Eye on Africa

Mandatory Travel Insurance Policy: A New Chapter for Tanzania's Tourism The Tanzanian government recently introduced a new mandatory travel insurance policy as part of the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, presented with great anticipation to the National Assembly in Dodoma by the Minister of Finance. This policy is set to impact foreign visitors beginning in the coming months. Once acquired, this non-refundable travel insurance will remain valid for a total of 62 days, roughly translating to a two-month coverage period. But what…

The Implications of Evolving Drone Technology in the Horn of Africa In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the sharing of advanced weaponry, particularly lethal drone technology, can reshape the dynamics of ongoing conflicts. The recent reports indicating a deepening relationship between Yemen’s Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, and Somalia’s al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia (IS Somalia), raise critical questions about the potential ramifications for regional stability. Consider this:…

New Direction for AFRICOM as Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson Takes Command In a significant shift for U.S. military strategy in Africa, President Donald Trump has officially announced the appointment of Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson as the next commander of U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM. This operational command holds a critical role in overseeing American military engagements and partnerships across much of the continent. What challenges will Anderson inherit, and how will he navigate the complex geopolitical…

Mali's Bold Step into Gold Refining: A New Chapter for the Economy Mali's government has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to establish a state-controlled gold refinery in collaboration with the Russian firm Yadran. This initiative is poised to significantly boost Mali’s gold sector earnings, a critical component of the nation’s economy. As a nation rich in mineral resources, how can it better leverage these assets to shape a prosperous future? Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou revealed that the newly formed…

Community Alarm Over Recent Violence: Seeking Solutions for Somali Youth MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The recent tragic events have sparked concern and prompted urgent conversations in the Somali community. Just last week, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting outside Northtown Mall in Blaine. This incident adds to a disturbing trend that has left many in the community anxiously searching for effective solutions. The victim, aged 15, lost his life in this heartbreaking incident, which occurred…

The Political Landscape of Somalia: A Growing Division Mogadishu (AX) — In recent days, a significant storm has been brewing within the political corridors of Somalia. The country's top opposition leaders have turned their ire towards the federal government, vocally opposing its controversial decision to suspend the C6+ international cooperation framework. This move, they argue, is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment but rather a politically charged initiative that threatens to isolate Somalia from crucial international…

In a chilling warning, labor unions have revealed that up to 20,000 jobs in Lesotho hang in the balance, driven by the looming threat of a staggering 50 percent tariff hike from the United States. This situation brings to mind George Bernard Shaw’s words: “Progress is impossible without change.” Yet, for many in Lesotho, change feels more daunting than progressive. Until the Trump administration's controversial imposition of new tariffs, Lesotho enjoyed duty-free status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act—an…

The enormous success of the television show "Suits" has illuminated a powerful truth: even the most traditional and seemingly mundane sectors can be transformed into captivating narratives when infused with emotional richness and cultural resonance. It’s amazing how a well-crafted story can bring depth and excitement to any industry, no matter how esoteric it may seem to outsiders. Fueled by my affection for "Suits," I was thrilled to discover that Heirs Insurance Group was pioneering Africa's inaugural…

Ghana's Economic Progress: A New Dawn During a recent press briefing in Washington, D.C., Julie Kozack, the Director of Communications for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), offered an insightful update on Ghana's economic program. Her remarks echoed the commitment of the IMF to consider prevailing financial conditions and macroeconomic developments in future reviews. This isn’t just bureaucratic jargon; it’s a beacon of hope for Ghanaian citizens who have closely followed their…

Bossaso (AX) – On June 10, 2025, a significant airstrike was executed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a remote region southeast of Bossaso, Northeastern State. This operation, executed in conjunction with the Federal Government of Somalia, specifically targeted suspected fighters associated with ISIS-Somalia. AFRICOM offered a brief statement on the event, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining operational security by withholding intricate details about the strike itself. While confidentiality is…