aid

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

HELSINKI, Finland (AX) — In a recent move, Finland has decided to hit pause on its development cooperation with Somalia. The primary reason? A lack of progress in settling agreements about sending back Somali folks who don’t have legal residency in Finland. Minister Ville Tavio, who handles Foreign Trade and Development, made the announcement on a Wednesday. “The suspension means no fresh funds will be approved,” Tavio stated plainly during a media briefing. He emphasized that this hold will last until Somalia makes…

In response to the surge in looting that has plagued humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza, fighters from Hamas and various other factions have united to form a new armed force. This move, fueled by escalating public outrage over the theft of crucial supplies, aims to restore some order amid the chaos. Reports from residents and insiders indicate that this newly established group has been actively engaging in operations against looters, even resulting in armed confrontations, with some thieves reported as casualties. Amid the…

Nearly 100 trucks filled with essential food supplies for Palestinians were subjected to brutal looting shortly after they entered Gaza, marking a significant loss during 13 months of ongoing conflict. This incident highlights the growing dire circumstances as hunger escalates, as reported by two UN agencies. The convoy, consisting of aid provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), was ordered by Israeli officials to take an uncharted route from the Kerem Shalom border…

Humanitarian access in Gaza has sunk to alarming lows. According to a United Nations official, getting essential supplies to residents in parts of the north—the area under siege—is nearly impossible. This stark reality stands in contrast to recent claims from the United States, which suggested that Israel is not hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza. This assertion seems to sidestep the complexities of U.S. military support for Israel amidst the ongoing crisis. Israel maintains that it is actively working to address the…

Baku, Azerbaijan (AX) — In a landmark move, Somalia's Ambassador Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, who serves as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, entered into an agreement with the Global Center for Climate Mobility on Thursday. This collaboration is aimed at supporting communities in Somalia that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Taking place in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, the alliance seeks to bolster Somalia's efforts in climate adaptation. The primary focus is on advancing…

The United States recently clarified that it does not believe Israel is breaching American laws regarding aid to Gaza, though it has called for faster progress in the humanitarian crisis. This statement comes hot on the heels of a warning from the Biden administration last month, suggesting it might reconsider military support if conditions didn’t improve. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed their concerns to Israel in a letter, indicating they were “deeply troubled” by the dire…

IDP families in need of assistance/File photo/Ergo (ERGO) – Nasteho Mohamud Hashi, a determined single mother, has been facing a formidable challenge. The assistance she once received from the World Food Programme came to a halt in June, leaving her in a tight spot as she tries to feed her nine children. The $85 monthly support from WFP was a lifeline for Nasteho's family at the Hilac IDP camp in Dusamareb, located in Somalia's Galmudug state. Their circumstances changed drastically when conflict forced them to flee their…

The “Goodness Vessel” brimming with 3,000 tons of vital humanitarian supplies dispatched by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) has finally reached Somalia’s bustling capital, Mogadishu. (AA Photo) A Turkish ship jam-packed with necessities docked in Mogadishu on a balmy Saturday, delivering life-saving relief to Somalia. Dubbed “The Vessel of Kindness,” it set sail from Mersin, Türkiye, on a cool morning of Sept. 29, finally tying up at Mogadishu’s port where a formal reception awaited. High-level…

In a poignant farewell visit to Germany, US President Joe Biden has called on NATO allies to maintain their robust support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, all while the clock ticks down to the upcoming US elections. As Ukraine braces for yet another winter marred by war—a grueling reality coupled with mounting losses in the east—there's palpable unease among Kyiv and its partners. There’s a growing concern that a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could lead to a significant dip in American…