Eye on Africa

L. Brent Bozell III, the conservative activist chosen by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and is preparing to assume his post, according to reporting by RFI's Melissa Chemam. Bozell, long known on the American right for his organizational work and media activism, enters the diplomatic role as a vocal backer of Israel and a prominent conservative voice in U.S. politics. The Senate confirmation completes Washington’s formal approval process and clears the…

Somalia’s Upper House passes National Payment System Bill, clearing path for payments oversight law MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved the National Payment System Bill, a keystone measure designed to regulate the country’s fast-growing digital payments industry and strengthen consumer protection in a mobile-money-driven economy. Parliamentary officials said the bill passed during the 14th session of the Upper House’s seventh sitting with 28 senators voting in favor and none…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s defense minister accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse Israel’s surprise recognition of the breakaway region, escalating a diplomatic standoff that has rippled across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi called Israel’s move a “serious violation” of international law and a “direct attack” on…

Ethiopian Airlines breaks ground on $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, billed as Africa’s largest by 2030 Ethiopian Airlines has launched construction on a $12.5 billion greenfield hub in Bishoftu, a town about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa, in a project officials say will become Africa’s biggest airport when completed in 2030. The state-owned carrier has been awarded the contract to design a four-runway complex at the site, where earthworks have begun. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, announcing…

Sunday January 11, 2026 OSLO, Norway (AX) — The Norwegian Nobel Institute said Friday that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked, addressing comments by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado suggesting she might give or share her 2025 award with former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a brief statement citing the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, the institute said the prize decision, once announced, is irrevocable and cannot be altered in any way. “The decision is final and stands for all…

Chimamanda Adichie's Son Dies Amid Allegations of Medical Negligence Internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Adichie is mourning the tragic loss of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, whose death she attributes to critical failures in medical care at a private hospital in Lagos. Friends of the author revealed that the medical procedures Nkanu underwent, which should have been routine, were mishandled, leading to what she describes as an avoidable loss. In a statement regarding the incident, Adichie emphasized her…

China backs Somalia’s territorial integrity, denounces North Western State of Somalia–Taiwan ties as Wang Yi postpones Mogadishu stop BEIJING (AX) — China’s foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, underscoring a position that has anchored China’s engagement in the Horn of Africa. Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message in a phone call with his Somali counterpart while traveling on his annual New Year tour…

Benin Prepares for Key Elections Following Failed Coup Attempt As the political landscape shifts in Benin, approximately eight million registered voters are gearing up to cast their ballots for 109 members of parliament and local representatives. The pivotal elections are set to take place amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension, as the country grapples with the aftermath of a recent coup attempt. According to the country’s election commission, the elections will mark a significant moment in Benin's democratic…

Sunday January 11, 2026 JEDDAH — Foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The rebuke came at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ 22nd extraordinary session, held at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah and convened to address developments in…

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia and fellow members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning the move risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa. Representing Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji told an extraordinary OIC meeting in Jeddah that the kingdom “categorically rejects” what he described as a…