A ground attack by Israel in Lebanon would lead to catastrophic consequences.

A prominent humanitarian leader in Beirut has issued a stark warning: a prospective ground invasion by Israeli forces into Lebanon could inflict further trauma on an already suffering displaced population. According to the United Nations, over 90,000 individuals have been forced from their homes in Lebanon since the beginning of the week. Dr. Luna Hammad, the Medical Coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Lebanon, conveyed her concerns during an interview with RTÉ's Morning Ireland. She highlighted that Beirut…

Somalia Progresses in Financial Reforms with IMF Backing at Conference in Turkey

Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh (center, right) spearheads a high-stakes dialogue at a major financial reform and economic development summit in Istanbul, Turkey. Key figures from Somali ministries and global partners are in attendance. Mogadishu (AX) — Wrapping up on Wednesday, a pivotal four-day conference focused on Somalia's financial overhaul and economic strides took place in Istanbul, Turkey. This gathering marked the second review of Somalia's Financial Reform and Economic Development Program, which enjoys…

Somali Authorities Name General Asad Osman as the Latest Police Commissioner

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move, the Somali Council of Ministers named General Asad Osman Abdullahi as the new police commissioner on Thursday. This appointment sees him stepping into the shoes of Major General Sulub Ahmed Firin.The suggestion for General Abdullahi’s new role came from the Ministry of Internal Security during the council’s regular weekly assembly.General Abdullahi’s resume includes serving as the Commander of the Northeastern State Security Force (PSF), a position he held from 2007 until…

Kenya Nears Agreement on $1.5 Billion Budget Support Loan from UAE – Insider

Kenya’s administration is on the cusp of securing a hefty $1.5 billion loan from the United Arab Emirates at an 8.2% interest rate, aiming to address the financial shortfall plaguing the East African nation, a source in the know told Reuters. "Kenya is broadening its budget support sources," noted the insider, hinting that "the deal is practically in the bag." The finance ministry and central bank of the UAE didn't immediately respond to requests for a statement. Kenya's Finance Minister John Mbadi and top ministry…

Ethiopian Troops Spearhead Bardhere Airport Overhaul Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopian troops, who are part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have taken the lead in renovating Bardhere Airport located in Somalia's Gedo region. This development has further strained the already tense relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The 46th Motorized Battalion of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is executing this airport overhaul as part of a Quick Impact Project (QIP). The project involves extending the runway by 400 meters to boost safety and accommodate…

China Conducts Test Launch of Intercontinental Missile in the Pacific Ocean

China has confirmed the test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its first such exercise in decades as it fell into the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, China has ramped up its nuclear capabilities and increased its defense expenditure. Back in October 2022, the Pentagon cautioned that China's development of its nuclear arsenal was outpacing United States expectations more swiftly than anticipated. As of May 2023, China reportedly possessed over 500 operational nuclear warheads.…

Somalia and Turkey Ink Agreement on Intelligence Sharing to Tackle Terrorism and Money Laundering

  Somali and Turkish officials have inked a bilateral pact to bolster cooperation in the realm of financial intelligence. Captured at the signing event in Ankara, we have Amina Mohamed Ali, at the helm of Somalia’s Financial Reporting Center (center), alongside Hassan Keymak, who steers Turkey’s Financial Intelligence Unit (MASAK) (right).  Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and Turkey have cemented an accord to elevate collaboration on financial intelligence sharing. This landmark agreement, signed in Ankara, unites Somalia's…

EU Nations Support Initiative to Reduce Wolf Protection Levels

In a contentious decision, European Union member states have opted to reduce the protection status of wolves, sparking outrage among conservationists and setting the stage for a potential easing of stringent hunting regulations. The representatives from the bloc's 27 nations rallied behind a proposal aimed at amending an international wildlife agreement. This change would shift the classification of wolves from "strictly protected" to simply "protected." The European Commission, the body that originally advocated for this…