Eye on Africa

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…

Mogadishu (AX) - Against the backdrop of fluttering flags and the hum of bustling streets, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in the enchanting, ever-bustling city of Cairo. It was Wednesday, and the president, accompanied by an entourage of dignitaries, heeded the call to visit Egypt—a gesture of friendship extended by none other than Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Talk about rolling out the red carpet! Amid the aroma of Egyptian spices swirling through the air, the agenda of…

WASHINGTON — It was a grim scene over two relentless days of tumult in Somalia’s Northeastern State territory where recent skirmishes claimed the lives of over 20 individuals and left a further ten nursing battle scars. The security forces clashed with Islamic State insurgents in a fierce showdown, as shared by officials on Tuesday. Speaking to VOA’s Somali Service, the steely Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, who orchestrates Northeastern State's security responses, painted a stark picture of the skirmish. He…

In the bustling village of Goob-weyn, located in the heart of Somalia’s Lower Juba region, a remarkable tale of resilience and entrepreneurship unfolds. Maryan Khalif Digale, a fiercely determined single mother, has risen to become the cornerstone of her family, largely thanks to a budding vegetable business. Picture this: a group of 90 women, their lives uprooted by merciless droughts and ruthless floods, were handed a lifeline. Last October, they received a $500 grant each from Alight and GIZ organizations, designed…

Imagine the sweltering sun beating down mercilessly or the sky opening with relentless rain, leaving you with nothing but the clothes on your back. That’s the stark reality for many in Somalia grappling with natural calamities. In a moving display of humanity, Qatar Charity has rolled out the literal red carpet, or rather, the canvas tarpaulins, for those most impacted by Mother Nature’s wrath. This week, arriving with the kind of military precision any general would envy, two mammoth…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a dramatic showdown that has taken the nation by storm, a gaggle of irate airlines has hit the brakes on both local and international flights on a day that will linger in the annals of aviation history — Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The core reason? An itchy battle over swelling fees slapped on carriers by Somalia’s federal administrators, an action akin to a sudden 'turkey dump' right before dessert. What’s the buzz all about? Let’s go for a nosedive into this unfolding aerial saga. The usually stoic…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the snowy embrace of Davos, Switzerland, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud found himself in the spotlight, basking in the glow of recognition. Tuesday evening witnessed a special moment, as Africa House rolled out the metaphorical red carpet to honor him with the illustrious African Presidential Leadership Award. This accolade isn't just a shiny trophy for his mantle. It stands as a testament to President Mohamud's relentless dedication to steering Somalia through the tricky terrain of…

In a bold and transformative step, the Kenyan government has declared the elimination of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and visa requisites for travelers from across the African continent. Well, almost everyone—from the sands of Senegal to the shores of South Africa—can rejoice, except for those residing in Somalia and Libya, a decision influenced by persistent security concerns that linger like an unwelcome guest. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster regional integration and fuel tourism, promoting the idea that…

In a vibrant twist to the ever-evolving travel narrative, Kenya has revealed a groundbreaking shift in its visa policy, electing to ax eTA and visa obligations for its African brethren. Well, almost all—Somalia and Libya find themselves on the outskirts of this diplomatic accord, left in the visa-requiring zone due to discernible security qualms. Opening Borders, Opening Hearts Kenya's latest gambit isn't just a tale of policy shifts. It's a heartfelt invitation, a clarion call for vibrant unity across a continent brimming…

FILE PHOTO: A worker cradles freshly baked bread at a bustling Nairobi supermarket, May 8, 2017. Picture taken May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Baz Ratner/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights There's a new wind blowing through Kenya’s financial corridors, touched by whispers of "Did you hear about the inflation twist?" The statistics office is sharpening its pencils and rolling out core inflation data for the first time. It's a tale as rivetting as any economic thriller (if such a thing exists). The move is akin to giving a GPS to…