Eye on Africa

Bosaso (AX) – In a twist of fate both intriguing and contentious, Northeastern State's regional leaders have turned down food aid supplied by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). This aid was intended to assist communities beleaguered by drought and conflict in Northeastern State. However, suspicions regarding both the aid's origins and its distribution process have cast a shadow over its intended purpose. During a no-holds-barred press briefing in Bosaso on the Sabbath, Northeastern State’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious display of bravery and vigilance, the Somali National Army (SNA) joined hands with the local residents to foil an intricate ploy designed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. What began as a routine patrol escalated into a nail-biting showdown — the drama unfolded dramatically near Beledweyne on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, where the hawk-eyed Somali forces seized a vehicle brimming with a cache of 13 sleek AK-47 rifles. We're talking about heavy artillery, folks. According to the…

Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has thrown down the gauntlet with an audacious promise: to forge an elite military force that's as cutting-edge as they come. Picture this—troops armed to the teeth with futuristic weaponry, ready to defend every inch of North Western State of Somalia's territory, from the sun-baked desert borders to the rippling expanse of its seas. Now, isn't that a thrilling vision?Over the weekend, nestled amidst the distinct vibes of Hargeisa,…

On a sun-drenched Saturday morning, the streets of Mogadishu buzzed with an unsual energy as Somali security forces scattered themselves across the city, staking their claim on Mogadishu's bustling corners. Their mission? Silencing the city’s signature soundtrack—auto-rickshaw speakers. These speakers, which once belted out catchy tunes and lively broadcasts, now find themselves tangled up in controversy. Just like that quiet guy at a party who suddenly breaks into a dance—unexpectedly! Police…

Deeqo lounges on the stoop of her shiny new home, a significant upgrade from eight grueling years in an IDP camp. Photo by Hoodo Ahmed/Ergo In Garowe, the bustling heart of Somalia's Northeastern State region, the winds of change are brewing. A thousand internally displaced families are leaving behind the gritty hustle of tin shacks and entering the permanence of actual homes. Who’d have imagined? It’s a cultural shift, one that offers a poignant chapter of new beginnings rather than the endless loop of makeshift living.…

TikTok, the app that's got everyone from teenagers living for viral dance trends to grandparents trying out the latest viral challenges, may soon vanish from the screens of over 170 million Americans. Come Sunday, it faces the tech world's equivalent of being sent to the guillotine, all due to the ongoing legal kerfuffling with Uncle Sam. Apparently, unless the Biden administration can whip up a last-minute assurance that they won’t be cracking the app with penalties for violating its looming ban, TikTok might just zip…

An expansive view of the bustling cityscape of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights In a world where financial stability often dances on the edge of chaos, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given Ethiopia reason for cheer. The IMF's executive board, like the proverbial knight in shining armor, signed off on the second review of Ethiopia's economic aid initiative on Friday. This momentous nod of approval unlocks a substantial disbursement of nearly $250…

With the addition of two newly confirmed cases, Kenya's mpox tally now stands at a concerning 33. It's a number that keeps health officials on their toes, perhaps reaching for the antacid more often these days. But where do these cases come from? As of this Friday, they hail from the counties of Kericho and Taita Taveta, marking the virus's unwelcome trek across 12 counties. Mary Muriuki, the unflappable principal secretary from the Health Ministry, delivered this sobering reality check during a recent press…

Mogadishu (AX) - At the hustling heart of Mogadishu, Somalia steps gleefully towards a new dawn of progress, rolling out its long-anticipated National ID Card. Imagine unlocking not just doors, but possibilities - that’s the power of this little rectangle of promise. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has fired the starting gun on this venture, aiming to equip citizens with a key to both essential services and their due rights. The ribbon at the launching event was snipped by none other than the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the heart of Hirshabelle State, an unfortunate chapter unfolded as hostilities broke out between two storied clans, the Hawadle and Abgaal. The air around Calabria, a serene yet secluded borderland bridging the Hiiran and Middle Shabelle regions, was shattered Saturday morning by the echoes of a timeworn struggle over the lush pastures both clans hold dear. You might wonder, what stokes such enduring conflicts? Picture this: fertile lands, a scarcity of resources, and age-old rivalries simmering beneath…