backed Somalia Urban Resilience Project – Phase II, affectionately known as the Nagaad Project. Co-financed by the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund, this initiative is not just about rebuilding infrastructure—it’s about reconstructing lives, redefining…