After phone call, Trump applauds Venezuela’s new leader as ‘terrific’

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 North Western State of Somalia recognition sparks uproar and threats in a volatile region

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…

US unveils phase two of Gaza strategy, establishes Palestinian committee

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…

Trump Pledges to Revoke Citizenship of All Fraud-Convicted Naturalized Somali Immigrants

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 call off their hunger strikes

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…

U.S. Suspends Immigration Visas for Somalia and Over 70 Countries

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 CEO Apologizes for Anxiety Caused by Baby Formula Recall

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 Approves Crypto Cyber City to Attract Digital Nomads

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…

Why Somalia Has Set New Boundaries with the United Arab Emirates

Somalia’s Jan. 12 Cabinet decision to annul all agreements with the United Arab Emirates is more than a diplomatic rupture. It is a strategic reset framed around sovereignty, constitutional authority and the insistence that foreign engagement run through recognized national institutions. In a region where parallel arrangements and external rivalries often seep into domestic governance, Mogadishu is choosing consolidation over convenience. At the heart of the move is a simple claim: sovereignty is not a slogan but a system.…

Guinea Needs to Strengthen Accountability for the 2009 Mass Killing

Human Rights Watch Urges Guinean President to Pursue Justice for 2009 Massacre Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya to advance accountability for the September 28, 2009, massacre and "lay the groundwork for credible and fair justice" regarding ongoing rights abuses in the country. This appeal follows the death in custody of Claude Pivi, a former minister for presidential security, on January 6, 2026. Pivi was among several officials convicted in a landmark trial for the killings and…