Eye on Africa

Conflict in Shangeed: A Tense Standoff The stillness of dawn shattered in an instant on Thursday as violent clashes erupted between North Western State of Somalia and SSC Khaatumo forces in Shangeed, the contested lands bridging Qorilugud and Buuhoodle. What sparked this newest chapter in a series of territorial skirmishes? Is there more to this than meets the eye? Reports from the ground paint a picture as fragmented as the region itself. While definitive casualty numbers elude confirmation, sources from both factions…

Somali Government's Firm Stance on NGO Collaboration with Militant Groups In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where every word reverberates with anticipation, a stern pronouncement emerged from the Somali Federal Government this week. It was not just another statement; it carried the weight of a nation striving against the odds. The essence of the message was unequivocal: International and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must halt all forms of cooperation with the notorious…

On the serene streets of Beledweyne, a palpable tension hangs in the air. This, a city not unfamiliar with hardship, was struck with tragedy yet again on Wednesday night. Mohamed Hassan Barow, a cherished member of the Somali National Army, met an untimely and violent end. The location? Kooshin neighborhood; the time? Under the cloak of night, as shadows melded with the bloodied dust of Nuur Hawaad Street. One might ask, who is responsible for snuffing out this vibrant life? Fingers point towards the notorious Al-Shabaab, a…

Hargeisa (Axadle Times) – North Western State of Somalia’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, stepped off the plane in Hargeisa on a crisp Thursday morning, concluding a whirlwind three-day official journey to the United Arab Emirates. His mission? To cultivate investment opportunities that promise to breathe life into North Western State of Somalia’s natural resources, invigorate agriculture, and most crucially, carve out promising new pathways for its burgeoning youth. It begs the question: Can this small,…

In a world often divided by strife and uncertainty, the rare moments of harmony and shared purpose become all the more significant. Such was the atmosphere at the press briefing on Wednesday, as President William Ruto of Kenya stood side by side with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. A simple encounter, yet layered with much deeper resonances. It is said that real leaders are defined not just by their vision but by their ability to foster peace in turbulent seas. Is there a more turbulent region than the Middle…

In a shocking turn of events, President John Mahama has launched a thorough investigation following a deadly clash between illegal miners and Ghanaian soldiers that tragically resulted in nine fatalities. According to an army spokesperson, the chaos erupted when miners, armed to the teeth with locally crafted rifles, pump-action shotguns, knives, and even axes, opened fire on military personnel who were simply doing their job. The soldiers, acting in self-defense, returned fire, and the consequences were catastrophic. This…

The border between Somalia and Kenya, often a tense line in the sand, witnessed an unexpected turn of events recently. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, 11 soldiers from the Somali National Army made their way to the Hulugho border, not to patrol or at the call of duty but to seek refuge. Armed, yet vulnerable, they surrendered, rifles shouldered and more than 1,000 bullets in tow. Their decision to cross over into unfamiliar territory did not go unnoticed. As they inched towards Garabey, a small enclave near the…

FILE - A man works on a computer, cyber codes cascading over him, in this imaginative illustration dated May 13, 2017. Today, a startling report reveals a troubling spike in the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Kenya. Consider young Winnie Muyam. Digital platforms were once her gateway to a vibrant social life and a universe of entertainment. Last year, everything changed for the 17-year-old. She started receiving messages from strangers, at first innocuous, then alarmingly intrusive. "They began by…

Garowe (AX) – With undeniable intensity, Northeastern State’s regional government has emphatically refuted claims circulated by Ethiopian media, asserting that three Ethiopian citizens met their demise in the towns of Bosaso and Garowe. Is it a misunderstanding, or a deliberate misrepresentation? On Thursday, with an air of resolute authority, the Northeastern State Police issued a press release dismissing these allegations as unfounded and misleading. Their message was clear: "Dismiss these claims," they urged the public,…

In a remarkable stride for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially applauded Guinea for its success in eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as sleeping sickness. This milestone is more than just a line on the achievement chart; it marks the first time a neglected tropical disease has been wiped out in the country, shining brightly as a beacon of hope amidst ongoing global health challenges. Coincidentally, this announcement was made on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,…