Mandera Officials Urge for Swift Reopening of Prolonged Border Shutdown

There’s growing chatter around Mandera’s prolonged border closure, with local leaders pushing to lift this directive. They believe reopening the border could spark business opportunities and bolster revenue collection. The border, shut down over a decade ago, hasn't entirely halted illegal trade, claim both leaders and residents. This persistent underground activity continues to impact lawful businesses and has wider economic consequences. The government initially sealed the border to throttle Al Shabaab terror threats and…

Egypt and Eritrea Discuss Potential Military Partnership Amidst Regional Strain

Plans are brewing to safeguard Red Sea shipping routes disrupted by attacks from Iran-backed insurgents in Yemen. In a significant moment, Ethiopia's Premier Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki shared an emotional embrace after signing a historic truce in 2018. Reuters Egypt and Eritrea are contemplating a military partnership and intelligence exchange to reinforce their already strong bond, insiders say. According to sources, the agreement would detail measures to protect Red Sea shipping, disturbed by…

Clan Disputes Drive Mudug Families into Struggle in Coastal Settlement

In Hirsalama village, located in Somalia's Mudug region, 300 families were forced to flee from ongoing clan conflicts, now gripping the wind-blasted coastal hamlet of Dhinowda, where they grapple with basic survival. Take Mohamed Abdirahman Osman, for instance. He and his nine-member family trudged for three grueling days to reach Dhinowda, about 45 kilometers from their home. Initially, they had 60 goats, but lost 40 to thirst and hunger during the journey. Upon arrival, the ordeal worsened. More goats perished due to the…

IGAD’s Executive Secretary Arrives in Mogadishu for Crucial Regional Cooperation Discussions

Mogadishu (AX) – Monday saw Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the big cheese at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), touch down in Mogadishu for a chinwag with Somali bigwigs, aiming to boost ties between Somalia and IGAD. In a sit-down with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, they chewed over burning regional issues like security hurdles, economic hook-ups, and IGAD's ongoing projects in Somalia. President Hassan doubled down on Somalia's resolve to tighten bonds with IGAD and to play a pivotal role in the…

80 Nutritious Lunch Options for Shedding Pounds

When you're looking to eat healthier and lose weight, it's easy to default to salads for lunch—they're convenient, packed with veggies, and often considered the go-to option. But eating salads every day can get boring fast, and whether you're working towards specific weight loss goals or just trying to maintain a balanced diet, meal fatigue can be your worst enemy. If you're not excited about what's on your plate, it's all too tempting to stray from your healthy eating plan. Luckily, when it comes to healthy lunch ideas,…

Villa Somalia Releases Mandates Against Laftagareen After High-Profile Consultation

MOGADISHU, Sept 16 (AX) - The Somali presidency has reportedly rolled out new directives to challenge South West State's President Abdiaziz Laftagareen's administration, insiders divulged. These directives were hashed out in a secretive parley at Villa Somalia, the presidential domicile, attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe). From sources in the loop, President Mohamud made it clear that any dialogue with Laftagareen hinges on…

Kenya Initiates Comprehensive Review of National Debt, Announces Finance Minister

A snapshot captures the Nairobi Expressway in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 8, 2022. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights Kenya's auditor general has embarked on a thorough examination of the nation's debt, aiming to quantify what is owed to different creditors, Finance Minister John Mbadi revealed to Reuters on Monday. In the heart of East Africa, Kenya's debt is towering at 10.5 trillion shillings ($81.71 billion). The audit of these borrowings was a critical outcry from anti-tax hike demonstrators in…

Federal Authorities Prevent 9th Battalion Leader’s Return as Tensions Escalate

Federal Government Halts Battalion Leader's Return As Tension Soars Mogadishu, Somalia — In recent revelations, the Federal Government has detained the commander of the 9th Battalion stationed in Xudur as he arrived at Aden Adde International Airport. The commander embarked from Baidoa following a security conclave targeting South West State’s stability, where he conferred with local chiefs and President Abdiaziz Laftagareen. Just as he was gearing up to head back to Xudur, plans went sideways. Sheikh Adan Madobe, Speaker

Turkey’s Mediated Discussions Between Somalia and Ethiopia Put on Hold Indefinitely

Türkiye's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, addressed the media alongside Egypt's Foreign Minister during a joint press briefing in Cairo on August 5, 2024. AFP The third round of mediation talks under the Ankara Process between Somalia and Ethiopia, originally slated for September 2, and then moved to September 17, has now been postponed indefinitely, without a new date announced, as per Turkiye Today. Although no official explanation was provided for the delay, it follows remarks by Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim…

The Top Soup Recipe for Shedding Pounds, According to a Dietitian

On a cold winter's day, there are few things as comforting as a piping hot soup. Soup offers warmth, nutrition and satisfaction all in one bowl. And guess what? Soup can also be a great option when you're aiming to lose weight. The secret is in the ingredients. Soup can be low in calories, high in nutrients and incredibly filling. And you can even make a creamy and healthy soup, just like we did here. Our creamy roasted vegetable soup recipe is loaded with eight different vegetables, packed with protein, and offers a…