Eye on Africa

Troops are now on the streets as South Africa turns to its army to bolster overstretched police in a push against violent crime, from illicit mining syndicates to entrenched gang networks. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the deployment of 2,200 soldiers to five of the country’s nine provinces hit hardest by criminal activity. Set to run for a year, the operation aims to stabilize communities battered by lawlessness, though critics argue the military is an imperfect tool for civilian policing.…

By: OMAR M ELMIWednesday April 1, 2026 Perched at the mouth of the Red Sea and astride one of the globe’s busiest shipping lanes, the Horn of Africa is again at the center of a high-stakes geopolitical contest. The shifting ties between Djibouti, North Western State of Somalia — the secessionist region of Somalia since 1991 — and Ethiopia reveal how trade, security and regional rivalries are becoming increasingly intertwined. At the heart of the matter is a simple but powerful issue: who controls access to the sea and the…

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has focused his government on rebuilding state capacity, tightening public management, and pushing major legal and economic reforms. The agenda—carried out through new appointments, governance reviews, and wider fiscal measures—aims to improve how the federal government runs ministries, collects revenue, and prepares for political milestones. This explainer outlines what Barre has pursued since taking office, what was announced publicly, and the main areas that observers track.…

In 2026, Somalia's political debate is increasingly focused on how President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is managing three linked challenges: a major constitutional transition, preparations for elections in the run-up to 2026, and the pressure of fighting al-Shabaab while maintaining governance in Mogadishu. Much of the year's attention has turned to talks between the presidency, opposition figures, and the National Consultative Council, as well as disputes in parliament over proposed constitutional amendments and the timing of…

Somalia has used an indirect election system, built around clan and delegate representation, for much of the past two decades. Under this approach, national leadership is chosen through layers of representation rather than direct ballots cast by the public. Somali lawmakers and political leaders are now debating a shift toward direct voting and "one person, one vote" universal suffrage. This explainer sets out the difference between Somalia's indirect system and direct voting, what the change would mean, and why the…

By Omar M. ElmiWednesday April 1, 2026 A war far from Ethiopia’s borders is already sending tremors through the country’s economy. The fighting in the Middle East is inflicting heavy human and material losses, but its reach is extending well beyond the battlefield, with disruptions that could hit trade, fuel supplies and food production in countries thousands of kilometers away. Ethiopia, landlocked and home to more than 120 million people, sits squarely in that danger zone. The risk is rooted in a basic structural…

A significant shake-up is underway in the Nigerian government, sparked by a decisive ultimatum from President Bola Tinubu. This mandate compelled public officials eyeing a run in the 2027 general elections to step down from their positions. Among the notable resignations are at least three cabinet ministers, including the pivotal Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Transport, along with several other influential political figures. This directive is firmly rooted in existing electoral regulations, which prohibit those holding…

Rwanda has taken a significant step to widen access to surgery with the overhaul of the surgical department at Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital, a project delivered through a collaboration involving the Ministry of Health, the University of Rwanda, and the medical nonprofit Operation Smile. The revamped facility includes modern operating theatres, an intensive care unit, a high-dependency unit, and dedicated training areas. Built on a hub-and-spoke model to bring services closer to communities, the approach upgrades…

Wednesday April 1, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has written a fresh chapter in its football history, edging Mauritius 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday to move into the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers after a tense, scoreless second leg. The match at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex finished 0-0 in regulation time, just as the first leg in Mozambique had ended without a goal. After 180 minutes of play produced no breakthrough, the contest came down to a shootout,…

In a decisive move, the House of Representatives has greenlit President Bola Tinubu's proposal for a substantial external loan totaling $6 billion, primarily designed to address fiscal deficits and support critical infrastructure initiatives. This approval facilitates the federal government’s ability to secure financing from international lenders based in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The comprehensive financial package encompasses a significant $5 billion Total Return Swap arrangement with First Abu…