Eye on Africa

Hargeisa (AX) – A whirlwind of applause greeted North Western State of Somalia's House of Representatives on Monday as they gave a remarkable thumbs-up to 19 of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro's new ministers. This unfolded during the lively ninth session of their 10th seating. Making the cut among the key ministers was Ahmed Yasiin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, snagging the role of Minister of Information with an impressive 65 votes. A closely watched figure, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, is now at the helm of Foreign Affairs…

Mogadishu (AX) – So, here's the scoop: Somali Foreign Minister and International Cooperation guru, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, just had a pow-wow with a crew from the Indian High Commission based out of Nairobi. What's the word on the street? They're putting the final touches on opening a swanky new visa facilitation center right in good ol' Mogadishu. On Monday, this was trumpeted by the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session was also graced by the presence of Said Jama Mire, who runs the Asia and Australia…

In the realm of Somali security, the African Union's newly minted initiative, AUSSOM, is stepping up to partner with the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in rolling out the Somalia Transition Plan (STP). The STP is an ambitious roadmap crafted by the Somali federal government alongside various partners. Its primary goal is to gradually hand over security duties to the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF). Although the plan was initially targeted for 2021, the deadline slipped, leading to the emergence of ATMIS to push the…

In a bustling, often unpredictable world, fresh allegations have surfaced in the Horn of Africa, casting a shadow over the delicate peace between Somalia and Kenya. Lawmakers from the autonomous region of Jubbaland are pointing fingers at Somalia's federal government, accusing it of stirring up trouble along their shared border with Kenya. On Tuesday, a collective declaration emerged from Jubbaland's parliamentary representatives, both those in the Lower House and the Upper House. They claimed that federal forces, alongside…

Garowe (AX) — The leadership in Northeastern State has firmly decided against offering any form of clemency to foreign ISIS fighters entrenched within the Al Miskat mountains, presenting a stark ultimatum to the Somali ISIS insurgents to capitulate. This development unfolded on Sunday, according to officials familiar with the situation. The declaration emerged shortly after a violent incident in Dharjaalle, where an attack by 12 foreign militants on a Northeastern State military outpost resulted in multiple fatalities,…

As President-elect John Mahama prepares to assume the highest office in Ghana on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, he faces a monumental task—leading a nation overwhelmed by its most severe economic crisis in decades. Mahama isn’t new to the political arena; he served as president from 2012 to 2017. His recent triumph over the ruling party's candidate, outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, marks a noteworthy comeback that has captured national attention. "The economic landscape is challenging," Mahama expressed shortly after…

In the vast tapestry of current global affairs, the world has indeed turned its gaze towards North Western State of Somalia, particularly given the peaceful nature of its recent elections. These elections were not merely a procedural political act but rather a poignant statement on the region's dedication to democracy and stability. What truly stands out is the seamless transition of power that followed, a testament to the sophisticated political maturity underpinning this unrecognized yet spirited region. “It's an…

**Mogadishu (AX) —** An exciting shift is happening amidst the arid landscapes of Somalia's Bari region, with local farmers finally reaping the rewards of patience and perseverance. After years of struggling against a harsh climate, they've tapped into success by cultivating and selling dates, sweetening both their prospects and their wallets. Take Mohamed Rage Ali, for instance. The father of 14 has turned a promising corner. After half a decade of toil, his farm has yielded a harvest with a $1,200 payout, providing his…

Lawmakers Challenge Exclusive Livestock Export Deal In a bold stand, about one hundred members from both chambers of Somalia's Federal Parliament openly criticized a recent government decision favoring Abu-Yasir, a foreign entrepreneur, with exclusive rights to export the country's livestock. In clear-cut words on Monday, the parliamentarians pointed fingers at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of putting a foreigner's interest over those of local Somali traders. These traders have long been pillars in the…

Photo Op - Al-Shabab in Action If you were to hop in a time machine and set the dial to October 21, 2010, you’d witness a scene straight out of an action flick: Al-Shabab fighters strutting their stuff with weapons in northern Mogadishu, Somalia. 10 Militant Casualties Announced by Somalia The Somali government recently spilled the beans on an operation that resulted in the elimination of ten al-Shabab militants. This mission saw a tag-team effort with the United States military, showing some serious teamwork. According to…