Eye on Africa

Hargeisa (AX) — Beneath the watchful gaze of the African sun, on a notable Monday morning, political luminaries and countless mourners converged in Hargeisa. The occasion was solemn yet steeped in a dignified reverence as the community paid their final respects to Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo, a colossus etched into the political tapestry of North Western State of Somalia. As the former President, Silanyo's impact on regional history remains, undeniably, significant. Passing at the venerable age of 86, Silanyo had a…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

Hawo Salad Cali, a resilient woman living on the fringes of Baidoa, transforms hardship into a lifeline by selling bones she gathers in the Buur camp. With determination etched into her daily routine, she turns what many might overlook into sustenance for her family. Let’s meet Maydigo Omar Yarow, a 60-year-old widowed mother of six, whose day begins long before sunrise. She embarks on a journey to a livestock slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Baidoa. Her mission: to gather discarded bones and hides, which she sells to…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a tragic incident on Sunday afternoon, a landmine explosion claimed the lives of at least four individuals and left two others injured. The explosion targeted a civilian vehicle navigating the path between Afgoye and Wanlaweyn districts, nestled in Somalia's tumultuous Lower Shabelle region. Locals within the Doonka vicinity recounted the harrowing moment when the devastating blast punctuated the peaceful air, striking a vehicle headed toward Afgoye. Swiftly, the injured were transported to a local…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold announcement, Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced that Jubbaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, cannot stand for another term. Barre referenced Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which sets a two-term limit for the presidency. This declaration comes amidst a growing tension in the region, as Madobe seeks to hold onto power. On Monday in Mogadishu, Barre pulled no punches, accusing Madobe of prioritizing his own interests above the national agenda of Somalia. Barre alleges that Madobe…

Recent reports reveal that a significant number of Gabon’s 860,000 registered voters have chosen to support a new Constitution, which might mark an end to military governance, as disclosed by State Television. This important referendum has the potential to dismantle a political dynasty that the Bongo family has held onto for nearly six decades. The proposed Constitution is not just a piece of legislation; it embodies one of the key promises made by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema following his seizure of power during…

There's growing concern in Somali society about how online displays of bravado might teeter dangerously close to hate speech, stirring up long-standing clan rivalries. In Somalia, "The Big Tribal Game" isn't just a pastime—it's practically a cultural phenomenon. This so-called game draws in massive audiences without linking its participants to any form of clan violence. Everywhere you look, thousands of phones light up with this spectacle, not just in Somalia, but across the globe. The typical participants? Enthusiastic…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a fine Sunday in the heart of Somalia’s capital, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the Somali Foreign Minister, welcomed Manuel Marques Pereira, the newly appointed Chief of Mission from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to Somalia. Amid the meet-and-greet, they dived into talking shop about ramping up their joint efforts to fuel Somalia’s developmental strides. It seems the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is busier than ever with its ambitious plan to set up a Diaspora Centre. What's the buzz…

Chidimma Adetshina has carved out a significant milestone in history, becoming the first Nigerian to clinch the title of first runner-up at the prestigious 73rd Miss Universe pageant. In the wake of this remarkable achievement, Adetshina took to Instagram to share her heartfelt appreciation. She reminisced about the unwavering support she received from Nigerians during her most challenging times. "Together, we find strength," she noted, highlighting how the vast African continent has imparted lessons on the essence of unity…

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at a Pentagon press briefing on May 20, as captured by Ricky Carioti of The Washington Post. Lately, rights organizations have been nudging Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to green-light compensation for families affected by U.S. military actions abroad. This push comes as the Biden administration faces a final-hour challenge to fulfill its vow to mend its approach to unintended civilian casualties during military…