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Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers as border cease-fire holds Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July, both governments said, in the first tangible sign that a fresh cease-fire is holding after weeks of deadly clashes along their disputed frontier. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the repatriation as “a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building,” saying the troops were handed back to Cambodia after more than three days without major incidents under a truce agreed on Saturday. The…

New York City is set to unveil a new Times Square New Year’s Eve centerpiece tonight: the “Constellation Ball,” a massive, crystal-clad sphere organizers describe as the largest New Year’s Eve Ball ever used for the midnight countdown. Technicians put the custom-built ball through its final tests in Times Square as 2025 draws to a close, confirming that the installation and lighting systems were ready for the global broadcast. The “Constellation Ball” is fitted with 5,280 Waterford crystals and LED light pucks, an intricate…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia could destabilize the Horn of Africa and carry implications for Palestinians in Gaza, calling the move “unexpected and strange” after three decades of nonrecognition by any country. In an interview with Al Jazeera from Istanbul, Türkiye, on Tuesday, Mohamud said Somali intelligence indicates North Western State of Somalia agreed to three Israeli conditions in exchange for recognition: accepting the resettlement of…

Guinea’s Election: Doumbouya’s Contested Victory General Mamadi Doumbouya has been declared the winner of Guinea’s presidential election. The contest marks the first vote since his 2021 coup. With significant support, it shows a shift in the country's political landscape. Doumbouya won 86.72% of the votes according to partial results. The election was anticipated to further entrench Doumbouya's power. Opposition parties faced severe restrictions and dissolutions. A Fragile Electoral Environment The election,…

Justice Department marshals 400 lawyers as 5.2 million Epstein pages remain, pushing release past congressional deadline The Justice Department said it still must review 5.2 million pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein and is mobilizing 400 lawyers to help, signaling the final release of files will slip well past a Dec. 19 deadline mandated by Congress, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters. The sweep of the task underscores the scale of the Epstein records and the political pressure surrounding them. The document…

Somalia reaffirms support for Yemen’s unity, backs Saudi role and regional security Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 MOGADISHU — Somalia has reiterated “firm and principled” support for the sovereignty, unity, security and territorial integrity of Yemen, rejecting any attempts or interventions that undermine the country’s constitutional legitimacy or state institutions, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Tuesday. In a statement, the government renewed its backing for Yemen’s internationally recognized authorities and emphasized that…

Mali and Burkina Faso said they will bar entry to U.S. citizens in direct response to a new Trump administration travel ban, invoking reciprocity after Washington expanded its list of restricted countries earlier this month. In separate statements from their foreign ministries, the two West African governments said the U.S. decision had left them no choice but to mirror the measure. The White House announced on Dec. 16 that President Donald Trump was adding Mali, Burkina Faso and five other countries to a list subject to a…

Türkiye begins building Somalia spaceport after completing feasibility, design work Türkiye has completed feasibility and design studies for a new spaceport in Somalia and begun the first phase of construction, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir said Tuesday, marking a strategic push to secure independent access to space and a foothold in the global launch market. The announcement followed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks at a joint news conference in Istanbul with Somali President Hassan Sheikh…

Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor at midnight local time, taking his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop in a gesture he says underscores his commitment to working people and the city’s soaring cost-of-living crisis. Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat who was virtually unknown a year ago, campaigned on an ambitious agenda that includes a rent freeze, universal childcare and free public buses. His office said the understated venue reflects his governing priorities. New York Attorney…

Nigeria's Bold Tax Reforms: President Tinubu Stands Firm Amid Controversy President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will begin enforcing sweeping new tax laws from January 1, dismissing criticism over discrepancies between the gazetted text and the version passed by lawmakers. Tinubu described the reforms as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to establish a fair, competitive, and resilient fiscal framework for the country. He emphasized that all recently enacted tax reforms, including provisions that took effect…