Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – The Acting Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, James Swan, has voiced his worries about the simmering unrest between Somalia and Ethiopia. This follows a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia, a region claiming autonomy, on the first day of 2024.This agreement, granting Ethiopia access to the sea and permitting a military base in North Western State of Somalia, faced strong objections from Somalia. On Friday,…

Gen Muhoozi happens to be the son of the President. The word on the grapevine from the US embassy is their staff were caught flat-footed, clueless about the CDF's cryptic statements, which demanded immediate action in less than 72 hours. By press time, Mr. Popp had zipped lips on the whole drama, and no peep came from the officials in Kampala either. “We're trying to untangle the mess,” shared a source from the scene. The mission apparently fired a concerned missive to the Foreign Affairs ministry, but as Friday bid…

Back when Somalia first dipped its toes into federalism, there was real hope in the air—an honest chance to stitch our country back together after endless chaos and strife. The idea of empowering regions, sharing power wisely, and acknowledging local priorities seemed a promising path. Yet, here we are, more fragmented than united. If we're to grasp why federalism collapsed, we've got to see Somalia for what it is, not just some textbook example of a system that works great in places like Germany or the USA. We ain't those…

Somalia's young'uns, especially those who sprouted just as the Siad Barre regime fizzled out, know naught but turmoil. Drama and chaos have been their babysitters. We’ve hung on for yonks, looking for some government worth its salt, but just when we think there might be some glimmer of silver linings, doubt crashes the party. Is change just a pipe dream? A smidgen of impatience ain't outlandish given that every step forward seems to come with a hop back. Walking amidst shattered pledges and dislocation, our enthusiasm…

In the whirlwind of regional politics, the involvement of Egypt in Somalia's security landscape has sparked a fair amount of jitters among nations and international partners engaged in the African Union peacekeeping mission there. Egypt, flexing its military muscles, seems keen to play a pivotal role in Somalia as the African Union’s existing mandate wraps up. But oh, the plot thickens like a good mystery novel...Security wonks hint that this new player on the block—Egypt, wielding its influence by backing Somalia—has given…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a twist of fate, Dahabshiil, a heavyweight in international financial services, decided to scrub any mention of 'North Western State of Somalia' from its platform. This decision follows strict orders from the government of Somalia. This compliance sparked a wave of negativity in North Western State of Somalia, where folks see it as a breach of their self-governance. Dahabshiil is navigating the choppy waters faced by global enterprises under similar governmental pressure. Recently, even airlines like…

A quartet of young chaps was nabbed by Somali police at Eng. Yariisow stadium on accounts of kicking up a ruckus at a local football match in Mogadishu. This grab was part of a sweeping effort to keep the peace at sports gatherings across the city. CREDIT/ Somali PoliceMogadishu (AX) — On a bustling Sunday, the Somali Police Force rounded up 24 youngsters after some hubbub broke out during a district footy showdown at Eng. Yariisow Stadium. Matches between Karaan and Wadajir districts, just a slice of the Banadir region's…

Mogadishu (AX) – Mohamed Hassan Hiis, the Communication Director for Jubbaland Regional State, has thrown some bold accusations at Somalia's presidency. He alleges they're bankrolling a negative campaign on social media aimed squarely at Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe.Hiis pointed his finger at Abdiqadir Ali Dige, Villa Somalia's communications chief, claiming he's the mastermind behind this orchestrated social media blitz to tarnish Madobe's reputation. "Mr. President, can you really bank on these delegations to…

A Facebook post, emerging on September 18, 2024, surpassed viral status with over 800 shares. It flaunts a TikTok video captioned in Amharic, suggesting: "Abiy is bursting with joy." The name "Abiy" references Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed. Meanwhile, the caption hints at Egypt being "wrecked." "Ethiopia's foes are in a panic," the video narrator claims. "Rumors swirling from Beijing—Xi Jinping’s domain—suggest Ethiopia's got its hands on the elusive J10 fighter jet." This aircraft is notable for slipping past…