Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) In many corners of the world, the celebration of youth and their achievements manifests in various forms. In Somalia, this celebration takes on a spiritual and intellectual tone through the national Holy Quran Competition, an annual event that vividly captures the essence of faith, education, and cultural heritage. On a serene evening marking the end of Ramadan, adorned in the traditional serenity of the holy month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took center stage to honor this year’s champions of Quranic…

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Nigeria saw a surge in its real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growing by 3.84% year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics' latest report. Perhaps this statistic alone could be a cause for cautious optimism among economists. However, when we dive deeper into these numbers, intriguing patterns and challenging questions begin to emerge. What factors contribute to this growth, and what might these imply for Nigeria's economic future? The report reveals an interesting detail:…

Galmudug's Imminent Stand Against Al-Shabaab: A United Call for Action Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In the heart of Dhusamareb, a city known for its resilience and spirited community, Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye, often called Qoor Qoor, delivered a message echoing with determination and hope. "The time to unite is now," he declared, with an earnestness that resonated deep within the walls of the regional capital. His address was not merely a statement about the current woes or…

Mogadishu Welcomes Sheikh as AU Commission Spokesperson For those who keep a keen eye on the intricate world of African diplomacy, the name Nuur Mohamud Sheekh evokes a sense of familiarity and respect. A man with nearly thirty years tucked into his belt across diplomacy and humanitarian endeavors, Sheekh is a stalwart figure whose journey reminds us of the indelible mark skilled individuals can leave on international platforms. Recently, on a vibrant…

The Future of Mozambique's LNG Project: A Story of Challenges and Resilience Exciting developments are fueling the optimism of Mozambique's long-anticipated LNG project. Recently, the board of the U.S. Export-Import Bank extended its approval for a nearly $5 billion loan, invigorating the once-stalled initiative spearheaded by the French oil behemoth, TotalEnergies. For some, this development is akin to breathing life into a slumbering giant, rousing the project from its dormancy. But why was this project, with so much…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable narrative of international military diplomacy, Ethiopia and Russia stand at a juncture, exploring new horizons in maritime collaboration, despite Ethiopia's landlocked status. Picture a scene of strategic dialogue, where visions are shaped beyond geographical constraints. In an intriguing meeting in Addis Ababa, Russian Deputy Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobiev sat across from Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Commodore Jemal Tufisa. As these leaders gathered around…

Imagine waking up to find that your once-peaceful neighborhood is now a potential flashpoint for conflict—a reality that many residents in East Africa might soon face. Despite persistent calls for peace, the lingering disputes in the region threaten to transform into a broader conflict—particularly between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Recent developments suggest that Ethiopia and Eritrea, historical rivals, could be on the brink of yet another confrontation. It was only a couple of decades ago,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable step towards future-proofing its key agricultural sector, Somalia has announced a $79.7 million climate resilience project designed to ease the harsh impacts of climate change on its communities. This ambitious seven-year endeavor, aptly called Ugbaad, aims to breathe new life into the land by transforming degraded farms into productive spaces, securing precious water supplies, and enhancing the systems that deliver crucial climate data. The name 'Ugbaad' resonates with hope—a…

Introduction Recent developments have cast a spotlight on Nigeria as the U.S. Congress moves to impose potential sanctions. This decision, standing at the crossroads of international politics and human rights advocacy, stems from the escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Is this merely another geopolitical maneuver, or a necessary stance against persistent acts of violence? The Hearing that Sparked a Decision It all began with a congressional hearing dedicated to assessing…

February opened with a flurry of activity for the U.S. Africa Command, commonly known as AFRICOM. Their mission was clear: address the escalating threat posed by extremist factions in Africa. The inaugural day of the month marked a significant move as AFRICOM executed airstrikes in Somalia’s remote Golis Mountains. Those strikes honed in on a local faction of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The operation culminated in the elimination of Ahmed Maeleninine—an ISIS recruiter of note, renowned for his pivotal role…