Eye on Africa

President Asif Ali Zardari has stepped up to the plate, instructing Interior Minister Rehman Malik to do everything possible to free the Pakistani hostages held by Somali pirates. This is a serious mission, and President Zardari made it clear that failure isn't an option.Sources reveal that late Monday night, Zardari reached out to Malik via phone, urging him to pull out all the stops to secure the release of these captives before the Tuesday deadline imposed by the pirates. "Leave no stone unturned," was the essence of his…

In a gesture of goodwill, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry gave North Western State of Somalia a pat on the back for pulling off a “free and fair election.”The straightforward announcement declared:“Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry extends heartfelt congratulations to the people of North Western State of Somalia for their calm and democratic elections. Commending the National Electoral Commission, the Ministry acknowledges the free and fair election as a testament to the maturity of North Western State of Somalia’s…

Hargeisa (AX) — The news of former North Western State of Somalia President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo’s death on Friday has left a significant mark. A major player in the political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, Silanyo was 86 years old when he passed away, as reported by his family. Having led the Somali National Movement (SNM) and founded the influential Kulmiye party, Silanyo's political career peaked when he became President of North Western State of Somalia, serving from 2010 until 2017. Born in…

Ay up, ever read a headline and thought, "Well, what’s the craic here?" Let me fill you in on the insider juice. Over in Mogadishu, it's not just the Somali tea brewing hot; their parliament's just given the green light to a law that’s set to shake up the election scene. They're gearing up for a voting system that'll finally hand over the ballot keys to every dude and dudette in the country. Now that’s what we call democracy getting its groove back! Gather 'round for espresso shots of democracy—173 lawmakers, snug in their…

In recent months, the Amara region of Ethiopia has witnessed a surge in drone attacks, bringing severe consequences to its residents (Photo: SM/file). Tragically, a drone strike in the Shoa area of the Amhara region claimed the lives of two children, aged eight and nine, and an elderly woman. Another woman suffered severe injuries during the attack. Reports from Ethiopian Media Service (EMS) revealed the grievous circumstances, emphasizing that the wounded woman remains in critical condition. Fano Mintesnot, the head of…

In a show of recognition, the Somali Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation has applauded North Western State of Somalia for its successful and calm execution of recent presidential and party elections, attracting participation from over a million registered voters. The Ministry's statement, issued on Friday, underscored the seamless execution and orderliness characterizing the election process. The Somali government reaffirmed its dedication to empowering the populace by fostering environments conducive…

In a chilling demonstration of control, the militant group Al-Shabab executed two young men in a remote village not far from Janale—roughly a stone's throw, or, to put it more precisely, about 90 kilometers, southwest of Mogadishu. On a rather somber Friday, eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, which took place in Busley Daoud. This locale, firmly in the grip of Al-Shabab, witnessed this grim spectacle, the group’s message delivered with the brute force of gunfire. Busley Daoud's central square became the stage for…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Saturday, word got out that the Somali federal government had ramped up its military presence in the El-Wak district, nestled in the Gedo region. The tension with Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe has simmered without resolution, leading to this decisive move, insiders confirmed. Swooping in like a determined flock, troops from the Somali National Army’s 43rd Division have dug in, readying themselves for upcoming clashes against the ever-persistent al-Shabab insurgents spread across…

In the homely setting of Rebecca Cheptegei's family in Kenya, the memories of her love for chickens linger on the walls, alongside a darker tale of violence and loss. Cheptegei, a celebrated athlete who once charmed her family with her laughter, tragically fell victim to femicide—an atrocious act deeply etched in the lives of Kenyan female athletes today. Rebecca's mother, Agnes, recalls her daughter's vibrant presence, "You always knew when she was home." However, beneath her joy lay a grim reality. In 2022, after…

A handful of nations have officially punched their tickets to the 35th edition of the renowned African Cup of Nations, all set to unfold in Morocco. Countries like Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, and Equatorial Guinea stood tall during the intense fifth round of qualifying matches. In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's ace striker Victor Osimhen salvaged a point for the Super Eagles against Benin, leveling the score at 1-1 with a late equalizer. Remarkably, the three-time champions had already cemented their…