Eye on Africa

Somalis displaced by the relentless drought gather at the Ladan camp in Dolow, a scene painted with stark reality as of May 1, 2023. (AFP file) UNITED NATIONS: This year, the United Nations has rung the alarm bells for Somalia, revealing that almost six million souls, roughly one-third of the country’s population, are in dire straits and require humanitarian assistance. In a bid to alleviate this plight, they've put forth a funding call, seeking a staggering $1.43 billion. Spare some sympathy for Somalia, a land locked in…

In a move that has sent ripples of optimism through the financial markets, Gabon's transitional government declared that presidential elections are set to take place on April 12, 2025. This announcement marks a significant step towards restoring civilian governance in a country that has seen its fair share of turmoil. Just picture it: a nation where military tanks once rolled through the streets under the leadership of General Brice Oligui Nguem, who led a coup against former president Ali Bongo in 2023, following a…

Mogadishu (AX) – Change is afoot in Somalia's livestock sector, and it's not just the grass that's greener. On a bright Thursday morning, the Somali government teamed up with the World Bank under the HoA DRIVE Project to unveil the $10 million Livestock Value Chain Fund (LVCF). This initiative is set to steer the livestock industry onto a lucrative path of transformation. Against the backdrop of the elegant Jazeera Palace in Mogadishu, Gargaara Company Limited hosted this momentous signing ceremony. It was more than just…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a bold move that's been turning heads across North Western State of Somalia, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has shaken things up at the very top of the military and police hierarchy. The new appointees represent not just fresh faces but a pivotal shift towards youthful energy in national leadership, stirring a fascinating blend of hope and curiosity among the populace. Imagine being the youngest officer to ever grace the pinnacle of military leadership in your country—meet Lieutenant General…

In a bold stance against the perils of beauty standards, the government has issued a resounding caution against the rampant use of skin bleaching products both within the nation and beyond its borders. This warning comes despite the glaringly obvious—yet often ignored—dangers associated with these products. During a recent forum aimed at shedding light on this troubling trend, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, expressed his deep concern over the pervasive presence of skin lightening creams,…

Steve Witkoff captured the spotlight at a lively presidential inauguration parade held within the pulsating walls of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on a chilly January 20. Washington, DC – Embarking on a daring diplomatic mission, the United States' Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced plans for a visit to Gaza within days. This journey is part and parcel of his endeavor, whimsically described as an “inspection team,” to keep a vigilant eye on the ceasefire pact recently inked between Israel and Hamas. In a…

On December 29, 2024, the air in Chad buzzed with anticipation, but the results have unleashed a whirlwind of controversy. The Constitutional Council has officially endorsed the parliamentary election outcome, declaring the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby, the victors. Yet, as celebrations erupt in government circles, the opposition cries foul, alleging that this democratic exercise was less of a contest and more of a calculated maneuver. Clement Sianka, a…

Jigjiga (AX) – On a bright Thursday morning, amidst the buzz and hum of anticipation in the air, delegations from Somalia's Federal Government and the self-declared independent state of North Western State of Somalia touched down in the bustling town of Jigjiga. Their arrival coincided with the celebrations marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, a festivity as eagerly awaited as a tickled hangover of nostalgia intertwined with hope.This gathering was no small affair. At the heart of it were…

In a poignant ceremony held in Cape Town, the memories of hundreds of South African soldiers, predominantly black men, who valiantly fought and died during World War One have been brought back to light with the unveiling of a striking new memorial. Surprisingly, after returning from the front lines in a world torn apart by war, these brave souls were largely forgotten, lost in the shadows cast by British colonialism's discriminatory policies and the later oppressive apartheid regime that stained South Africa’s history. The…

Hargeisa (AX) – In an exciting move that has drawn attention across the dusty streets of Hargeisa and beyond, North Western State of Somalia—a self-declared autonomous region—has unveiled a 50% salary bump for its armed forces. This comes as President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro sticks true to his campaign vow about making their salaries more than just pocket change, aiming to bolster their spirits along with their financial standing. On Wednesday, a presidential directive brought this promise to life, scheduling the…