Eye on Africa

AA Archive: A photograph capturing the Somali army's remarkable victory accompanies this narrative—a testament to their indomitable spirit. In a gripping tale of valor and community solidarity, the Somali National Army (SNA), with crucial support from local citizens, managed to thwart an audacious attack perpetrated by the militant group Al Shabaab. More than 130 insurgents met their demise in this intense encounter, Somali authorities have confirmed. The assault unfolded at the break of dawn, targeting several strategic…

The quiet offices of Mandera's administration were a crucible of tension, buzzing with rumors and suspicion. Whispers of nefarious activities floated through the town like an ill-wind, leaving dread in their wake. An Assistant Chief, a man who some might say epitomized trust, was now shrouded in alleged misdeeds. Was there truth in the accusations, or was this yet another shadow cast in the complex web of Mandera's security challenges? Kenyan police forces were especially vigilant, with their eyes glued to any movements…

In 2002, the European Union instituted sanctions against Zimbabwe’s defense sector, a move triggered by instances of electoral malpractice and human rights violations. The EU's embargo specifically targets arms shipments rumored to support internal repression. This decision was solidified following a European Council meeting held on February 18, signaling a persistent commitment to uphold human rights and democratic values. The European Union’s approach to these restrictive measures has been gradual, aimed at fostering…

In a compelling twist of diplomatic maneuvers, Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs boldly declared its readiness to back peace initiatives in the tumultuous Sudan. This pronouncement followed a curious diplomatic kerfuffle: Sudan accused Kenya of breaching its sovereignty by hosting a gathering of the controversial Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. But what does this really mean for regional politics and Kenya’s standing on the international stage? The Sudanese Government, in a statement drenched in indignation,…

In an exhilarating turn of events for Egyptology, archaeologists have uncovered the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II. This marks a momentous occasion—it's the first royal burial site revealed in more than a century, the last significant find being the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. How incredible it is to think that after so many years, we’re still unveiling secrets of the past! Nestled to the west of the Valley of the Kings, not far from Luxor, this recently discovered tomb dates back nearly 3,500 years, anchoring us…

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

Mogadishu (AX) – It was an ordinary morning in Garowe when the news broke. The atmosphere, typically buzzing with the cadence of daily life, took on an air of urgency. This change emanated from a single pronouncement by Northeastern State’s regional President, Said Abdullahi Deni. Why now, and what prompted this decisive action, you might ask? In response to unsettling reports of foreign nationals finding their way into ISIS-Somalia, Deni decreed a stringent crackdown on illegal immigration. The influx, he warned, could no…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a city where the past often seems to echo into the present, security and peace hang by fragile threads. This reality endures in Mogadishu, where the pursuit of one man's shadow characterizes the urgency of an unending struggle. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has set its sights on Abdullahi Hassan Abdi, a man alleged to have exploited fear and suffering to line his pockets. For the residents of the Banadir region, life takes on a particular rhythm. One part hope, one part…

Libya, a nation once brimming with promise, now finds itself teetering on the edge of instability. During a recent session of the UN Security Council, UN Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo painted a stark picture of a country burdened by deep-rooted political fractures, widespread economic mismanagement, and alarming human rights abuses. “Libya’s unity is imperiled,” DiCarlo stated, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with its own factions. Political divisions have become so pronounced that they threaten the…

Is it truly possible to capture the depth of destruction in mere numbers and figures? A comprehensive report co-authored by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union posits the financial burden of rebuilding the Gaza Strip is staggering — a colossal $53.2 billion over the upcoming decade. While numbers carry their own weight, they barely scratch the surface of the economic devastation wrought by the recent conflict. The aptly titled 'Gaza and West Bank Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA)' provides a…