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Ireland’s minister for AI has condemned X’s decision to put parts of its Grok AI image tool behind a paywall, calling the move “window dressing” that fails to address the spread of abusive and illegal deepfakes. X said this week it has limited Grok’s image generation and editing features to paying subscribers. Users asking Grok to alter photos now receive a prompt stating those functions are “currently limited to paying subscribers,” with links to subscribe. The platform’s AI also told one user the change was “effective…

Somalia’s unity and constitutional legitimacy are entering a perilous phase. With the mandates of the federal parliament and president set to expire in April and May 2026, respectively, the country has no agreed electoral framework—and no margin for political brinkmanship. In a forceful public statement, opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame warns that the stakes now transcend routine power struggles: the survival of the Somali state as a cohesive, credible entity is on the line. Warsame argues that a cocktail of…

Somali president rejects Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urges dialogue to protect unity MOGADISHU — Somalia’s president on Thursday night forcefully rejected Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move a threat to Somalia’s unity and regional stability while renewing a call for direct talks with North Western State of Somalia’s leaders to resolve decades-old grievances. In a nationally broadcast address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia would not accept any…

Egypt warns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia threatens regional peace, urges AU condemnation Egypt warned Tuesday that Israel’s decision to recognize the breakaway North Western State of Somalia region poses “a serious threat” to regional and international peace and security, pressing the African Union to take a unified stand against the move. Egypt called Israel’s recognition a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty and a “dangerous precedent.” Cairo rejected any attempt to link the move to…

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Tuesday condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of North Western State of Somalia and urged the decision be immediately revoked, warning it threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa. In a communiqué issued after its 1324th meeting, held Jan. 6 at ministerial level, the council rejected any action undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It called on AU member states and…

Somali president holds unannounced talks with ex-leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, signaling push for national dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met behind closed doors late Sunday with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, an unannounced encounter that signals a possible easing of political tensions as the country grapples with overlapping security, governance and constitutional challenges. The meeting brought together two of Somalia’s most influential political figures after months…

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — Swiss authorities said they have identified all 40 people killed in a New Year’s Day bar fire at this Alpine ski resort, intensifying pressure for answers as prosecutors investigate potential lapses in safety at the popular nightlife spot. Most of the victims were teenagers. Prosecutors in the canton of Valais said the blaze, which spread rapidly in the early hours of Jan. 1 in the basement of Le Constellation bar, was likely ignited by sparkling “fountain” candles that caught the ceiling alight.…

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…

Yemen cancels defense pact with UAE, orders 24-hour troop withdrawal after alleged STC arms shipment Nationwide state of emergency declared for 90 days; 72-hour air and land ban on ports and border crossings Saudi-led coalition says it carried out a “limited” strike on two ships in Mukalla port Yemeni government backs move; UAE offers no immediate comment Yemen on Tuesday scrapped a joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates and ordered all Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours, escalating a rift…

Turkey’s Erdogan denounces Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, vows support for Somalia’s unity ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday sharply rejected Israel’s decision to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia, calling the move illegal, unacceptable and a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. Speaking at a joint news conference in Istanbul alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Erdogan said the Israeli action risks undercutting security gains achieved in…