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KISMAYO, Somalia — Somalia’s main opposition coalition will fully participate in a high-stakes conference on national elections set for Kismayo, after members of the Somali Salvation Forum met privately in Mogadishu on Wednesday night to discuss the country’s political deadlock and the upcoming Jubaland-led talks. Reliable sources close to the meeting said the coalition agreed to travel to Kismayo on Dec. 17 for the long-planned gathering, which is drawing close scrutiny from both local and national stakeholders. Jubaland…

U.S. seizes oil tanker off Venezuela, Trump says, sending oil prices higher The United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said, a move that pushed crude prices higher and risks deepening tensions between Washington and Caracas over sanctions and energy flows. “We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, large tanker, very large, largest one ever, actually, and other things are happening,” Trump said. He offered no details on the ship’s identity or where the…

The United States seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said, jolting crude prices and raising the prospect of deeper confrontation with Nicolás Maduro’s government over the OPEC nation’s chief source of revenue. “We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, large tanker, very large, largest one ever, actually, and other things are happening,” Trump said. He did not identify the vessel or provide details on the interdiction, including the flag it was flying or the precise location.…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially declared the end of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province, marking a significant public health achievement. The announcement comes after no new cases were reported in the past 42 days, following the discharge of the last patient from the treatment center on October 19, 2025. This outbreak primarily impacted the remote Bulape Health Zone, resulting in a total of 64 cases, with 53 confirmed and 11 classified as probable. Tragically, 45 individuals lost their…

European leaders and a self-described "coalition of the willing" moved quickly to blunt a U.S. plan for ending the war in Ukraine that has roiled diplomatic circles at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, exposing a transatlantic fracture over how — and on whose terms — the conflict should end. French President Emmanuel Macron said the 30 countries backing Kyiv will hold a video meeting Tuesday to coordinate a response after talks in Geneva on the U.S. proposal, which has drawn sharp criticism from European capitals for…

A Thrilling Finale: The Triumph of Imisi Ayanwale in Big Brother Naija Season 10 As the curtains fell on the 10th season of Nigeria’s beloved reality show, Big Brother Naija, the air was electric with excitement and emotion. After ten weeks of intense drama, laughter, and unforgettable moments, 23-year-old Imisi Ayanwale emerged victorious, captivating the hearts of millions across the nation and beyond. Her journey from an ambitious contestant to the grand winner had not only entertained viewers but also resonated with the…

Trump says Israel has agreed to “initial withdrawal line”; ceasefire hinges on Hamas confirmation as strikes continue WASHINGTON — Former US President Donald Trump said on social media that Israel has accepted an “initial withdrawal line” for Gaza and that the details have been shared with Hamas, setting the stage for a tentative ceasefire and a prisoner swap — but only “when Hamas confirms.” The announcement came amid renewed Israeli bombardment that killed dozens on Saturday, underscoring how fragile any pause remains on…

U.S. Says It Conducted Second Strike on Suspected Venezuelan Drug Boat in International Waters President Donald Trump announced on social media that U.S. forces carried out a strike on a vessel linked to a Venezuelan drug cartel, saying three people were killed and that the operation took place in international waters. The president described it as a “SECOND Kinetic Strike” ordered by him against “positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of…

Echoes of a Deadly Past: The 16th Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo As the sun sets over the dense forests and bustling villages of Kasai province, the shadows grow longer, casting a pall over a region that has been gripped by fear and uncertainty. Once again, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) finds itself in the throes of an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak—the 16th in its troubled history. The country, often in the international spotlight for its ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, now faces a renewed threat…

FILE - At a government assembly in Mogadishu, Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar Ali Balcad voices significant national subjects.In a recent announcement, the Somali government cleared the air about the imminent return of a small group of Somali citizens from Germany. These individuals, having been found guilty of severe crimes, are scheduled for repatriation soon, thus sparking conversation about whether this might impact the larger Somali refugee community residing in Germany. Shedding light on the matter, Deputy…