Eye on Africa

In the intricate landscape of global geopolitics, seemingly unlikely alliances often emerge, united by common adversaries. In this case, Yemen’s Ansar Allah, more commonly known as the Houthis, and their primary benefactor, Iran, have formed pragmatic links with non-state actors like Somalia's al-Shabab and the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS). While their ideologies and objectives may diverge significantly, their shared hostility toward countries such as the United States and Israel provides common ground. Considering the…

It's a momentous occasion at the Stade de France, set against the backdrop of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. Picture this: Gudaf Tsegay of Team Ethiopia making strides in the intense atmosphere of the women's 1500m semi-final. The crowd's anticipation is palpable, their eyes glued to the unfolding drama on the track. (CFP Photo) Meanwhile, looking ahead, the countries of Kenya and Ethiopia have unveiled their lineups for the World Athletics Indoor Championships set to occur in Nanjing in 2025. A captivating…

Reimagining Trade in African Economies We often hear the phrase "money makes the world go round," but have you ever paused to consider whose money does that? For the African continent, the answer often points towards foreign currencies. Unfortunately, these aren't just facilitating trade; they're silently eroding Africa's economic potential. Historically, African nations have predominantly conducted trade—both amongst…

Unraveling the Mystique of Swedes Venturing into Africa for IS By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring As the sun sets, painting the Swedish skies with strokes of orange and purple, a different narrative unfolds thousands of miles away in the arid landscapes of Somalia. It's a tale few would expect: Swedes, leaving the comfort and serenity of their homeland, gravitating towards the tumultuous sphere of the Islamic State (IS) in Africa. What compels these individuals to…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the complex landscape of international relations, where politics often dances to the tunes of historical allegiances and emerging partnerships, the growing ties between North Western State of Somalia and Taiwan have stirred a pot of diplomatic deliberations. The Chinese government, staunchly protective of its territorial integrity, has issued a vehement denunciation of these burgeoning connections. With unequivocal determination, Beijing has pledged to exert pressure on Hargeisa, aiming to see the…

Industry Update: Dangote Refinery's Crude Strategy In a significant development that reflects the turning tides in Nigeria's oil industry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has chosen to pause its Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refineries. This arrangement, initially designed to empower local refineries to purchase crude in Nigeria's local currency, the Naira, has hit a procedural snag. But what does this mean for the industry at large? The immediate effect…

Mogadishu: Dynamics Within the Somali Presidency In a move that caught many by surprise, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially relieved Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim Qoone from his advisory role on inter-regional affairs this past Sunday. The decision, formally announced through a presidential decree, sparked curiosity and contemplation across the political landscape of Mogadishu. It left some asking: What prompts such a decision in these turbulent times? "Leaders are expected…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, a flurry of claims and counterclaims has recently drawn the attention of the international community. Amidst the hum of daily life and the persistent chatter of market vendors, the U.S. Embassy found itself in the eye of a media storm, staunchly refuting rumors of a mass evacuation of its diplomatic staff. It’s curious, isn't it, how quickly misinformation can take root, capturing minds with apprehensive narratives? The story begins with Dirir,…

Picture the sprawling landscapes of Somalia's Middle Shabelle region—a place that history continues to write about through its ongoing conflict and turbulent quest for peace. In a groundbreaking maneuver, the Somali National Army (SNA), working hand in glove with the U.S. military's Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently conducted a calculated airstrike aimed at crippling the Al-Shabaab militants entrenched in this region. On a seemingly quiet Sunday, an SNA statement revealed that the precision…

Nairobi, Kenya (AX) – In the dusty, sun-beaten terrain of Mandera, echoes of gunfire shattered the morning calm last Friday. A Kenyan police officer tragically lost his life, another was left nursing injuries, and an entire community was thrust into the crosshairs of a dispute brewing just across the border. The attackers were believed to be operatives from Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). But why would such a violent engagement ensue? Let’s unravel this complex tapestry. Border Point 4,…