Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur has made a compelling call to the public: "Steer clear of Al-Shabaab interactions as military operations ramp up in the Middle Shabelle region." His address on Sunday served as a stark reminder of the militant group's lingering influence, especially in areas like El Bacad, where some individuals reportedly continue to maintain ties with Al-Shabaab. The Defense Minister highlighted the precision of recent airstrikes, designed to target senior Al-Shabaab leaders…

Ethiopia's Maritime Ambitions: A New Horizon Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring Ethiopia is setting sail toward a promising future with a strategic initiative to amplify its maritime trade. The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise—a beacon navigating the waters of national ambition—unveiled plans to acquire six state-of-the-art cargo ships. This investment aims to fortify the country's maritime trade capacity, with anticipated costs sailing between 150 million and 250…

Brigadier Michael Kabango Addresses Troops The endeavor of serving on foreign soil is filled with unmatched challenges and vivid experiences. The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) recently witnessed the return of two resilient units, Battle Group (BG) 40 and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) X, after a year-long deployment in Somalia. With their duties overseas concluded, they now face the task of reintegration into regular duty back home. This crucial transition was marked by a post-mission ideological training…

Struggle and Resilience in the Face of Conflict Amidst the relentless sun and vast stretches of barren land, the quest for survival becomes an art of its own. For many displaced families, each day begins with the search for something as simple yet elusive as shade. It’s a daily journey in which finding shelter from the sun can be just as challenging as securing the next meal. “When we were in our own area, life was different,” Ubax recalls, her eyes reflecting both the nostalgia and pain of what’s been lost. “The…

A New Chapter in Somalia's Fight Against Al-Shabaab In a significant development in the relentless struggle against extremism in Somalia, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has reported a highly successful airstrike. The operation specifically targeted the newly constructed bridge in the village of Aw-baalle, a location strategically critical and infamous as a notorious transit point for Al-Shabaab fighters and the weaponry they transport. But what does this mean for Somalia and its wider,…

If you listen closely to the quiet whispers of Garowe, there is a transformative energy stirring—a palpable shift etched in the bold directives of Northeastern State’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni. It is not often that leaders meet the crossroads of security and diplomacy with such determined resolve, but, as history unfolds, it seems President Deni is crafting a narrative infused with both rigor and reconciliation. Imagine sitting among the sable-clad traditional elders of Bari, each line on their faces a testament to…

Flight from Erigavo: A Delicate Balance of Conflict and Peace In a landscape as complex and vibrant as North Western State of Somalia’s, the winds of change are swift and often unforgiving. At the heart of this transformation lies Erigavo, a city that recently witnessed the exodus of over 45,000 families. The underlying cause? A looming fear of potential conflict in the Sanaag region, despite a burgeoning peace initiative helmed by the North Western State of Somalia government. Minor skirmishes have erupted…

A Tale of Silence and Mystery in Wajir “He was taken by unknown men in September. Last night, they simply left him in the dark,” recounted Adam Keynan Wehliye, a fellow legislator from Wajir County. Those words echo a community's unrest, a family's anguish, and a government's inexplicable silence. The gravity of these events found Ahmed, a man spirited away unexpectedly, now thrust into the arms of urgency. In the quiet sterility of a medical facility, doctors found him malnourished, worn by sleep deprivation,…

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Resilience Amidst Challenges FILE - In this poignant snapshot of survival and hope, Somali women find refuge near Mogadishu, erecting shelters to protect themselves from the cruelty of displacement. We find ourselves on the cusp of another International Women's Day, coming up on March 8, 2025. This year, the world celebrates women across the globe for their unwavering strength amidst relentless struggles, championing a theme that echoes the…

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Charts a New Course with UAV Drones In a small East African country brimming with ambition and innovation, a remarkable stride has been made. Recently, the visionary Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, unveiled plans that not only cater to local needs but aim to extend beyond borders. Yes, the manufacture of UAV drones is not just a tale of regional development but one of global potential. Saturday was a day filled with anticipation and excitement, as the Prime Minister…