Eye on Africa

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, has recently turned over a significant forward operating base to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), marking a pivotal step in their mission's phased withdrawal. This handover, which took place on Thursday, saw the Burgavo Forward Operating Base change hands, wrapping up the third phase in ATMIS's drawdown strategy. Stationed on the southern coast of Somalia, 530 kilometers from Mogadishu, the Burgavo base, previously controlled by Kenya’s Defense Forces…

Mia le Roux, South Africa's representative, has decided to withdraw from the Miss Universe finals taking place in Mexico due to health issues, as announced by the pageant organizers. This sudden decision means South Africa will not have a contestant at the 73rd Miss Universe event. In a public statement, the Miss South Africa organization emphasized that le Roux's health is their "number one priority." They pledged unwavering support until she makes a full recovery. It’s worth noting that le Roux made history by becoming…

What's cooking in the Tigray region two years after peace was declared? Back in the day, the Pretoria agreements were supposed to put a lid on the Tigray conflict, which had claimed close to 600,000 lives. Ethiopian troops, alongside their Eritrean buddies, had faced off against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Eritrea didn't sign the peace deal, though, and its soldiers are still hanging around like uninvited guests. Folks in these border areas feel like they've been hung out to dry. That's what Clothilde Hazard, our…

Baku, Azerbaijan (AX) — In a landmark move, Somalia's Ambassador Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, who serves as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, entered into an agreement with the Global Center for Climate Mobility on Thursday. This collaboration is aimed at supporting communities in Somalia that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Taking place in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, the alliance seeks to bolster Somalia's efforts in climate adaptation. The primary focus is on advancing…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a noteworthy Thursday, Somali Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali-Hoosh, had an engaging sit-down with an esteemed Finnish delegation. They huddled to chat about the relentless military campaigns against the notorious al-Shabab, with a sharp focus on stabilizing Somalia. This Finnish entourage, captained by the savvy Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola, boasted top brass from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their involvement underscores a solid commitment to bolstering Somalia’s leap towards security and…

“A handshake in Istanbul colored the air with new possibilities,” noticed observers as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan last September . The meeting seemed to signal a thaw in icy relations and was a precursor to subsequent talks between Turkey and Egypt, centering on Africa and Libya. On a lively Monday, officials from both countries gathered to address mutual concerns. On the table were discussions about the Horn of Africa and simmering tensions in the Red Sea, alongside the…

Abdirahman emphasized the widespread repercussions of the recent disappearances, which have left a deep impact even within government circles. "This isn't just an issue for officials—opposition folks are feeling the heat too," he remarked. In the midst of probing deeper into these incidents, he assured transparency would be the order of the day. Now, diving into the unexpected drama on social media: a slew of Facebook accounts belonging to prominent figures, like journalists, have mysteriously gone silent—vanished into…

The Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict has stirred unrest among Somali and Muslim Americans nationwide, contributing to Kamala Harris's dip in support normally expected by Democrats. In Minnesota, community organizers dispersed leaflets in mosques and Somali shopping centers, urging folks to consider third-party options, portraying the administration as backing what they termed genocide in the Middle East. Discussions with voters and community figures reveal alternative motivations: nostalgia for a…

In Chad, a chorus of women leaders and activists has brought attention to a significant issue: the glaring scarcity of female candidates in the upcoming legislative, local, and district elections set for December 29. These elections are crucial as they signify the culmination of a transition journey from military to civilian governance. This shift kicked off when General Mahamat Idriss Deby took helm after the passing of his father, the long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021. Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of…

Kismayo (AX) — In a significant turn of events, a military tribunal in Jubaland on Monday handed clan elder Hassan Mahamud Salah a five-year prison sentence, finding him guilty of conspiring with the militant faction Al-Shabaab. The case highlights the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region. Presiding over the case, Colonel Abdullahi Mahamud Ibrahim pronounced the verdict, articulating the court's unwavering position on affiliations with Al-Shabaab. "This is a cautionary tale for those who dare to aid terrorist…