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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.
Somali Envoy Submits Credentials to President Biden, Explores Ways to Enhance Bilateral Relations
Washington, D.C. (AX) – U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the Somali Ambassador Dahir Hassan Arab at the White House, where the ambassador presented his diplomatic credentials. This ceremonial act symbolizes a step toward strengthening bonds between Somalia and the United States.In their dialogue, Ambassador Arab and President Biden explored ways to bolster bilateral ties, particularly zooming in on Somalia's developmental strides, as well as the Somali government's initiatives to uplift the quality of life for its…
Somali Authorities Confiscate Unlawful Weapons and Detain Arms Dealers in Mogadishu
Mogadishu (AX) – On Thursday, Somali law enforcement nabbed four individuals involved in illegal arms trading while conducting a widespread security operation in multiple districts of the Banadir area.
At the Banadir Regional Police HQ, authorities showed off the cache of weapons, which included 33 AK-47 rifles and four PKM machine guns, all seized during the crackdown.
The commanding officer of Banadir regional police, Mahdi Omar Mumin, shared that those arrested will face trial soon. He urged the community to step up…
Somali Forces Capture High-Ranking al-Shabaab Leader
On Wednesday, Somalia proclaimed the capture of a top boss from the terrorist faction al-Shabaab in the central Galgadud region.Ali Geelle, a high-ranking leader linked to al-Qaeda's offshoot al-Shabaab, was nabbed by the Somali National Army (SNA) in a military operation in Galgadud, according to a terse Defense Ministry communique.“The operation in Galhareeri district, Galgaduud region, also saw the confiscation of a vehicle, a gun, and some ammo,” the ministry posted on X. They noted that Geelle had been involved in…
Yusuf Garaad Calls on Somali Government to Address Insensitive Remarks About Bakool Protesters
Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali Foreign Minister Yusuf Garaad admonished the Somali government to step in regarding recent remarks made by Director of Transport and Aviation Bashir Moalim Ali. Ali sparked an uproar by casting aspersions on the people of South West State during a media engagement.
Ali questioned the genuineness of the recent demonstrators in Bakool, alleging they weren't true Somalis but descendants of Ethiopians from the time of former President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.
"Hearing Somali citizens labeled as…
Is President Hichilema Preparing to Revise Zambia’s Constitution?
Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema left many taken aback with his candid comments regarding the pressing need for constitutional reform during a speech delivered in the Zambian parliament. He articulated concerns that, without necessary adjustments, certain oversights could potentially result in the country facing a dramatic scenario: "a situation where we could have no general election for eight years."
This unexpected assertion sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including former president Edgar…
Turkey Launches Fresh Effort to Renew Dialogue Between Somalia and Ethiopia
On Thursday, Turkey’s foreign minister revealed plans to host separate discussions with Horn of Africa adversaries, Somalia and Ethiopia, to alleviate rising tensions prior to another round of talks in Ankara.
Collapse of Dam in South Africa Sparks Concerns Over Safety Measures
A recent parliamentary investigation has revealed a troubling lack of dam inspectors within the Department of Water and Sanitation. This alarming situation comes on the heels of the catastrophic failure of three dams in the Western Cape back in August. The aftermath of the collapse was devastating, as it displaced over a hundred individuals, wreaking havoc on their livelihoods and communities.
To put things into perspective, dam owners are legally obligated to provide safety evaluations conducted by certified inspectors.…
Somali Mother and Daughter Tragically Drown in French River During Child Rescue Attempt
Mogadishu (AX) — In a heart-wrenching incident, a Somali mother and her four-year-old daughter tragically lost their lives after drowning in the Loing River in northern France this past Monday, according to local sources. The heartbreaking event took place in Nemours, a town situated in the Seine-et-Marne region. The young girl had tumbled into the river by accident, and her mother met a tragic fate while trying to rescue her.The authorities were alerted by nearby residents who had been stirred by the mother's frantic cries…
Egypt Forms Closer Ties with Somalia to Counter Ethiopia
The rift between Egypt and Ethiopia has hit a boiling point recently. The discord stems back to 2011, when Ethiopia began building the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, igniting Egypt's fears over its water and food security. Recently, tensions heightened further following Egypt's rapprochement with Ethiopia’s foe, Somalia.
On August 27, Egypt dispatched two C-130 military aircraft brimming with weapons and ammunition to Mogadishu. This marked Egypt’s first military aid to Somalia in over four…
Communities Hold the Secret to Eradicating HIV by 2030
The 25th International AIDS Conference highlighted an essential approach for eradicating HIV as a public health dilemma by the year 2030: prioritizing community involvement.
Globally, the fight against HIV has always relied on collective action, making significant strides along the way. However, Dr. Joram Sunguti—a Senior Technical Advisor specializing in HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) at Pathfinder International—stresses that intensifying community engagement is crucial for tackling enduring…