Eye on Africa

In a decisive and candid address, President John Mahama recently emphasized a critical message to his administration: the stringent expectation to declare assets by the end of March, as mandated by Ghanaian law. He warns that failure to comply will result in "severe sanctions." This directive underscores his unwavering commitment to combatting corruption, an issue that has plagued many nations, including Ghana. On February 19, during a public asset declaration alongside Ghana's Auditor General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu,…

The Rwandan government has sharply rebuked Belgium for what it perceives as an “aggressive campaign” aimed at disrupting its access to vital development funding. In a bold move, Belgium has urged the European Union to suspend direct budgetary support to Rwanda, contingent on the nation “severing ties with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels,” who have made significant territorial gains in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions raises an important question: To…

In the remote and arid expanses of Mandera County, an air of tension hangs heavily over the desolate landscape. A seemingly ordinary morning was disrupted by an alarming development: detectives had detained two individuals linked to an unsettling conspiracy. Their objective? To abduct foreigners engaged in a pivotal government project, which, ironically, promises to bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to this marginalised region. The two men, as disclosed by Mandera County Criminal Investigations Officer Pius…

Mogadishu (AX) – At the heart of a bustling Mogadishu, a significant meeting unfolded on Tuesday. Somali Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Mohamud Adan Gesod, welcomed Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, into a dialogue centered on the future of Somali ports—a future intricately tied to the narrative of rebuilding and hope. How many times has the world heard tales of reconstruction in post-conflict zones? Yet here it was, raw and earnest, unfolding in the flesh, where rebuilding isn’t just about bricks…

In recent developments, the U.S. government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the allocation and impact of past aid distributed to Nigeria and other nations. This initiative follows an unexpected decision made by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, to suspend all foreign aid for a period of 90 days. The suspension, marked by concerns regarding global destabilization and the perceived misalignment of aid with American strategic interests, raises questions that demand careful consideration. Such a…

Somalia Steps Towards Global Trade Recognition Mogadishu (AX) — A significant stride has been taken in Somalia's ambitious journey towards economic integration. On a crisp Tuesday morning in Geneva, the Somali federal government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, engaged in a pivotal meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, setting the wheels in motion for Somalia's accession to the esteemed global trade body. The delegation's…

On the horizon looms a pivotal moment for South Africa’s fiscal landscape as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to present the much-anticipated 2025 Budget Speech. This speech is more than just a financial outline; it serves as a reflection of the government's priorities, intricately aligned with President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent State of the Nation Address. The task ahead is daunting: how to strike a balance between fostering economic growth and providing essential social support, all while navigating the…

Garowe (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, a shadowy group of Ethiopian migrants found themselves in the firm grasp of Northeastern State's security forces, ingeniously crossing the formidable border into Somalia. In a swift and efficient maneuver, these individuals were sent back whence they came, to their homeland of Ethiopia. The crackdown was more than just an isolated event. "One way or another, we will tackle these smuggling networks head-on," declared a senior military figure, whose words carried the solemn weight of…

A recently published study raises an urgent alarm about the precarious status of the world’s peatlands. Described as "dangerously under-protected," these landscapes are not just patches of soggy earth; they are crucial players in our ecosystem. Covering a mere 3% of the Earth's surface, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world's forests combined. Yet, their significance often goes unnoticed. Why is this? Perhaps it's our tendency to overlook the quiet, steadfast guardians of carbon storage. Peatlands serve multiple…

On a somber Monday, news emerged of a decisive U.S. airstrike that eliminated 16 individuals connected to the Islamic State in the rugged terrains of northern Somalia. Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, a spokesperson for Northeastern State's security operations, divulged these details in a candid conversation with VOA's Somali Service. "Our cooperative efforts with international security partners culminated in a strike that decimated not only 16 militants but also two prominent bomb-makers. A crucial bomb factory met…