Yearly Archives

2024

Kenyan Court Commands Somali Embassy to Fork Out $200,000 for Unsettled Renovation Expenses

The Somali Embassy found itself embroiled in a sticky legal tango over unpaid renovation dues. A Kenyan court recently mandated the disbursement of $201,942 to Kingsly Construction Limited from the embassy's accounts after a contractual hiccup back in 2016. NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A Kenyan court has directed Premier Bank to release KSh 26 million ($201,942) from the Somali Embassy's funds to Kingsly Construction Limited. This verdict marks the end of a three-year tussle over unpaid renovation bills for the embassy's Nairobi…

Somalia Insists Ethiopia Cancels Covert North Western State of Somalia Deal Prior to Negotiations

Mogadishu— Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed immediate negotiations with Ethiopia over their maritime squabble, blaming Ethiopia's steadfastness over its controversial deal with North Western State of Somalia. The heart of the conflict lies in an agreement struck in January 2024, where North Western State of Somalia granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease over 20 kilometers of coastline. This pact would provide landlocked Ethiopia with coveted sea access for commercial and naval use. In return, Ethiopia was…

Mayor Adams of New York Faces Allegations of Bribery and Illicit Campaign Donations

New York City's Mayor, Eric Adams, finds himself entangled in a web of legal troubles as he faces charges of bribery and the illicit solicitation of campaign contributions from a foreign national, according to a federal indictment revealed today. This development follows a prolonged investigation that has plunged the city’s administration into chaos. In total, Mr. Adams confronts five criminal allegations, which include the conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that he sought and accepted lavish perks —…

UNDP and Visa Collaborate to Advance Digital Financial Access in Somalia

Aida Diarra, the bigwig behind Visa’s Sub-Saharan Africa division, couldn’t contain her excitement about the business tie-up. “Teaming up with UNDP Somalia lights us up as we aim to bring the digital age and financial services to every nook and cranny of the region. With our smarts in digital payments, we want to give Somali small business folks and underserved communities a real shot at economic strength and sustainable living," Diarra shared with palpable enthusiasm. Lionel Laurens, the go-to persona at UNDP Somalia, shed…

Biden Declares $8 Billion Military Support Package for Ukraine

In a significant move, President Joe Biden has unveiled over $8 billion in military aid aimed at assisting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. This announcement coincided with a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a pivotal moment in the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts. The package features the debut shipment of a precision-guided glide bomb, known as the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), which boasts an impressive range of up to 130 kilometers. This medium-range…

Japan’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate Cleared of Charges

The Japanese court has made a groundbreaking decision, acquitting the world’s longest-serving death row inmate after more than fifty years of conviction. Iwao Hakamada, who was sentenced for murder back in 1968, has now been declared not guilty. In a significant ruling, the Shizuoka District Court affirmed Hakamada’s innocence, acknowledging a retrial that his advocates and he initiated a decade ago. “The court finds the defendant innocent,” proclaimed Judge Koshi Kunii with profound gravity. Unfortunately, due to health…

Egypt confirms dispatching a fresh shipment of armaments to Somalia

On September 23, 2024, Nasra Bashir Ali, working with the Office of the Somali Prime Minister, posted a photo on X. The image allegedly shows a ship being offloaded at an unnamed port. Meanwhile, Egypt has verified sending arms to Somalia amid regional friction spurred by Ethiopia's contentious arrangement with the self-declared republic of North Western State of Somalia. North Western State of Somalia officials state Ethiopia agreed to acknowledge North Western State of Somalia in exchange for leasing 20 kilometers of sea…