Eye on Africa

The waves of change in international relations often ebb and flow unpredictably. Just recently, Kenya and the United Kingdom took a significant leap forward in their partnership by introducing six additional flights each week between Nairobi and London. This initiative, championed by President William Ruto, aims to address ongoing challenges in both cargo transportation and passenger travel—challenges that have at times felt like insurmountable hurdles in the rapidly evolving landscape of global commerce. This agreement…

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has recently taken a significant step forward by disbursing $20 million to ten Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs). This initiative, part of a strategic foreign exchange (FX) forward auction, underscores the central bank’s continuous commitment to stabilizing the Ghanaian cedi and securing reliable fuel supplies in the country. As we reflect on these collective efforts, one has to wonder: how do such financial maneuvers influence our daily lives and the economy at large? Fixed Rate Auction: A…

In a bold move aimed at invigorating the economy and drawing in private sector investment, Kenya is gearing up to privatize a number of state-owned enterprises through initial public offerings (IPOs). President William Ruto articulated this vision during a recent address at the London Stock Exchange, emphasizing the need for a modern and dynamic approach to national economic management. The journey towards privatization is set to kick off later this year with the listing of the Kenya Pipeline Company on the…

Tragedy Strikes: African Union Helicopter Crash in Mogadishu On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at Aden Adde International Airport in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. An African Union military helicopter, under the auspices of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), faced a catastrophic accident while attempting to land, resulting in the loss of at least three lives. This incident not only underscores the perilous nature of military operations in…

The growing might of militaries around the world is no longer merely a badge of honor or a show of resilience; it has evolved into a strategic necessity for survival, influence, and relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape. With geopolitical tensions flaring from Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan to the Taiwan Strait, the year 2025 presents a sobering reality for nations grappling with the implications of military power. At its core, the expansion of military strength is a direct reflection of a nation's quest to…

**Arab Parliament Speaker Congratulates Somalia on National Day** Mogadishu (AX) — In a heartfelt gesture, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, the Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has extended his warmest congratulations to the leadership, government, parliament, and citizens of the Federal Republic of Somalia. This acknowledgment comes in celebration of Somalia's 65th Independence Anniversary, a momentous occasion commemorated this past Tuesday. In his message, Speaker Al Yamahi aptly characterized this anniversary as a pivotal…

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

The recent helicopter crash at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, has cast a somber light on aviation safety amidst ongoing conflicts and political challenges. It serves as a striking reminder of the unpredictable nature of both human endeavors and natural circumstances. Ahmed Maalim, the head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, shared critical updates with the BBC. He confirmed that at least eight individuals were on board the ill-fated aircraft at the time of the crash. While the…

Celebrating 65 Years of Independence: A Testament to Resilience and Unity Mogadishu (AX) — This year's celebration resonates with a unique vibrancy as the Federal Republic of Somalia marks its 65th Independence Anniversary. Recently, James Swan, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, alongside Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, extended their warm congratulations to the Government and people of Somalia. It is a moment rich with historical…

In a poignant ceremony, Liberia recently conducted a reburial for its former President, William Tolbert, precisely 45 years after his tragic assassination during a coup in 1980. This event served not only as a remembrance but also as a vital chapter in the nation’s complex history, marked by trauma and resilience. To chronicle such a narrative, we must delve deeper. Just ten days following Tolbert's brutal murder, 13 of his Cabinet members were subjected to a summary execution that remains seared into the collective memory…