Eye on Africa

Health officials in Rwanda have officially declared the end of the Marburg outbreak, marking a significant milestone more than 40 days after the last patient tested negative and was released from the hospital. During the outbreak, authorities recorded approximately 60 cases of the disease, leading to 15 tragic deaths. Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana shared insights during a recent briefing attended by representatives from the World Health Organization and various members of the diplomatic community, stating, “We have a…

The situation surrounding Moalim Ali goes beyond just heated words. He faces severe allegations of ingrained bias within the ministry, notably sidelining individuals from the Digil and Mirifle communities in terms of job opportunities and advancement. “This issue transcends a mere comment—it highlights an entrenched pattern of discrimination that erodes the core values of fairness and equality,” shared a notable leader from the Digil and Mirifle groups. These clans, predominantly residing in southern Somalia, have…

Nigeria is making strides toward revitalizing its Warri oil refinery, which has been dormant for nearly a decade due to a series of technical problems. The Warri Refinery, boasting an impressive capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, had faced prolonged closures as a result of aging infrastructure and a lack of crude oil supply. However, recent reports indicate that operations have recommenced, and the facility is currently functioning at about 60% of its capacity, as shared by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for the presidency.…

In the ever-evolving story of North Western State of Somalia, a fresh commitment has surfaced: safeguarding the realm of free speech. Amid the bustling capital, Mogadishu, chatter swirls as the government vows to shield journalists and citizens alike from unjust confinement over dissident facts or views.President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro recently, in a heartfelt address to civil society and the press, rekindled his campaign promise to uphold democratic tenets. "Freedom of expression is vital to our governance,"…

"Slam-dunk diplomacy," was Ambassador Waern's take on Sweden's strategy in teaming up with Somalia to ensure that those being sent back home experience a reentrance into society that’s not just about survival but thriving as humans. This friendly pact focuses not only on keeping tabs on folks returning but also ensuring they don't wind up in the clutches of radical groups. It’s all part of Sweden’s broader game plan to tackle terrorism and bump up international safety. Now, if we rewind a bit to 2016, a good chunk of…

In this digital age, where technology morphs right before our eyes, the landscape of communication is forever altered. Gone are the days when handwritten letters reigned supreme. Now, screens and pixels dictate our interactions. We've adopted new ways, although some might muse nostalgically about the tangible ink and paper. Technology, like it or not, has redefined how narratives are shared. It’s like the grand conductor, orchestrating a symphony of messages conveyed through various digital mediums. Think about it: text…

Hargeisa (AX) – The newly elected government of North Western State of Somalia is revisiting a scrapped Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) made by its predecessors with Ethiopia, aiming to align the agreement more closely with North Western State of Somalia's national priorities. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden, who hasn't minced words critiquing the deal, called it unclear and perplexing. "There’s a discrepancy between Ethiopia's narrative and North Western State of Somalia's take on matters," Aden noted while…

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the outgoing president of Ghana, has just given the green light for visa-free travel for all African citizens. This landmark decision stands to reshape the way Africans connect and explore one another’s countries. Historically, Ghana had already extended a warm welcome to travelers from 26 African nations, allowing them to enter without the hassle of a visa. However, citizens from another 25 countries had to jump through hoops to secure a visa upon arrival. Only a select few, specifically…

Burundi, a country known for its significant role in the African Union's peacekeeping missions in Somalia, has made the decision to withdraw from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) due to disagreements regarding troop numbers. This withdrawal marks a notable shift, especially considering Burundi's longstanding commitment to stabilizing the region over the past 17 years. The crux of the issue lies in the allocation of troops; Somalia proposed deploying just 1,041 soldiers from Burundi, a figure that the…

The ministers of justice and Islamic affairs in Morocco are pushing for significant reforms to the nation's family law. For years, advocates for women’s rights have been calling for an overhaul of the legal framework designed to safeguard women and children within familial structures. They seek not just modifications but a fundamental shift towards equality, particularly regarding inheritance rights, custody of children, and a complete ban on child marriages. This bold initiative proposes more than 100 amendments to the…