Eye on Africa

Garowe (AX) – In an era where the historic and the contemporary constantly intertwine, Northeastern State authorities have sounded a stern warning: mistreating foreigners will incur serious consequences. This declaration is part of an intensified campaign in the Bari region aimed at decimating the stubborn presence of ISIS, often compared to an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome. Under the searing Garowe sun on what seemed like an ordinary Monday, the ever-energetic Northeastern State's Minister of…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…

Beledweyne (AX) –  Against a backdrop of dust and determination, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, hand in hand with local clan militias, valiantly reclaimed the Beera Yabaal area on Monday after a fierce tango with Al-Shabaab militants that lasted for hours. This reclaimed territory sits snug between Buula Burte and Halgan districts, standpoints lately rumored to be Al-Shabaab's cozy rendezvous spots. Cheers echo for these triumphs, yet linger questions like shadows – what's next? Nestled in the heart of Hiiraan, Beera…

In a fascinating twist of fate, heartbeats in Somalia have found a new rhythm, thanks to the intrepid Italian medical team. They've crafted history, surgically speaking, in the sands of Mogadishu. Imagine a scene that's less 'ER' and more 'Gladiator'—but with scalpels instead of swords—where pediatric heart surgeons have wielded their skills to patch little lives. This isn't just any hospital tale; it's a bona fide miracle that echoes a new dawn for pediatric healthcare in the Horn of Africa. Painting this masterpiece…

Somalia's Democratic Leap: The Road to One-Person, One-Vote Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling corridors of Somalia's political heart, the visionary journey toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system is unfurling with vibrant ambition. On a crisp Monday morning, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the steely chairperson of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, engaged in earnest dialogue with the European Union Ambassador, Karin Johansson. Their tête-à-tête was a symphony of democratic dreams and international solidarity.…

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a verbal tiff unfurled recently, akin to a tempest brewing in a teapot. Somalia's Health Minister, Ali Haji Hassan, took center stage, wielding words with the precision of a maestro conducting a symphony. His subject of critique? Presidential Envoy Ali Jeyte’s remarks, which he compared to a loose cannon on deck—a tad reckless and potentially as disruptive to efforts against Al-Shabaab as a bull in a china shop. Jeyte, the face of the community's grassroots defense…

When it comes to Middle Eastern diplomacy, every suggestion is like a pebble tossed into a lake—ripples ensue that no one can control. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump fired off one of his trademark verbal grenades, proposing that Egypt and Jordan consider giving sanctuary to Palestinians displaced by the relentless cycle of conflict in Gaza. As expected, Arab nations rolled their eyes and replied with a resolute "Not happening," throwing the idea out with both hands. Trump casually pitched this bullish notion on…

In a chilling revelation that echoes the unresolved wounds of South Africa's tumultuous past, Janusz Walus, the man who murdered anti-apartheid icon Chris Hani, has made it abundantly clear that he feels no remorse for his heinous act. In a recent interview with eNCA, conducted by Annika Larsen, Walus spoke with a disconcerting smugness about his intention to obliterate Hani’s life—a move he believed would send shockwaves through the intricate negotiations aimed at forging a democratic South Africa. Imagine a world where…

Picture this scene: in Mogadishu, under the shimmering African sun, the prime minister of Somalia and Finland's Minister of the Interior pose together, their meeting a testament to international collaboration. Their gathering, captured in a photograph that tells a thousand stories, was steeped in diplomatic discussions that resonated with far-reaching implications. The image speaks volumes of hope, yet a hint of the underlying tensions lingers, like smoke on a calm breeze. Photo: Finland in Somalia On January 21, Finnish…