East Africa

The scientific community stated that the increase in extreme weather events is a result of climate change, making heavy rainfall more prevalent in the region. The floods caused widespread devastation and claimed the lives of many across East Africa. According to experts, the El Nino weather pattern did not play a role in the deadly flooding that occurred in Kenya, Tanzania, and neighboring countries this year. More than 500 people lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands were displaced due to the torrential rainfall…

In Mogadishu, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) have activated an Anticipatory Action (AA) plan to prepare for expected floods caused by El Niño in Baardheere, Luuq, Jowhar, and Beletweyne. This plan, which started in April 2024, is the second time the Somalia Anticipatory Action Plan has been put into motion, with the first being in October 2023. The AA plan included sending out early warnings to around 1.9 million people via local radios, ringtones, and social media managed…

In Mogadishu, the Banadir Regional Police Force apprehended a suspect in Dayniile accused of jeopardizing national security. The suspect, Adaawe Abdi Ali (known as Adaawe Jib), serves in the Armed Forces and is charged with defying a court order and inciting public unrest. Sources within the police department reveal that Adaawe Abdi Ali will appear before the Military Court for additional legal action. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities that may threaten security to the authorities.

During the Feeding Our Future trial, the final prosecution witness detailed how defendants allegedly misused child nutrition funds, funding extravagant purchases. The case involves seven Twin Cities-area defendants accused of embezzling $47 million from meal programs managed by the USDA and the Minnesota Department of Education. FBI forensic accountant Lacra Blackwell provided compelling evidence of the defendants' money laundering, tracing funds from child nutrition programs through nonprofits to the defendants'…

The first set of Somali pilgrims has arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Minister Robow confirmed their arrival, signaling the start of the journey for many Somalis. Hajj, a significant event in Islam, draws millions of Muslims to Mecca yearly as part of their religious duties. Minister Robow expressed satisfaction with the planning for this pilgrimage. A group of 500 pilgrims landed in Saudi Arabia with an expected total of 11,000 Somalis making the trip. Northeastern State, however, opted out…

The International Court of Justice remains skeptical of Israeli attempts to ease the suffering in Rafah. The situation there is described as "exceptionally grave."ICJ President Nawaf Salam highlighted the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Rafah. There is no police force to enforce the court's orders, as seen in Russia's defiance of a similar ruling.In response to the court's decision, Palestinians expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed it, while others doubted immediate change. The court was commended as an…

In Nairobi, the European Union's anti-piracy naval force successfully freed the Liberia-flagged merchant vessel Basilisk from pirates near Somalia, safeguarding its 17 crew members. The Basilisk was traveling from Cape Verde to the United Arab Emirates when it was attacked by pirates in two small boats about 380 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu on May 23. The crew sought refuge in the ship's citadel, a secure emergency area, while the vessel floated. The captain, who did not reach the citadel, was shot in the arm but…

In Merca, Somalia, seven children were swept into the sea during a storm, leaving four missing and two critically injured. The kids were having a fun day at the beach when strong waves dragged them away, as explained by Abdalla Bashir Abdi, a local elder. Two of the children are siblings. The National Disaster Management Authority of Somalia issued a warning about a powerful storm named Lali affecting the southern coastal areas. Mohamud Macallin, the agency's chairman, highlighted the challenges they face due to limited…

Nairobi (AX) — The North Western of Somalia representative in Kenya has affirmed that the Sool region will remain part of North Western of Somalia, rejecting any talk of separation. A recent agreement with Ethiopia has been touted as a catalyst for economic growth in the breakaway region. During an interview with BBC Somali, Ambassador Mohamed A. Mohamud underscored North Western of Somalia's dedication to peace in the Sool region. He firmly denied the involvement of Somalia's president in the SSC Khatumo administration,…

In Bardale, Bay region, al-Shabab militants ambushed government soldiers, leaving three wounded. The Bay region police commander revealed that the attack was thwarted, thanks to a timely intelligence warning. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, and the military is now on a hunt for the attackers. The Southwest security minister has been present in Bardale recently to eliminate unauthorized checkpoints in the area.