Trump claims U.S.-Cuba deal being forged with senior officials after blockade threat

Trump says U.S. in talks with Havana after threatening tariffs on oil shipments to Cuba WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Washington is negotiating with Cuba’s leadership to reach a deal, days after threatening to choke off the island’s fuel supply by imposing tariffs on countries that sell oil to Havana. The push-and-pull approach comes as the second Trump administration escalates pressure on the communist-run island following the U.S. ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro last month. Venezuela, a longtime ally,…

U.S. still exploring routes to acquire Greenland, prime minister says

Greenland’s prime minister warned that the United States still seeks control over the Arctic island despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to forgo the use of force, sharpening tensions that have pulled in Denmark, NATO allies and Greenland’s Indigenous communities. Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the U.S. continues to pursue “paths to ownership and control over Greenland,” even as Trump has backed away from threats of military action. Trump intensified calls for U.S. control at the start of the year, citing national…

Boy stranded by pricey Olympic bus fares invited to opening ceremony

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — An 11-year-old boy who was left stranded in the snow after a local bus fare was hiked ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will take part in Friday’s opening ceremony in a symbolic role, a spokesperson said. The boy, identified as Riccardo, boarded a bus home from school last week in the Cortina d’Ampezzo area with a 2.50-euro ticket, the usual fare. But the operating company had raised the cost to 10 euros ahead of the Games, which run from Feb. 6-22, and he was told to get off when he could…

Syrian army enters Hasakeh after agreement with Kurdish groups

Syrian government security personnel entered the northeastern city of Hasakeh under an integration deal with Kurdish forces, extending Damascus’ authority into a longtime Kurdish stronghold after months of tension and sporadic clashes, according to an AFP team on the ground. The phased agreement, struck Friday after Kurdish forces ceded territory to advancing government units in recent weeks, calls for gradually folding Kurdish military and civilian institutions into state structures. The move marks a significant rollback of…

Brawls break out in Somalia’s parliament, stalling constitutional reform debate

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Clashes and scuffles erupted Tuesday inside Villa Hargeisa, the seat of Somalia’s federal parliament, after opposition lawmakers blocked a planned session to debate constitutional amendments, officials and witnesses said. The day’s sitting was canceled, deepening a standoff over the government’s push to modify the country’s provisional charter. Opposition legislators entered the chamber early, occupied leadership seats and sealed off access points, preventing Speaker Adan Mohamed Nur, known as Madoobe,…

Opposition Blocks Somali Parliament Debate on Constitutional Amendments, Sparking Chaos

Somalia parliament descends into chaos as opposition blocks constitutional debate in Mogadishu MOGADISHU — Somalia’s lower house erupted into chaos Monday as opposition lawmakers shut down the opening of a debate on sweeping constitutional amendments, occupying the speaker’s seat, blocking entrances to the chamber and forcing the suspension of proceedings. The confrontation came as Parliament prepared to take up proposed changes to chapters five through nine of the provisional constitution — a politically charged package…

Somalia’s Independent Journalism Faces Challenges as Parliament Restricts Media Access

Challenges Facing Journalism in Somalia This section highlights the recent developments affecting journalists in Somalia, focusing on government actions that threaten media freedom and independence. Parliament's ban on journalists covering chaotic sessions. NISA's intimidation tactics towards local media outlets. Underlying issues of low pay and threats faced by journalists. Parliament's Restrictive Measures On Wednesday, journalists tasked with covering a tumultuous session of the Federal Parliament found…

Somalia’s Jubaland Frees Federal Senator After 16 Months in Detention

Somalia: Jubaland releases federal senator after 16 months, seeks to calm tensions Jubaland frees Senator Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after prolonged house arrest in Kismayo President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe frames move as reconciliation, meets with Gaboose and Sheikh Dahir Ahmed Abdullahi Detention stemmed from challenge to Madobe’s re-election; release comes amid constitutional strains and ahead of 2026 polls KISMAYO, Somalia — The Jubaland administration on Sunday released federal senator and prominent opposition figure…

Ghana Court Postpones Trial for Ex-Finance Minister and Associates

High Court Adjourns Prosecution of Ex-Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta The High Court in Ghana has formally adjourned the prosecution of former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta and nine co-accused individuals. The decision was made to facilitate the "service of summons" on several fugitives residing in the United States, highlighting the complexities of international legal proceedings. During a session held recently, the court announced that the next hearing is scheduled for February 26, 2026. The delay arises from…

Jacob Zuma Appears in Newly Released Epstein Files

Newly released U.S. Justice Department records in the growing cache of "Epstein files" include the name of former South African president Jacob Zuma and reference a dinner organized during a 2010 state visit, according to court documents made public this week. The tranche of documents contains emails mentioning a dinner at the Ritz Hotel in London on March 5, 2010, while Zuma was on an official visit to the U.K. The emails, the Justice Department release shows, identify a man who described himself as a friend of Jeffrey…