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Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh Eases Position, Meets with Opposition Leaders MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a country where political landscapes shift as swiftly as the winds, a remarkable scene unfolded as opposition leaders briskly walked through the gates of Villa Somalia. Their destination: a confidential meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Could this encounter herald a pivotal breakthrough in Somalia’s enduring political impasse? It certainly appears possible. The atmosphere surrounding this meeting is charged…

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, the Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, engaged with the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, in the bustling capital city of Mogadishu. The primary focus of their discussion was a reinforced partnership in defense, particularly emphasizing collaborative efforts to counter the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab, a militant group with ties to al-Qaida. During the meeting, the dialogue flowed with an unmistakable urgency. Both leaders recognized the pressing…

Tánaiste Simon Harris has condemned Hungary for what he termed an "appalling act" for its ongoing obstruction of Ukraine's entry into accession talks with the European Union. During a session with the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, Harris expressed his discontent, stating, "Shame on them." Looking ahead, he emphasized that one of Ireland's key priorities during its six-month presidency of the EU next year will be to facilitate Ukraine's accession, noting that some nations have been "knocking on the door for far too…

Ceasefire Announcement Between Israel and Iran: A Complex Turning Point On June 23, 2025, remnants of an Iranian missile lay quietly on a pavement near a fence in Qatar, stark reminders of recent tensions. The atmosphere, once charged with volatility, took a sudden turn as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran. This development was set to unfold over the next 24 hours, following an intense day of conflict in the region that left many on edge. Interestingly, both…

The United Nations human rights office has issued a powerful statement regarding the "weaponisation" of food in Gaza, declaring it a war crime. This marks their strongest condemnation yet of the newly established aid distribution model, which is backed by the US and Israel. "Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism contradicts international standards on aid distribution," the office remarked in notes prepared for an upcoming briefing. They expressed deep concern over the plight of civilians caught in this…

Calls for Justice: The Tragic Death of Albert Ojwang In a poignant demonstration of civil society’s strength and resolve, activists gathered in Mombasa, Kenya on June 17, 2025, bearing placards that demanded justice for the late political blogger, Albert Ojwang. His untimely death while in police custody has ignited a firestorm of protests, stirring the hearts and minds of citizens across the nation. Standing amidst the sea of voices and banners, one could almost feel the pulse of the community—a mixture of sorrow and…

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level expert stakeholder meeting in Nairobi to validate the End-Term Review Report of its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020. This event marks a pivotal moment in IGAD's commitment to combatting food insecurity, particularly in the Horn of Africa, and sets the stage for a new strategic approach towards regional agri-food systems investment. This validation is more than a procedural step; it is the foundation for the forthcoming…

Recent assessments from U.S. intelligence suggest that airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities have not completely dismantled its program. While these strikes may have temporarily delayed Iran's advancements by a couple of months, they did not eliminate Iran's enriched uranium stocks, according to a preliminary evaluation from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. As reported by Reuters, three sources familiar with the intelligence disclosed that the strikes have raised concerns about the effectiveness of U.S.…

The Heart-Wrenching Struggles of Displacement in Baidoa In the crowded camps of Baidoa, amidst the evanescent shadows of past lives lived in comfort, families like Hussein Idris Nunow's are grappling with the relentless grip of hardship. As he shares a meager meal with his family of seven, one can't help but wonder about the weight of loss that hangs heavily in the air. The story of Hussein offers a vivid glimpse into the fragile existence of displaced communities, where the specter of hunger looms large.…