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Eye on Africa
Regional reporting and analysis from across Africa, covering diplomacy, security, politics, business, and major developments shaping the continent.
Kenya Establishes National Committee to Stabilize Miraa Prices and Boost Exports to Somalia
NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A fresh initiative is underway with Kenya inaugurating a revamped pricing panel to tackle the plummeting cost of miraa, known as khat in Somalia. This vital cash crop supports thousands of farmers, with the strategy centered around boosting exports to Somalia, the predominant purchaser of Kenyan miraa. The panel's mission is clear: to stabilize miraa and muguka prices and enhance farmer revenues. The nine-strong committee, a brainchild of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA), boasts members from…
Zimbabwean Youth Discover Optimism through Mental Health Initiative
In the vibrant neighborhoods of Epworth and Mbare in Harare, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has embarked on a crucial mission: empowering the youth to confront mental health issues through a unique peer-led initiative.
Equipped with specialized training, educators affiliated with MSF deliver essential psychological first aid. They bridge young individuals with critical mental health resources, encompassing a range of services such as medical care, HIV testing, STI management, contraceptive options, health education,…
UN Agencies Commit to Increasing Investments to Enhance Food Production in Somalia
On Wednesday, the United Nations pledged a helping hand to Somalia in a bid to ramp up investments in agriculture as part of its World Food Day celebration.The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, together with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), hosted a gathering in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The event spotlighted “food heroes” for their role in transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape, in line with the 2024 World Food Day theme: "Right to Food for a Better Life…
Groundbreaking Marburg Vaccine Trial Launches in Rwanda, Pioneering Global Efforts
In a groundbreaking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially reported that Rwanda is spearheading the world's inaugural clinical trial aimed at treating the Marburg virus disease.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the collaborative effort with the organization, which involves testing a medication currently employed for COVID-19 management—Remdesivir—alongside an antibody specifically engineered to combat the Marburg virus. “This initiative showcases our collective…
Mozambique’s Ruling Party Nominee Poised for Presidential Victory
The latest provincial election results strongly suggest that Daniel Chapo, representing the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), is on track to clinch victory.
According to initial tallies, Frelimo is in front across all eleven provinces. Nevertheless, election monitors are expressing skepticism about the fairness of the process, claiming it fell short of international standards. Reports are filtering in about chaotic ballot counting, ballot boxes that weren’t secured properly, allegations of vote…
The Somali Foreign Minister Affirms Ethiopian Embassy’s Continued Presence in Villa Somalia Despite Diplomatic Strains
In a striking announcement, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s chief diplomat, articulated that the Ethiopian Embassy, nestled within the Somali Presidential Palace since 2007, would remain put for the moment, despite simmering discontent from the Somali authorities. Ethiopia set up its embassy in Villa Somalia after its military marched into Mogadishu in December 2006. This intervention was intended to bolster the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) against rebel factions, notably the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).Although…
Two North Western State of Somalia Ministers Step Down, Support Irro Amid Rising Opposition Pre-Election
Mogadishu (AX) — In North Western State of Somalia, two deputy ministers have thrown in the towel, indicating a major realignment in the political sphere just a few weeks shy of the crucial November 13 presidential election. These officials, formerly aligned with the sitting Kulmiye Party, have now pledged their allegiance to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, from the opposition. Their rationale? A push for transformation.Nasir Aydid Mohamed, once serving as Deputy Minister of Fisheries, expressed his intention to…
At Least 94 Dead and 50 Injured in Nigeria Fuel Incident
More than 140 people were killed and dozens were injured in Nigeria after an overturned gasoline tanker truck exploded in flames while bystanders were trying to scoop up fuel pouring from the vehicle, emergency services said Wednesday.
VIDEO: Rising Tensions Between Somalia and Ethiopia Jeopardize Turkey’s Efforts to Expand Its Influence
Recently, Turkey's exploration vessel, the Oruc Reis, accompanied by Turkish naval forces, embarked from Istanbul, journeying toward Somali waters. Their aim? Hunt for what are touted as bountiful energy resources. This mission is a part of a broader pact on energy and security strands between Turkey and Somalia, amid what experts call a burgeoning camaraderie. Yet, there's a caveat. These analysts also wave red flags over escalating regional tensions that could derail Ankara’s dreams. Turkey's ambitions rest heavily on…
Somali Forces Launch Significant Operation to Eliminate al-Shabaab Strongholds in Lower Shabelle
In a bold move against Al-Shabaab, Somali government troops from the renowned 14th October Battalion, embarked on a significant assault at daybreak on Tuesday. They converged on 15 villages nestled between Shalaanbood and Janaale in Lower Shabelle, dismantling hideouts that harbored insurgents, according to military insiders.
Lieutenant Colonel Nuur Farey, who commands the seasoned battalion, mentioned that their objective was straightforward: eradicate the lurking threats posed by Al-Shabaab and usher in a new era of…