Eye on Africa

Baidoa (AX) — In a moment that marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape of the Southwest region, the leader of the Southwest state, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, took an important step forward by officially laying the foundation stone for a new Teacher Training Center in Baidoa, the administrative heart of the state. This ceremony, held on a sunny Saturday, was not merely a formality; it was a celebration of hope and a commitment to the future. The event was graced by an array of distinguished…

Legal Ruling Sparks Controversy Over Deportations to South Sudan On Friday, July 4, a pivotal decision emerged from the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy. Bound by a recent order from the Supreme Court, Judge Murphy ruled that the Department of Homeland Security was no longer barred from deporting certain individuals. This move has left many feeling a sense of urgency and concern about the implications for those affected. The court’s ruling effectively extinguished the migrants' final attempts to halt their…

Tensions Rise in Las Anod: A Struggle for Sovereignty Las Anod, the vibrant capital of the Sanaag region, has recently found itself embroiled in a tragic conflict that transcends mere politics. On Saturday, the waves of discontent culminated in a clash between the Northeastern State security forces and armed fighters loyal to Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, a notable figure who once held the esteemed position of speaker in the Northeastern State Parliament. This altercation, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of a civilian…

Nigeria is asserting that it is owed over $11 million by Benin and Togo for electricity supplied in the first quarter of 2025. This claim comes from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which has underscored the growing tensions in cross-border energy transactions. Despite having established bilateral agreements that ensure a consistent supply of power to its neighbors, the payment behavior of these countries has been less than encouraging. Intriguingly, while Togo has failed to make any payments, Benin…

Resurgence in Nigeria's Forex Markets: A Sign of Economic Optimism A notable turnaround is echoing through Nigeria's foreign exchange landscape. A recently observed uptick in the international usage of naira cards highlights a blossoming confidence that permeates the market. This shift can be attributed to a combination of pragmatic monetary policy reforms, a revival of bank initiatives, and a general enlivening of the economy. Engaging in cross-border transactions has become more accessible, allowing for smoother…

Recent developments in Burkina Faso have raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally, as the military government has enacted significant changes affecting foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In a notable decree, the government announced the withdrawal of operating licenses for four foreign NGOs and the suspension of two other associations. These decrees, attributed to a government minister, were formalized in mid-June. While the minister referenced specific breaches that justified the actions, the…

The Urgent Situation in Haiti: A Call for Action Port-au-Prince, January 18, 2025 – As the clock ticks down, with merely ten days left before the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti comes to an end, alarm bells are ringing among UN officials regarding the deepening crisis in this Caribbean nation. The stakes are incredibly high. If decisive actions aren’t taken to renew and fortify this crucial mission, particularly in support of the Kenya-led Multi-National Security Support (MSS) force, Haiti teeters on the brink…

**Mogadishu (AX)** — In a significant move towards enhancing stability in Somalia, the African Union (AU) has decided to extend the presence of Burundian troops for another six months. This extension is part of an overarching strategy aimed at reinforcing efforts against the militant group al-Shabaab while simultaneously supporting state-building initiatives in the tumultuous region. The decision was made during a virtual meeting held on Thursday, convened by the line ministers of AU member states who comprise the African…

Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency, the ZiG, recently achieved a significant milestone by recording its largest single-day gain against the U.S. dollar in 2023. This remarkable change can be attributed to a surge in gold production alongside a bolstered reserve of foreign currency, reflecting a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s economic narrative. On Friday, the ZiG appreciated by 0.2%, trading at 26.89 per dollar. This shift was particularly noteworthy, considering it marked only the twelfth instance of the currency…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and South Africa's Diplomatic Dialogue Pretoria (AX) – On a notably sunny Friday afternoon, the serene atmosphere of Pretoria buzzed with enthusiasm as two prominent figures in international diplomacy came together for a pivotal meeting. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, sat down with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola. Their discussion was more than just another diplomatic gathering; it was…