East Africa

The 15th assembly of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) kicked off in Banjul, Gambia. Leaders from the 57 OIC member nations and beyond are expected to participate, as stated in the OIC declaration before the summit. Representing Turkey is Hakan Fidan, their foreign minister. The summit's primary goal is to fortify unity in tackling challenges encountered by the Muslim community and to foster cooperation and solidarity among member nations, in line with the OIC’s charter. The gathering will also focus on…

Somali Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama recently met with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan in Banjul, Gambia, during the 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation between Turkey and Somalia on the sidelines of the Islamic Summit Conference. Turkey and Somalia have deepened their ties since the beginning of 2024, signing agreements on defense, economic cooperation, and oil and gas collaboration.…

The Labour incumbent triumphed over Tory candidate Susan Hall, despite false claims from 'excited Tories' that she would give him a close race. Sadiq Khan secured a historic third term as mayor of London following a fierce competition. Khan emerged victorious with 43.8% of the vote, overshadowing his Conservative opponent, Susan Hall. Despite being booed during his victory speech, Khan thanked Londoners and addressed the negativity surrounding his campaign with a message of hope and unity. Hall, his rival, appeared…

The World Meteorological Organization has issued a warning about Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, which is poised to hit Tanzania and Kenya, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis caused by heavy rains in several East African countries. “Hidaya is the first confirmed tropical cyclone in this region, not Sudan, but lower and East Africa,” explained WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis in Geneva on Friday. Hidaya’s impact will be significant, especially in Tanzania, where the ground is already saturated. Kenya will also be affected…

**HADSAN MOHAMUD AND THE TROUPE OF DUGSI DAYZ - CESARE DE GIGLIO** British Somalis feel a rush of nostalgia with Dugsi Dayz, a popular play debuting at the Royal Court Theatre this week. Reminiscing about youthful days spent in mosque classrooms, the show highlights the humor and chaos of religious schooling known as dugsi in the Somali community. Children in the UK attend mosque classes, learning about Islam, Arabic, and Quran recitation, uniting with peers from various backgrounds. Writer Sabrina Ali's production…

In Mogadishu, Somalia, a new Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and court building has been unveiled to promote social justice and security. For years, Somalia has struggled to improve transparency in prosecution and justice delivery, lacking proper physical spaces for operations. The CID headquarters, funded by international partners through the Joint Police Programme, signifies a significant step towards police and justice reforms in the country. Authorities emphasized the importance of the new building in…

Islamic nations have rejected Ethiopia's arrangement with North Western of Somalia for a military base and port on the Red Sea, insisting it violates Somalia's sovereignty. The foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation insist on the immediate withdrawal of this agreement, deeming it illegal. They emphasized the need to uphold Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty in a country that has been struggling with stability for over 30 years since the overthrow of Siad Barre. The ministers gathered in The…

The World Press Freedom Day Symposium in Mogadishu, Somalia, organized by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the U.S. Embassy, shed light on journalism’s vital role in combatting the Climate Crisis. The event gathered over 60 key figures from media, civil society, government, and international partners to discuss environmental challenges faced by Somalia. High-profile diplomats attended to show support for press freedom and help Somalia address climate-induced crises. The symposium highlighted the need…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Progress is being made in economic collaboration between Kenya and Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and William Ruto. This shift marks a new development not seen in recent years. Last Friday, Kenya hosted the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with Somalia, showcasing a commitment to enhancing economic and social relations, as reported by state media. The meeting included Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's deputy president, and Somalia Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre. Kenya relies heavily on…

The undisclosed source in the military leaked a report that resulted in immediate disciplinary measures. This incident sparked debates about Somaliland's foreign relations, especially with Western nations.The military reiterated its neutral stance in politics, highlighting that foreign policy falls under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Abdillahi stated, "We regret any confusion caused and assure our international and local partners that our foreign relations are based on peaceful cooperation and adherence…