Eye on Africa

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a powerful global campaign held every year from November 25 to December 10. During this time, people and organizations worldwide unite to advocate for the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls. So, what exactly do we mean by “gender-based violence”? It encompasses harmful actions directed at someone because of their gender identity. Although men and boys can certainly be victims, the stark reality is that women and girls bear the brunt of this…

The opposition leader in the self-declared independent region of North Western State of Somalia triumphed in the recent election, according to the electoral commission's announcement on Tuesday. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, representing the primary opposition faction known as the Waddani Party, secured over half of the votes, stepping out as the clear victor. At 69 years old, Abdullahi has previously held the prestigious position of North Western State of Somalia's parliament speaker back in 2005. This opposition group…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, there’s been a splash of political excitement. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud offered hearty congratulations to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi – widely known as Irro – for clinching the top spot as North Western State of Somalia’s new President. Alongside him is the freshly minted Vice President Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi. Their triumph in the November elections was not just political but a reflection of the vibrant democratic spirit alive in the region. In an official statement shared on…

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called on G20 leaders to tackle the pressing crisis of global hunger, a plight afflicting one out of every eleven individuals around the globe last year. This plea comes amid alarm over rising food insecurity, worsened by a medley of conflicts, climate change, and economic inequalities. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has also chimed in, pushing global leaders to ramp up efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. "Achieving gender equality is vital.…

In a significant move, Resolute Mining, an Australian-based company, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $160 million to the Malian government in a bid to settle an ongoing tax dispute. This decision comes on the heels of a troubling incident where Mali's authorities detained the company’s CEO, Terence Holohan, along with two other staff members during their trip to Bamako for what was supposed to be routine negotiations with the current regime. As tensions rise, the spotlight on foreign mining operations in Mali grows ever…

In a key move for Somalia's financial future, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh inked a pivotal debt relief deal with Denmark's representative, Ambassador Steen Sonne Aderson, in the bustling city of Mogadishu on a vibrant Monday. This latest agreement reflects the positive outcomes from the notable discussions held by the Paris Club back in March 2024, another feather in the cap of Somalia’s ongoing economic reform crusade. The ministry enthusiastically declared, "The national reform efforts and debt forgiveness successes…

North Western State of Somalia Elects New Leader: A New Chapter Unfolds In a surprising political shake-up, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is set to take the reins as North Western State of Somalia's new president, as proclaimed by early results from the electoral commission on Tuesday. His leadership spells a fresh start for the disputed region. Irro, the figurehead of the Waddani party, secured a whopping 64% of the votes, prevailing over his opponent, Bihi, who garnered just 35% according to the figures released by…

On Monday, Ethiopia’s Defense Ministry firmly refuted rumors swirling around about a military helicopter accident near the northern city of Bahir Dar. They made it clear in a statement that there wasn't any mishap involving Ethiopian choppers, putting the kibosh on any flying mishaps tales out there. According to Borkena News, an online news source operating outside the country, Saturday brought forth claims accusing an Ethiopian Air Force helicopter of crashing in Bahir Dar. However, these articles were loose on details,…

Picture this: a lively Friday where the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, fondly known as KSrelief, rolls up its sleeves and steps into action. They make their way to the Banadir region, nestled within the Federal Republic of Somalia, armed with a treasure trove of relief supplies. Their mission? Deliver much-needed aid to those who’ve had to flee their homes. What's in this humanitarian goodie bag, you ask? Exactly 1,000 sturdy shelter kits to provide a semblance of warmth and a little pocket of security…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has extended its heartfelt condolences to the folks over in North Western State of Somalia following the demise of Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, affectionately known as Siilaanyo, their former president. Siilaanyo was more than just a leader; he was a true ally to Ethiopia, having played an instrumental role in fortifying the deep ties shared by our nations. The Ministry remarked on his enduring friendship with Ethiopia and acknowledged his pivotal…