Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is on the brink of a momentous shift towards a more democratic future, but not everyone seems to be on the same page. On a sunlit Tuesday in Mogadishu, three prominent figures from Somalia's political opposition gathered to voice their concerns. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, and Senator Prof. Abdi Ismail Samatar were up in arms over what they perceive as a bungled electoral process. Enter Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who approached their criticism like a…

In a gripping moment that underscores the complex web of security challenges in Somalia, Somali security forces, with commendable precision, thwarted a potential catastrophe on the bustling highway linking Mogadishu to Afgooye. This was no ordinary day on the road; it was a day when vigilance and quick thinking saved lives. Imagine the scene: a typical afternoon, the sun beating down on the road that connects the busy heart of Mogadishu to the quieter outskirts leading to Afgooye. Along this stretch, a vehicle—a seemingly…

Galkayo (AX) — In the jagged and rugged terrain of the Cal Miskaad Mountains, a tale of dogged determination and modern-day warfare unfolded as Northeastern State's forces pulled off a commendable feat—seizing not one or two, but eight unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, in their relentless campaign against extremism. Dubbed "Operation Hilaac," this initiative aims to dismantle the entrenched ISIS foothold in Balli-Dhidin—a remote launchpad for their audacious endeavors. As the Northeastern State Minister of Information,…

In a bustling intersection of cultural exchange and strategic collaboration, Iraq's Interior Minister, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, embarked on pivotal talks with Somali officials, akin to architects gathering blueprints for a vast, security edifice. Their meeting revolved around a cornerstone idea—a proposed security memorandum of understanding—that could one day serve as a robust bulwark against the tidal waves of terrorism that lap at Somalia’s shores. Holding a joint press conference with his Somali counterpart, Abdullahi…

On a bustling January day in 2025, the heart of Nairobi reverberates with the chants of protesters holding placards high above their heads. Their message is as resolute as the sun beating down upon Kimathi Street: an insistent demand for answers to what they allege is a troubling surge of enforced disappearances targeting vocal government critics. In the tangled and vibrant tapestry of Kenyan life, human rights groups have sounded the alarm, pointing accusing fingers at the police. They claim a systemic silencing of dissent…

Baidoa (AX) – In a dramatic turn of events that might leave one pondering the age-old adage, "even thieves fall out," an intense bloodbath broke out among al-Shabab's ranks, culminating in the demise of at least 40 of its members. Picture this: a fierce showdown that paints the usually secretive corridors of power with a messy, open confrontation. What sparked this lethal flare-up in the otherwise tranquil setting of Bakol's dusty plains? Well, the answer is, unsurprisingly, money—the fuel of much discord throughout history.…

Mogadishu (AX) – Steeped in courage and relentless determination, the Northeastern State Dervish forces are making waves in the Bari region's rugged mountains, engaged in a daring operation to root out ISIS hideouts. Their valiant efforts have not gone unnoticed, especially by Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, who recently heaped praises on the troops for their tenacity and strategic acumen. Speaking from the heart of Mogadishu on a fresh-faced Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Barre put forward a strong message of…

Imagine the vibrant scene in Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly shaking hands with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the sun casts its golden light over the city. This meeting marks a significant turn in the diplomatic tango between Ethiopia and Somalia, offering a glimmer of restored unity. After months steeped in diplomatic drama, an avenue for collaborative futures is finally emerging. The winds of change have brushed away those stormy clouds hanging over African Union's mission in Somalia…

Along the sun-drenched shores of Qaw in Northeastern State, northeastern Somalia, a lone member of the Somali security forces patrols diligently, casting an ever-watchful eye across the vast landscape. It's December 18th, 2016. This snapshot, courtesy of AFP, paints a vivid picture of vigilance and resilience against the relentless backdrop of security threats. Fast forward to the bustling capital of Mogadishu, where the hum of daily life mingles with the palpable tension of ongoing military maneuvers. Somali security…

In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a spy novel, Tanzanian human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai recently found herself at the heart of a chilling real-life drama. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, as the sun lazily basked Kenya’s bustling streets, Tsehai was snatched away from her afternoon stroll by anonymous gunmen. As if Nairobi needed any more action. Why was Tsehai targeted, you ask? Well, she calls it a consequence of her audacious calling out of Tanzanian authorities for suppressing their people.…