Eye on Africa

Bosaso (AX) — Imagine the bleak horizon, a barren canvas where ambition and despair mingle. In such a landscape, one might think that dreams could flourish or wither silently, but not so in Northeastern State. Here, intelligence reports expose a story of exploitation, where ISIS employs a pernicious strategy to bolster its presence. It targets the vulnerable, preying upon those seeking hope across treacherous paths. What compels these militants to trap foreign migrants in their web of deceit and coercion? A senior…

In a recent email obtained by Axios, Gill unleashed a controversial message: "Friend, we should have never let Ilhan Omar into our country. The time has come to arrest and deport Ilhan Omar." One might ask, what fuels such fiery rhetoric in today's political arena? Ilhan Omar, a figure both emblematic and polarizing, symbolizes a shift in American political landscapes. Arriving in the United States in 1995 as a refugee from Somalia, she became a U.S. citizen by 17 and eventually the first Somali-American elected to…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In the heart of Nordic Europe, far from her birthplace under the vast, sun-drenched skies of Somalia, Ayaan Hassan, found herself walking a path few dare to tread. A Somali-born Swedish midwife, Ayaan recently received the prestigious 2025 Medical Mission's Kindness Award, honoring her pivotal role in revolutionizing maternal healthcare in her homeland, North Western State of Somalia. What shaped this courageous journey? How did a Swedish-trained midwife find herself amidst the challenges of a…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In the heart of Sweden, a harrowing event unfolded that has changed the fabric of the community. Qamar Hilowle, a resilient 38-year-old mother of three, was among the ten victims in the tragic school shooting at Campus Risbergska on February 4, a day now etched in Sweden’s history. The tragedy commenced with a hail of bullets at midday, fired by 26-year-old Rickard Andersson, who was swiftly apprehended by authorities. Andersson's links to extremist ideologies have left a nation questioning: What…

Introducing Bisbas Restaurant: Exploring the Delights of Somali Cuisine in Rolando In an age dominated by digital footprints and Yelp reviews, stumbling upon culinary gems by chance has become something of a rarity. How often can we truly say we’ve been surprised by a new restaurant? I thought this as I navigated the streets of Rolando, casually glancing at the plethora of eateries lining University Avenue. That was until the alluring banner of "grand opening" paired with "Somali restaurant" got my attention. In that…

Mogadishu (AX) — Amid the scenes of bustling markets and vibrant streets in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, whispers of hope rise, echoing with the dreams of young footballers poised to make history. The anticipation is palpable. On February 13, in the heart of Cairo where grand history resides, the next chapter for Somalia’s burgeoning football talent unfolds with the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, precisely at 13:45 local time. Is this the dawn of a new era for Somali…

In a stringent move, authorities in North Western State of Somalia have restricted local businesses from advertising on Universal TV, issuing stern warnings of potential legal repercussions for those who fail to adhere. "All commercial entities must cease advertising on Universal TV," the official statement declared. "Non-compliance will prompt legal action." The order comes amid mounting tensions between the government and the broadcaster over alleged breaches of licensing agreements. Initially, in October 2010, Universal…

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State in Somalia WASHINGTON — In the enigmatic expanse of Somalia's Golis Mountains, a U.S. military operation unfolded earlier this month with precision and strategic acumen. The airstrikes, orchestrated against the ever-elusive Islamic State, have achieved a significant milestone, according to the latest assessment from U.S. military officials. Late Tuesday, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the demise of Ahmed Maeleninine, a notorious architect of terror,…

On a brisk morning in February, the azure skies over Baku embraced a new chapter in diplomatic relations. February 11 marked the arrival of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, esteemed President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as he embarked on a significant journey to Azerbaijan. Why, one might wonder, is this trip momentous? The answer might lie in the potential collaboration between these two nations, charting a path toward economic and political cooperation. As President Mohamud's plane touched down at Heydar Aliyev…

The recent takeover of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, by the M23 armed group has captured global attention, reigniting discussions about the tumultuous conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many media outlets hastily attribute the turmoil to a desire to exploit the area’s abundant mineral resources, an analysis from The New Humanitarian reveals a far more intricate web of causes. The narrative framing the conflict as a mere scramble for minerals paints an oversimplified picture. It’s alluring to…