Eye on Africa

In Kismayo, a new chapter of political drama unfolds as the Jubbaland legislative body votes to retain Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe as their regional leader for a third stint. Though controversy brews around this decision, opposition factions are not backing down, opting to host their own election and stirring the pot of dissent. By collecting 55 ballots in his favor, Madobe secured his position against rivals. His nearest competitor, Faisal Mohamed Mataan, managed to secure just 16, while Abubakar Abdi Hassan lagged behind…

In the bustling city of Kismayo, the seat of Jubbaland’s interim government in the Lower Jubba region, the stage is set for a dramatic political showdown. Despite a cloud of controversy hanging over the proceedings, the regional presidential election is scheduled for Monday. The central government, however, is up in arms, outright dismissing the election's legitimacy. I ain’t whistling Dixie! The stakes are sky-high as four ambitious contenders throw their hats into the ring. Among the hopefuls, we’ve got the seasoned Ahmed…

In an engaging rendezvous in Ankara, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur convened to amplify military and security cooperation between their two nations. Their conversation revolved around supercharging their collective endeavors in defense and counterterrorism, directly tackling the regional security hurdles, notably Somalia’s ongoing tussle with Al-Shabaab. A lot of time was also spent tossing ideas for extending ties in trade, energy, and humanitarian assistance.…

Over the course of Barack Obama's presidency, roughly 54,000 Somali refugees found new homes in the United States, a far cry from the widely circulated but inaccurate claim that he relocated 70,000 Somalis to Minnesota. Contrary to some eyebrow-raising social media posts, this was not a cunning plan to manipulate future elections in favor of Ilhan Omar, the Somali-American Congresswoman representing Minnesota. Around the time of the U.S. presidential election on November 5th, messages floating around Facebook declared,…

In the heart of a courtroom where the echoes of past actions linger, a poignant inquiry unfolds, delving into the tragic events surrounding Abdirahman Abdi. The story, a complex tapestry of mental health challenges and law enforcement decisions, is laid bare, painting a picture that compels us to question and understand. Abdi, a Somali Canadian, found himself amid a severe mental health crisis, a state often misunderstood and mishandled. The authorities sprung into action, led by Constable Daniel Montsion, whose decisions…

A faction of lawmakers determined to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa has stirred up some serious debate by electing a new Speaker, all while a legal battle unfolds at the Supreme Court of Liberia. On November 21, 2024, this group declared Koffa’s position as Speaker vacant and subsequently selected Richard Koon from the ruling Unity Party as his replacement. Facing this upheaval, Speaker Koffa stands firm, arguing that this breakaway faction is not constitutionally empowered to remove him. “Nothing has happened,” he asserted on…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a generous gesture, Japan has equipped Somalia's Police Force's Mine Action Unit with essential gear aimed at boosting their ability to spot and defuse bombs, a move aimed at bolstering safety and security across the nation.On a bustling Thursday in Mogadishu, Somali Police Chief Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi accepted the donated arsenals and praised Japan's significant contribution. "We cannot thank Japan enough for providing this crucial support," he expressed. "This donation is a fundamental…

In a move that rippled across the geopolitical landscape, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has caught the attention of Arab nations by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The response from Arab countries was marked by support and approval.Over in Iraq, the government expressed solidarity with the ICC's decisive action. "The brave steps taken by the International Criminal Court echo a profound sense of justice," stated Basim al-Awadi, the…

Amid a backdrop of controversy, top brass in Kenya's government, including President William Ruto, staunchly defended controversial accords with the Adani Group . However, the tide has turned. President Ruto decided to annul the procurement process poised to hand the keys of Kenya's primary airport to India’s corporate heavyweight, Adani Group, following the indictment of its founder in the U.S. This dramatic revelation came on Thursday as part of Ruto’s address to the nation. The original agreement, a hefty $2 billion…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…