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Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 Mogadishu — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia urged the federal government and regional leaders to prioritize dialogue on elections and other national issues after a security dispute prevented advance teams from Puntland State and Jubaland from arriving in the capital for a planned consultative forum. In a brief statement posted on social media, UNTMIS said it regretted that preparatory delegations from the two semi-autonomous regions were unable to reach Mogadishu because…

Frank W. Garcia Jr. Nominated to Lead Africa Bureau at State Department Frank W. Garcia Jr., a veteran Republican Congressional aide, has been nominated by President Trump to head the Africa Bureau at the State Department. Garcia, whose nomination for the position of Assistant Secretary for Africa was submitted to the Senate on January 29, is currently serving as a senior advisor to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, a process…

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — The death toll from the New Year’s Day bar fire at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana rose to 41 after an 18-year-old victim died from injuries in a Zurich hospital, regional prosecutors said Saturday. “An 18-year-old Swiss national died at a hospital in Zurich on January 31,” Wallis canton’s public prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, said in a brief statement. “The death toll from the fire at Le Constellation bar on January 1, 2026 has now risen to 41.” The inferno, which tore through the basement…

QUETTA, Pakistan — Pakistani forces are hunting separatist fighters across Balochistan after a wave of coordinated attacks left more than 190 people dead over two days, officials said, as the government vowed to strike back and the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility. Authorities said around a dozen sites remained sealed off Sunday as troops combed banks, jails, police stations and military installations struck by militants a day earlier. At least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel were killed in the assaults,…

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack on Iran would trigger a regional war, state media reported, as Washington moves additional naval assets into the Middle East and both sides signal that indirect talks are underway. Khamenei dismissed President Donald Trump’s repeated threats and the U.S. carrier-led deployment as psychological pressure. “The Iranian nation shall not be scared by these things,” he said. “We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian…

Premier League: Arsenal surge seven clear as Liverpool finally win; dramatic Chelsea comeback caps a frantic Saturday Leeds 0-4 Arsenal Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle Chelsea 3-2 West Ham Brighton 1-1 Everton Wolves 0-2 Bournemouth Arsenal and Liverpool rediscovered their cutting edge on a pivotal Premier League Saturday, with Mikel Arteta’s side blasting seven points clear at the top after a 4-0 rout at Leeds, and the defending champion easing months of frustration with a 4-1 win over Newcastle at Anfield. Manchester City and…

Somalia Blocks Armed Personnel Ahead of National Dialogue This article examines the recent actions taken by the Somali government to block armed personnel and weapons from entering Mogadishu in preparation for a crucial national dialogue. The decision emphasizes public safety and adherence to security protocols. Somali government cites public safety as a key reason for the blockade. Involved parties include leaders from Puntland State and Jubbaland states. The government reaffirms commitment to stability in…

Trump says India will buy Venezuelan oil as U.S. eases curbs, aiming to replace Russian supplies President Donald Trump said India will begin purchasing Venezuelan oil, a move he cast as helping the world’s third-largest oil importer pivot away from Russian crude as Washington loosens restrictions on Caracas. “We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled to his Florida residence from Washington. The comments followed a Reuters report that the United States…

Somali president consults Cabinet after aircraft carrying leaders’ guards turned back MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has launched closed-door consultations with his Cabinet after aircraft carrying advance security personnel for the presidents of Puntland State and Jubaland were denied clearance to land in Mogadishu, a move that has intensified strains with the federal member states. Government officials said the talks are focused on the political, security and governance implications of the…

Urgent Call for Humanitarian Access in Jonglei, South Sudan The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to military operations in Jonglei State. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation to facilitate safe humanitarian access, which is critical for delivering food assistance to those in dire need. The call comes amid rising tensions that threaten the safety of around two million residents. Nearly 60 percent of the population faces crisis levels of…