China invites Somalia’s president to Beijing, reiterates backing for national unity

BEIJING — China reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and invited President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Beijing, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned against any separate arrangements sought by North Western State of Somalia with Taiwan, according to statements from both governments. Wang delivered the message during a phone call Sunday with Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Dhaay, held while the Chinese diplomat was traveling in Africa. Both sides said China remains fully committed…

Somalia’s Upper House Passes National Payment System Bill

Somalia’s Upper House passes National Payment System Bill, clearing path for payments oversight law MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved the National Payment System Bill, a keystone measure designed to regulate the country’s fast-growing digital payments industry and strengthen consumer protection in a mobile-money-driven economy. Parliamentary officials said the bill passed during the 14th session of the Upper House’s seventh sitting with 28 senators voting in favor and none…

Somali Minister Says Israel Plans to Relocate Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s defense minister accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse Israel’s surprise recognition of the breakaway region, escalating a diplomatic standoff that has rippled across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi called Israel’s move a “serious violation” of international law and a “direct attack” on…

Ethiopia Begins $12.5 Billion Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport

Ethiopian Airlines breaks ground on $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, billed as Africa’s largest by 2030 Ethiopian Airlines has launched construction on a $12.5 billion greenfield hub in Bishoftu, a town about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa, in a project officials say will become Africa’s biggest airport when completed in 2030. The state-owned carrier has been awarded the contract to design a four-runway complex at the site, where earthworks have begun. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, announcing…

Greenland leaders reject Trump’s hint at a U.S. takeover

Greenland leaders reject Trump’s renewed push to take control, insist island’s future is theirs to decide Sunday January 11, 2026 NUUK, Greenland — Greenland’s political leaders on Friday forcefully rejected renewed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could take control of the Arctic island, saying Greenland’s future can only be decided by its own people. In a rare joint statement, the leaders of all five parties represented in Greenland’s parliament said they opposed any form of external pressure…

Nobel Institute: Venezuelan Leader Machado Can’t Award Peace Prize to Trump

Sunday January 11, 2026 OSLO, Norway (AX) — The Norwegian Nobel Institute said Friday that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked, addressing comments by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado suggesting she might give or share her 2025 award with former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a brief statement citing the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, the institute said the prize decision, once announced, is irrevocable and cannot be altered in any way. “The decision is final and stands for all…

Ilhan Omar, two House members denied access to Minnesota ICE facility

MINNEAPOLIS — Three Democratic members of Congress from Minnesota, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, were blocked from entering a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center near Minneapolis on Saturday morning, escalating tensions in the Twin Cities after the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent earlier in the week. The lawmakers — Omar, Rep. Angie Craig and Rep. Kelly Morrison — said they were briefly admitted to the facility inside the Bishop Whipple Federal Building before officials rescinded access and…

Seven Protein-Packed Foods Spotlighted in the Modern American Diet

The content of the source text is best suited for the Healthy Eating format. It provides science-informed nutrition advice focusing on the new food pyramid and highlights several protein-rich foods recommended in the updated dietary guidelines. Structure and Tone: The source emphasizes practical insights about nutrition, centered on whole foods and protein sources, while also presenting expert opinions and data within a health context. Length Requirements: The Healthy Eating format allows for 700–1100 words, which fits the…

China reaffirms support for Somalia after top envoy postpones visit

You are an elite, award-winning international journalist and a meticulous senior editor. Your job is to transform raw source material into a publish-ready article that meets the highest AP-standard editorial and technical requirements. PHASE 1 — ANALYSIS AND FORMAT DECISION Read the source text thoroughly. Identify the core themes, dominant purpose, crucial facts, data points, and human or structural angles. Based solely on this analysis, select exactly one article format from the list below. Always choose Football…

China Backs Somalia’s Sovereignty, Rejects North Western State of Somalia’s Ties With Taiwan

China backs Somalia’s territorial integrity, denounces North Western State of Somalia–Taiwan ties as Wang Yi postpones Mogadishu stop BEIJING (AX) — China’s foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, underscoring a position that has anchored China’s engagement in the Horn of Africa. Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message in a phone call with his Somali counterpart while traveling on his annual New Year tour…