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Major cinema chains in South Africa have pulled a documentary about Melania Trump just before its scheduled release, citing concerns over "the current climate," the exhibitors said Friday. The film, which follows Melania Trump in the weeks leading up to her husband Donald Trump's second inauguration, was withdrawn from listings by multiple theatres only days before it was to premiere, according to distribution notices and exhibitor statements. Organisers did not provide further detail on specific security or diplomatic…

MOGADISHU — Somalia has canceled its defense and security agreements with the United Arab Emirates, a move the government said Friday was necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and public safety while keeping broader diplomatic ties intact. Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Daud Aweys Jama said the termination applies strictly to military and security cooperation frameworks between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. He argued the arrangements had become more harmful than helpful to Somalia’s…

North Western State of Somalia’s president says Israel has recognized the breakaway republic, a move he casts as both a moral reckoning and a strategic recalibration in one of the world’s most contested maritime corridors. In a statement published Thursday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro) wrote that Israel extended recognition on Dec. 26, framing it as a response to shared history and aligned security interests along the Gulf of Aden. The claim, originating from the president’s account of events, puts fresh…

MOGADISHU — China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, postponed a planned visit to Somalia’s capital on Friday after authorities imposed sweeping security restrictions across Mogadishu ahead of his expected arrival, Somali officials said. Wang Yi’s visit to Mogadishu was postponed Friday; no reason was given and no new date announced. Parts of the city were sealed off, with checkpoints and major road closures including routes to Aden Adde International Airport. The trip was slated to be the first visit by a Chinese foreign…

Malaysia’s Anwar condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns against forced transfer of Palestinians MOGADISHU — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize the self-declared Somali region of North Western State of Somalia, linking the move to what he described as plans for the forced transfer of Palestinians, according to Anadolu Agency. Speaking at a news conference, Anwar said the maneuver violates international law and humanitarian principles.…

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has rejected the government’s plan to hold one-person, one-vote elections in Mogadishu this month, warning the process lacks legal consensus, adequate security and public confidence. The vote would be the capital’s first direct election in more than 50 years. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service, Sharif — a leading member of the Council for Somalia’s Future, a coalition that includes the Somali Salvation Forum as well as the Puntland State and Jubaland…

Somalia launches nationwide census of Quranic schools amid concern over conditions MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has begun a nationwide census of Quranic schools, responding to rising complaints that many centers operate in places and conditions considered unsuitable for children’s learning. Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali said the assessment is designed to establish a clear picture of Quranic schools across the country so the government can plan,…

Lithuania declares state of emergency over Belarus-linked ‘smuggler balloons’ disrupting airspace VILNIUS, Lithuania — Lithuania’s government on Monday declared a state of emergency in response to waves of weather balloons drifting in from Belarus and disrupting air traffic near the capital, a move it says is necessary to counter what it calls a hybrid operation by Minsk. The measure, which would grant additional powers to the armed forces to work alongside police and border guards to intercept the devices, has been sent to…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government moved to clarify its position on the Western Sahara dispute, saying statements circulating in media do not reflect its official stance and emphasizing that policy is communicated only through formal government channels. In a press statement issued Saturday, authorities urged media outlets and the public to rely on verified government communications on international affairs. The clarification comes amid heightened regional scrutiny of diplomatic alignments across Africa and renewed…

In a significant turn of events, Qatar has hit the pause button on its mediating efforts to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The announcement, made on Saturday, comes as talks between the two sides run into a brick wall, with both reluctant to compromise."A heads-up was given 10 days prior, warning both parties that Qatar would pump the brakes if an agreement wasn't in sight," remarked Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in his Saturday statement.The detailed disclosure marked the end of…