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Egypt has expanded and refocused its military mission in Somalia after Israel recognized the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia, elevating the protection of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government to a top priority, according to sources briefed on Cairo’s policy. The move underscores Egypt’s fears that Israel’s recognition could give it a foothold in the Horn of Africa—a region Cairo sees as vital to its national security—and enable closer alignment with Ethiopia at a time of fraught disputes over Nile…

EU, Mercosur set to sign long-sought free trade pact in Paraguay, creating one of the world’s largest markets The European Union and South America’s Mercosur are poised to sign a free trade agreement in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Jan. 17, capping more than 25 years of negotiations and creating one of the world’s largest free trade areas. The pact would eliminate tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade across a market representing about 30% of global GDP and more than 700 million consumers. The deal, agreed in Brussels last…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said he held a “long call” with Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, the first known direct contact between the two since the ouster of Nicolas Maduro, as Caracas continued a cautious release of prisoners detained during years of political repression. “We just had a great conversation today, and she’s a terrific person,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He later said on social media the pair discussed “many topics,” including oil, minerals, trade and national security, and…

Israel’s formal recognition of North Western State of Somalia has thrust the breakaway territory into the international spotlight, jolting the Horn of Africa and the Middle East with a new flashpoint that blends diplomacy, security and great-power rivalry. The move marks the first international recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent nation and opens the door to cooperation that could reshape regional dynamics — from the Red Sea to the Gulf states. For Israel, which is contending with Iran-backed…

WASHINGTON — The United States said it is launching the second phase of its plan to end the Gaza war, moving ahead even as key elements of the first phase — including a complete cease-fire between Israel and Hamas — remain unfulfilled. The faltering start has been marked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds in Gaza, delays in reopening the Gaza-Egypt border crossing and the failure to return the remains of one last Israeli hostage. Announcing the shift in a social media post, President Donald Trump’s…

Washington (AX) — Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would seek to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans convicted of fraud, singling out immigrants “from Somalia or anywhere else” as he outlined a tougher immigration and enforcement agenda during a speech in Detroit. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said a future administration would pursue denaturalization and deportation proceedings against immigrants found guilty of defrauding U.S. citizens. “If you come to America to rob Americans, we’re…

Three Palestine Action activists have ended a 73-day hunger strike in a UK prison after campaigners said the government denied a £2 billion (€2.3 billion) contract to Israeli-based defence firm Elbit Systems — a development the activists’ supporters described as a key demand of the protest. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello began re-feeding yesterday, the campaign group Prisoners for Palestine said. The organisation, which has coordinated updates from supporters of the detainees, said Umer Khalid remains on…

White House pauses immigrant visas for dozens of countries as it revives “public charge” scrutiny WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday ordered an immediate pause on immigrant visas for nationals of dozens of countries, including Somalia and Haiti, as the Trump administration moves to tighten long-standing “public charge” rules and restrict permanent entry for applicants deemed likely to rely on government benefits. The suspension targets those seeking to immigrate permanently and does not appear to apply to temporary…

Nestlé’s chief executive issued a video apology as the company widened a global recall of infant formula across 53 countries over concerns about possible contamination with the toxin cereulide, a heat-stable compound that can cause acute food poisoning. The precautionary recall now covers nearly 80 batches of SMA, BEBA, NAN and Alfamino infant nutrition products, and could threaten Nestlé’s strong position in China and other major markets. The list of affected products expanded again yesterday and now includes batches that…

Zanzibar backs cryptocurrency ‘cyber city’ to lure digital nomads under new Digital Free Zone Wednesday January 14, 2026 ZANZIBAR CITY, Tanzania (AX) — Zanzibar has approved plans for a cryptocurrency-focused “cyber city” on its western coast, endorsing a private-sector project that aims to attract digital nomads and pilot blockchain-based administration under special economic rules. The proposed city, slated for a 71-hectare site near the Fumba Peninsula, would blend residential housing with a digital residency program that…