Eye on Africa

The unpredictable corridors of power opened their doors on February 4, 2025, as US President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the Oval Office. An occasion captured in time by Evan Vucci's lens for the Associated Press, the meeting hinted at a controversial geopolitical chess move: relocating Gazans from their besieged enclave. But relocate to where? The eyes of Israeli and US officials are turning toward Morocco and two autonomous Somali regions—Northeastern State and North Western State…

In a resolute stride toward equity in public service, President William Ruto inaugurated Kenya's 10th immigration office on Thursday, nestled in the heart of Garissa County. This significant move aims to streamline the passport application process for the residents of Northern Kenya. But why is this such a momentous occasion? Picture a resident from Mandera, Wajir, or Tana River, trekking arduous journeys to Nairobi, Mombasa, or Nakuru merely to procure a passport. The inconvenience and costs add up, don't they? Now, with a…

In a significant development on Thursday, Kenya announced that it had dispatched 144 additional police officers to join the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, aiming to combat the persistent specter of gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation. This fresh contingent is part of an endeavor strikingly complex yet courageously undertaken. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, detailed that the group includes 120 men and 24 women. They are…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a charged atmosphere of growing political tension, Somali Minister of Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag has thrown serious accusations against Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubbaland State. Fartaag, in a fiery address delivered in the heart of Mogadishu on Saturday, painted Madobe as not merely a political rival but a profound obstructionist, hampering the painstaking fight against the militant group, al-Shabaab. His words resounded with palpable frustration. Fartaag sparked a blend of intrigue…

Vaccination Against Mpox South Sudan has encountered its inaugural case of mpox, as confirmed last Friday—a grim milestone that has placed the nation on high alert. The discovery was made when a patient succumbed to the clutches of this rare virus, following a gauntlet of diagnostic tests. James Hoth Mai, serving as Acting Health Minister, illuminated the details during a press briefing held in the pulsating heart of Juba. On January 22, a patient first displayed harrowing symptoms, including fever, a…

Northeastern State’s Vigilant Stand: A New Chapter in the Fight Against ISIS On January 30, 2025, amidst whispers of courage and resilience, the Northeastern State Security Forces paraded a newly trained unit through the streets of Bosasso, located in Somalia's Northeastern State region. Gleaming equipment accompanied them, a show of strength and preparedness dedicated to combating the looming threat of ISIS in the Bari Region. Reuters captured this profound moment—one that might signal a pivotal shift.…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a move set to shape the future fabric of Somali society, the Somali Council of Ministers recently ratified two pivotal cooperation agreements with Azerbaijan, focusing on education and energy. During Thursday’s meeting in the heart of Mogadishu, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, who presided over the proceedings with a thoughtful gaze, underscored the profound significance of these accords. "These agreements will enhance education and energy collaboration, laying the groundwork for long-term…

Mogadishu (AX) – Is it truly feasible or ethical to propose relocating individuals from one troubled land to another? A recent initiative, put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump, suggests resettling Palestinians from the embattled strip of Gaza to the distant lands of Northeastern State, a self-governing region in northeastern Somalia, and the self-proclaimed autonomous state of North Western State of Somalia. Phrased with enticing adjectives as "far safer and more beautiful," this proposal has sparked considerable debate…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the vibrant city of Kampala, a significant meeting unfolded between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. Their conversation was peppered with discussions on deepening the bonds between their nations, with an emphasis on security, economic growth, and collaborative measures against the specter of terrorism. The dialogue between the two leaders wasn't merely a formal exchange. Instead, it was imbued with the kind of warmth and understanding that often arises…

International diplomacy often finds its most compelling narratives in the intimate settings of academia. It was in such an environment that the Somali Ambassador to Pakistan, Sheikh Noor Muhammad Hassan, graced the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (UET) with his presence on February 6, 2025. The day was not just a formal visit; it was a confluence of cultural dialogues and intellectual exchanges, captured beautifully in an evocative photograph where Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir handed a souvenir to the…