A spokesperson for Victoria Police characterized the recent shooting incident as “extremely volatile and high-risk.” This description underscores the harrowing reality faced by officers when making split-second decisions that have profound consequences. The department, however, has emphatically denied any implications that racism played a role in the tragic event.
In a regrettable twist of fate, the two officers involved in the incident—a sergeant and a constable—were not equipped with Tasers. Despite Victoria Police's…
ONLF Alleges Violent Disruption of Women’s Meeting in Jigjiga
Jigjiga, Ethiopia (AX) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has recently raised serious allegations against Ethiopian security forces, accusing them of violently disrupting a women's meeting in Jigjiga on April 24. These claims assert that not only were numerous participants arrested, but several also sustained injuries during the incident. The ONLF contends that this attack is emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent within the Somali Region, curtailing freedoms and silencing voices that challenge the status…
Explore the Truth: Unpacking the Accuracy of the Film “Conclave”
As the Vatican gears up for a pivotal gathering of cardinals tasked with selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church, it's time to momentarily set aside our perceptions shaped by last year’s cinematic portrayal in Conclave. This film, which captivated audiences with its depiction of high-stakes power dynamics, may not fully encapsulate the nuanced reality of this sacred process.
The conclave to elect a new pope is expected to commence shortly after May 6, coinciding with the conclusion of Pope Francis’ funeral this…
IGAD Calls for 8,000 Additional Troops and Funding Amid Al-Shabaab Threats in Somalia
Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the rapid deployment of an additional 8,000 peacekeepers. This plea is made against the backdrop of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, which have cast a long shadow over years of stabilization efforts in Somalia. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, jeopardizing the hard-earned progress of the nation.
During a ministerial meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu…
Somalia Launches New Vaccines to Protect Children from Pneumonia and Diarrhea
A New Dawn for Child Health in Somalia
In a remarkable advancement for public health, Somalia has officially integrated two vital vaccines—pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus—into its national immunization program. This transition is a significant milestone aimed at curtailing child mortality rates attributed to pneumonia and diarrhea, two leading causes of death in the region.
The timing of this monumental launch coincides with a nationwide measles catch-up campaign, targeting millions of…
Kyiv Mayor Suggests Ukraine Might Temporarily Relinquish Territory for Peace جهود السلام
Ukraine may be faced with the difficult decision of ceding some of its territory in pursuit of a "temporary" peace with Russia, according to Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko. "One of the scenarios is... to give up territory. It's not fair," he shared in an interview with the BBC, emphasizing that, "for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution." His comments follow a devastating missile and drone attack on Kyiv that resulted in the loss of at least 12 lives and left more than 80 injured.
As the person responsible…
North Western State of Somalia President Reflects on First 100 Days in Hargeisa Address
President Irro's First 100 Days: A Commitment to Progress in North Western State of Somalia
Hargeisa (AX) — As the sun rose on Thursday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro celebrated a significant milestone—his administration’s first 100 days in office. This occasion was marked by an official ceremony at the presidential palace in Hargeisa, where he passionately outlined the strides his government has made in several key areas, including security stabilization, defense restructuring, anti-corruption efforts, and an…
AU Chair Calls for Ongoing Support as Somalia’s Security Transition Stalls
A Call to Action for Somalia’s Future
Mogadishu (AX) — In a stirring address delivered recently, the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, made an impassioned plea to member states and international partners to reaffirm their commitment to Somalia. With the nation teetering on the brink of a critical juncture, he cautioned that the hard-won victories against Al-Shabaab are at significant risk of reversal without continued support from the global community.
Speaking at a high-level summit of Troop Contributing…
Turkey Launches Oil and Gas Exploration Ventures in Libya, Iraq, Somalia
Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence
In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…
Kenya’s Crackdown on Ant Smuggling Unveils Hidden Trade Secrets
In a remarkable turn of events in Naivasha, Kenya, two Belgian teenagers, David Lornoy and Seppe Lodewijckx, found themselves at the center of an unusual court case that underscores the gravity of wildlife trafficking. Charged with the illegal possession and trafficking of garden ant queens, their pre-sentencing report was presented at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts. This case, however, reflects a larger, burgeoning crisis in biodiversity conservation.
Earlier this month, Kenyan police conducted a…