Saudi Arabia Executes 198 in 2024, Marking the Highest Number in Over Three Decades – AFP Report

DUBAI — Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant surge in executions, hitting a 30-year apex. With three more executions announced on Saturday, the 2024 tally skyrocketed to 198, per AFP's count. The kingdom ranks third globally in executions, trailing only China and Iran, Amnesty International reported for 2023. This latest figure supercedes previous peaks of 196 in 2022 and 192 in 1995, according to the London-based human rights organization, which has been documenting annual data since 1990. The Saudi Press…

Military Salute in the Sky as Carter Celebrates His 100th Birthday

Jimmy Carter is rejoicing in his centenary, marking a remarkable milestone as the only president in U.S. history to reach the age of 100. The former peanut farmer will commemorate this special occasion in the cozy home that he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built in Plains, Georgia, during the vibrant 1960s. Returning to his roots, Mr. Carter brought the postal service back to this quaint town, which boasts a close-knit community of around 600 residents. He has stayed an enduring and beloved figure there ever since. According…

First Somali American Woman and First Non-U.S. Citizen Among New Minneapolis Police Recruits

Four years have zipped by since George Floyd’s tragic passing, shaking the law enforcement community. During that span, scores of officers departed, and fresh recruits were sparse. City officials announced a turning point last month, with recruitment numbers finally climbing.Sitting amidst her fellow graduates at the American Indian Center, Ikran Mohamed beams, fresh from completing the Minneapolis Police Department’s training. Credit: Matt Sepic | MPR NewsThis piece is brought to you courtesy of MPR News in tandem with…

130 Lives Lost Due to Hurricane Helene as Biden Justifies Federal Response Efforts

The catastrophic storm that recently lashed the southeastern United States has tragically claimed the lives of at least 130 individuals. As recovery efforts unfold, the disaster has ignited heated discussions amidst an already contentious election season. The White House has fiercely dismissed allegations regarding a delayed federal response. With hundreds still missing across various states, President Joe Biden declared his intention to visit North Carolina tomorrow to oversee ongoing rescue initiatives. Biden openly…

IGAD Appeals for Enhanced Engagement from Somali Diaspora at Istanbul Summit

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged the Somali diaspora to engage more actively in fostering economic prosperity and regional stability. This appeal was made during the 10th International Somali Diaspora Conference held in Istanbul.The assembly saw representatives from the Somali diaspora meet with international allies. IGAD's Health and Social Development Director, Fathia Alwan, highlighted the vital role of remittances in supporting the economies of IGAD member nations.…

Egypt Takes the Helm of African Peace and Security Council

Come October 1, Egypt will helm the African Peace and Security Council for a month, announced Mohamed Gad, Egypt’s ambassador to Ethiopia and its Permanent Representative to the African Union. Egypt aims to boost the Council's efforts in safeguarding peace, security, and stability, while tackling the multifaceted security and development issues plaguing the African continent, Gad stated Monday. Circumstances today are pretty gnarly—both regionally and globally—heightening security threats left and right. This scenario…

Tánaiste Expresses Deep Concern Over Israeli Ground Operations in Lebanon

The Tánaiste has assured that Irish forces stationed in Lebanon remain secure; however, he expressed substantial concern regarding the recent initiation of ground raids by Israeli troops in southern Lebanese villages, highlighting that international humanitarian law appears to be under strain. Mr. Martin emphasized the "extraordinary" ramifications that such ground offensives could impose, potentially displacing over a million individuals, which he termed "unacceptable." The situation has escalated as Israel reported fierce…

Ethiopia Remains Unresponsive to Djibouti’s Suggestion for Reducing Tensions with Somalia

--- ## Ethiopia Silent on Djibouti's Proposal for Easing Tensions with Somalia NAIROBI, Kenya - Over a month has trickled by, and Ethiopia has yet to respond to Djibouti's proposal, which aims to ease the strained relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu. This initiative, endorsed by multiple international actors, is gaining momentum. Djibouti's Foreign Affairs minister, Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, announced last month that Djibouti is poised to resolve the maritime dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. He mentioned that…

Somali Government and United States Ink $68.5 Million Development Aid Agreement

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday, the Somali government inked a landmark $68.5 million Development Assistance Grant Agreement with the United States. This move is a big leap forward in pushing socio-economic progress throughout the nation.In a solemn ceremony held in Mogadishu, the deal was signed by Somali Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, and USAID Somalia Mission Director Catie Lott.Focused on bolstering economic growth,…

Ministers of Education from Somalia and Turkmenistan Hold Discussions on Collaborative Initiatives

Mogadishu (AX) – On Monday, Somali Minister of Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, and his Turkmenistan counterpart, J. Gurbandeldiyev, connected via video call, discussing ways to bolster ties in education, culture, and tech sectors. Fathudin Ali Muhammad, the Somali Ambassador to Turkmenistan residing in Ankara, took part in the session. The main focus was on fostering collaboration and promoting university-level education between the two countries. Turkmenistan's Minister of Education applauded Somalia's enthusiasm…