US unveils strategy to redirect Europe’s geopolitical trajectory

"One thing that stands out in the new National Military Strategy is that it is 10X more critical of Europe than Russia," Representative Don Bacon said, capturing the bluntness of a document that lands like a geopolitical hammer on transatlantic relations. The U.S. National Security Strategy released this week reframes Europe not primarily as a continental partner to be cultivated through institutions and trade, but as a civilisational project in need of rescue. The 60-some page blueprint — three of which are devoted to…

Turkey’s intelligence service warns of unprecedented instability across Somalia

Analysis: Turkish Intelligence Flags ‘Unprecedented Fragility’ in Somalia as Ankara’s Stakes Deepen ANKARA, Turkey — A new intelligence academy report in Turkey warns that Somalia faces “unprecedented fragility,” identifying a confluence of security, political and institutional risks that could shape the trajectory of the country’s stability — and the future of Ankara’s most ambitious partnership in Africa. The assessment, titled “A Multidimensional Partnership Model,” acknowledges gains in the Turkey–Somalia relationship…

Somalia maintains direct talks with North Western State of Somalia as political settlement push continues

Somalia says it maintains direct contacts with North Western State of Somalia, seeks political solution amid rising Horn of Africa stakes MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government is engaging in direct and regular contact with authorities in North Western State of Somalia and pursuing a negotiated political settlement, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar Balcad said in an interview published Saturday. Speaking to Doha News, Balcad reaffirmed the federal government’s position that North Western State of Somalia remains part…

Australian officials order thousands to evacuate as New South Wales bushfires rage

Wildfires swept through thousands of hectares of bushland in Australia’s most-populous state on Tuesday, prompting highest-level evacuation alerts for communities on the central coast of New South Wales as a severe heatwave worsened conditions. The alert covered the Phegans Bay and Woy Woy area, about 45 kilometers north of Sydney, a region that forms part of a coastal population catchment of more than 350,000 people. Authorities urged residents to leave immediately where a safe path was available. "Leave now if the path…

Somalia clarifies Western Sahara stance amid reports of unofficial statements

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government moved to clarify its position on the Western Sahara dispute, saying statements circulating in media do not reflect its official stance and emphasizing that policy is communicated only through formal government channels. In a press statement issued Saturday, authorities urged media outlets and the public to rely on verified government communications on international affairs. The clarification comes amid heightened regional scrutiny of diplomatic alignments across Africa and renewed…

Gunmen open fire at South African bar, leaving 12 dead

PRETORIA, South Africa — Gunmen stormed an illegal drinking venue in a township west of Pretoria on Saturday evening, killing 12 people — including a three-year-old boy — and wounding many others in one of a string of recent mass shootings that have shaken the country, police said. Police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said 25 people were shot in the attack at a shebeen in Saulsville township, about 18 kilometres west of Pretoria. Ten victims died at the scene and two more died after being taken to hospital; 14 people were…

Somalis condemn Trump’s insults, but some say he spoke the truth

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalis reacted with anger and disbelief Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump described Somalis as “garbage” and said “we don’t want them in our country,” remarks delivered during a cabinet meeting a day earlier that drew condemnation across Mogadishu and beyond. Trump, who has a long record of inflammatory language, also said Somalis “just run around killing each other” and declared “their country stinks,” intensifying a wave of rhetoric he has aimed at immigrants following last week’s shooting…

Somali President Accepts Credentials of Eight Newly Appointed Ambassadors

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday accepted the credentials of eight newly appointed ambassadors, signaling renewed momentum in Somalia’s diplomatic outreach during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. The envoys represent Egypt, Indonesia, Sweden, Cuba, Canada, Finland, Norway and Spain. In welcoming them, Mohamud underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and urged close coordination with Somali institutions to support peace, trade and regional…

Seventeen migrants found dead aboard boat off Crete, Greek coastguard reports

Seventeen migrants were found dead Saturday after their vessel was discovered drifting off the Greek island of Crete, Greek coast guard officials and state media said. "Two survivors in critical condition have been hospitalized," a coast guard spokeswoman said, adding that autopsies must be carried out because the circumstances of the sinking are not yet known. State broadcaster ERT reported that the bodies were found inside a partially deflated rubber boat that was taking on water. "The vessel the migrants were on was…

Somali Election Commission Warns Banadir Districts: Ensure Free Campaigning, Smooth Voter Card Distribution

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday issued a formal warning to district administrations across the Banadir region, ordering them to ensure an open campaign environment and unhindered distribution of voter cards as the election period intensifies in Mogadishu and its surrounding districts. In a directive circulated to local officials, the Commission said political organizations and candidates are legally entitled to campaign without interference, and citizens must be able to…