Eye on Africa

In an unexpected turn of events, former President Ian Khama has returned to Botswana after almost three years spent in voluntary exile. His comeback comes at a tumultuous time, as he confronts a staggering 14 charges, including unlawful firearm possession and allegations of money laundering. Khama, who now heads a splinter opposition party known as the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), staunchly refutes these accusations. He maintains that they are rooted in political vendettas rather than factual misconduct. Khama’s…

But for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing both the local and international audience, has led him to firmly articulate Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access, insist on cultivating regional peace, and navigate the tricky waters of having an adversary-turned-friend in Somalia. This week, Ethiopia celebrated its New Year and National Sovereignty Day. In a televised speech, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that any nation contemplating an invasion should think not once, but ten times. Although he refrained from naming…

Algerians living overseas have started to exercise their right to vote as they prepare for the presidential elections happening this Saturday. Despite the enthusiasm of expatriates, there's a prevailing expectation of a dismal voter turnout within Algeria itself, coupled with predictions leaning towards the probable re-election of the current president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. On another front, the situation in Algeria remains tense. Authorities have ramped up their efforts to clamp down on civil liberties, targeting…

In recent weeks, a troubling wave of violence has swept through Cameroonian journalism, as reporters find themselves under siege. Armed assailants wielding rifles and machetes have launched "brutal attacks" against them, an alarming development coming just ahead of the impending presidential election scheduled for next year. President Paul Biya, who has held sway over the nation for more than 40 years, has yet to declare his intentions regarding another term, but pressure from his supporters to continue his reign is…

A deluge of unforgettable events unfurled as the Alau Dam swelled beyond its limits, unleashing torrents of water that wreaked havoc in the surrounding areas. The aftermath was catastrophic; entire communities were forced to abandon their homes. Close to Sanda Kyarimi Park, authorities issued urgent evacuation notices as dangerous wildlife—specifically reptiles—spilled out from a nearby zoo, seeking refuge from the inundation. Local residents reported sightings of various snakes and even crocodiles navigating the…

Pravin Gordhan, the former minister and notable anti-apartheid campaigner, has passed away. His legacy is celebrated for his unwavering integrity, exceptional leadership, and courage in combating state capture. Gordhan held the position of Minister of Finance for two significant periods: first from 2009 to 2014, and then again from 2015 to 2017. He also took on the role of Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015, followed by his service as Minister of Public Enterprises from February…

Ethiopia has officially replied to the Egyptian Foreign Minister’s correspondence, characterizing the contents as a "series of unfounded claims." Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie of Ethiopia addressed the Council on September 6, 2024, regarding Egypt's correspondence, which firmly rejected Ethiopia's fifth and latest effort to fill the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia's rebuttal stems from Egypt's allegations of breaching international regulations by proceeding with the dam's filling without the…

Last weekend, a meeting took place in Asmara between Egypt's chief spy and Foreign Minister, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. They carried a direct message from President Al Sisi, emphasizing "enhancing and expanding bilateral ties across all sectors." Egypt's active diplomatic endeavors in the Horn of Africa are ongoing. Following a recently inked military pact with Somalia, which included sending 10 Egyptian soldiers to Mogadishu, irking neighboring Ethiopia, Cairo is now eyeing a similar deal with Eritrea. This…

A tragic incident unfolded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in the loss of at least 129 lives during a botched prison break. According to Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, a grim tally indicates that 24 individuals were shot after warnings were issued. Yet, the death toll wasn't solely due to gunfire; many perished from being crushed or suffocated in the chaos. In the aftermath, at least 59 individuals sustained injuries and required medical attention, and reports surfaced of several women…

In commemoration of International Day of Democracy, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered an insightful message highlighting the critical need to safeguard free expression. He also raised an alarm about the lurking dangers posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Guterres cautioned that if left unchecked, AI could wreak havoc on democratic frameworks, primarily by disseminating misleading information and inciting animosity among different groups. He pointed out that this year, the stakes are particularly high, as…