Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) - A collaborative military maneuver saw Somali government troops and allied local fighters eliminate at least 30 al-Shabab insurgents in the southern reaches of the Mudug region, as confirmed by the Ministry of Information on Saturday.Among the fallen militants were figures such as Mohamed Bashir Muse, commonly called Mukhtar, the mastermind of al-Shabab’s military operations in that area, and Maadey Foodey, the individual orchestrating explosive threats against residents of Mudug. These key militants met…

Gatherings of devoted citizens, healthcare experts, and passionate advocates converged at the illustrious Minnesota Somali Community Center’s annual Samafal Gala. This event was a beacon, illuminating those who have exhibited remarkable dedication in tackling the opioid crisis, mental health issues, and other critical challenges confronting the community. The gala was a tribute to bravery, “Geesinimo,” with accolades commemorating their significant impacts. The evening was alive with traditional performances, cultural…

Mogadishu (AX) — Blimey, the Brits have dug deep, tossing an extra £7.5 million into the coffers to back the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, ATMIS. Their pot now brims with a whopping £77 million since 2021. This cash injection pays the brave souls from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, anchoring ATMIS in their gritty mission. Mike Nithavrianakis, the UK's envoy to Somalia, banged the drum for Britain's enduring dedication to Somalia's defense and growth. He voiced, "Backing ATMIS isn't just…

The accord inked in August between the Somali and Egyptian governments, involving the deployment of ten Egyptian soldiers to Mogadishu, is coming to fruition. Half of these forces will be integrated into joint defense strategies, while the remaining troops will join the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to succeed the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 31, 2025. According to the Somali Guardian, Egyptian military advisors have already landed in Somalia to assist…

In the current geopolitical landscape, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, who spearheads Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are the key figures amidst escalating tensions. Hemetti recently accused Egypt of arming Sudanese Armed Forces, an allegation that Cairo has staunchly repudiated. CAIRO, Egypt (AX) — In a firm rebuttal, Egypt dismissed accusations by Sudan's RSF that Cairo is supplying military aid to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), amidst Sudan's intensifying internal…

"We're absolutely ready to partner with Somalia's Federal Government to make this happen," she emphasized in a statement from Mogadishu, Somalia's vibrant capital. While in Somalia, the UN representative had in-depth discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his key advisors, along with engaging civil society leaders. During her conversation with the president, DiCarlo acknowledged Somalia's significant milestones, such as achieving debt relief through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, joining the…

 The Somali administration has greenlit a federal budget of $1.34 billion for 2025. This represents a hefty 24.4% uptick from last year’s allocation of $1.079 billion. This financial boost stems from an uptick in local earnings and the need to tackle ongoing expenses, with homegrown revenue expected to hit $429.4 million, up 24% from $346.2 million in 2024.Taking a gander at the 2025 budgets of East African Community (EAC) nations:Kenya: $31.9 billion (up by 3.1% from 2024/25) Uganda: $19.61 billion (a whopping 36% increase)…

A glimpse of the International Monetary Fund's HQ in D.C., U.S., captured on April 8, 2019. Photo credits © REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo. Inquiries for rights, contact us. Good news from the IMF! The Ethiopian government gets a green light for the $3.4 billion aid package, with $340.7 million unlocked. The folks at the IMF board gave a thumbs-up last Friday for the initial review of the deal. This backing stems from Ethiopia's summer deal, culminating in a four-year financial arrangement. The country's journey towards…

Kismayo (AX) - On a notable Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the reins of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in Jubaland State.Tucked away in Lower Juba, Kuday FOB has been under the vigilant watch of the ATMIS Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) since 2015. The troops have been pivotal in fortifying Kismayo, acting as a crucial barrier around the bustling port city.Brig. Rashid Seif, who commands Sector Two of ATMIS, led the ceremonial turnover attended…

Hargeisa (AX) - In an assertive move, North Western State of Somalia's President Muse Bihi Abdi has laid down a firm rule banning the use of public assets, government workers, and military forces in the run-up to the November 13 presidential election.Announced late Friday, the directive calls on government execs to ensure political organizations receive a fair shot at utilizing governmental resources and accessing the media during election season.The spotlight now turns to the Minister of Information, Awareness, and Culture,…