citizens

The Complex Landscape of Loyalty and Governance in Somalia In the intricate tapestry of Somali society, loyalty often finds its roots in clans, overshadowing broader civic identities. Clan affiliation, while historically a pillar of strength and survival for the Somali people, has evolved into a lens through which political dynamics are often viewed. Imagine a judge not evaluated on the fairness of his rulings, but rather on the clan he represents. Alternatively, think of a minister whose competence is overshadowed…

In a recent address at the African CEO Forum 2025 held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked considerable discussion with his remarks regarding those who have fled South Africa. "Those people who have fled are not being persecuted. They are not being hounded. They are not being treated badly," he asserted, presenting a stark view on a deeply complex issue. What could lie beneath the surface of such claims? Perhaps it is worth examining the myriad experiences of those who feel forced to leave seeking…

Taiwan Accuses China of Pressuring Somalia Over Travel Ban TAIPEI, April 30 — In a surprising turn of international diplomacy, Taiwan has voiced strong condemnation against Somalia’s recent decision to prohibit the entry and transit of Taiwanese passport holders. Accusations are flying, with Taiwan pointing fingers at China, alleging coercion by Beijing to enforce this move, all in the name of the contentious "One-China" policy. This newfound travel restriction, which took root on Wednesday, was enacted by Somali aviation…

China has firmly dismissed Ukraine's allegations that "many" Chinese citizens are engaged in fighting alongside Russian forces, calling these claims "absolutely groundless." Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese government, emphasized the importance of protecting its citizens, stating, “The Chinese side is verifying relevant information with the Ukrainian side,” and reiterated, “The Chinese government has always urged its citizens to steer clear of armed conflict areas and to avoid involvement in any form of armed…

President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting alongside Russian troops. This development has prompted Ukraine to seek clarification from China and a response from its global allies. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the political, military, and economic partnership between Russia and China has intensified. In a statement shared on social media, Mr. Zelensky remarked, "Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the…

In a significant development, three American nationals who found themselves entangled in a coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this past May have recently returned to the United States. Initially met with the harrowing prospect of the death penalty, their situations evolved, resulting in commuted sentences that will now be served on home soil. This transition marks not just an end to their judicial ordeal abroad but also aligns with broader diplomatic negotiations. The decision to repatriate these…

Mogadishu (AX) — It was an emotional scene at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Monday. The air was filled with a mix of relief, joy, and introspection as 145 Somali citizens arrived back home. For nearly a year, each of these individuals had been detained under dire conditions in Libya. Their return marks yet another chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the Somali government and international partners striving to dismantle the perilous networks that trap migrants in North Africa. The recently…

In recent discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath asserted that any peace negotiations must prioritize the perspectives of both the Ukrainian government and its citizens. This sentiment echoes a broader understanding that sustainable resolutions can only emerge with the active involvement of those directly affected. Adding weight to the urgency of the situation, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President…

GARISSA - There’s a palpable change in the air as President William Ruto of Kenya recently announced a decisive shift in policy that's been long awaited by the Somali community residing in the country's northeastern region. For decades, the community endured a painstaking bureaucratic process just to obtain identification cards. This policy, entrenched over the past 60 years, has now been dismantled with the president's decree. Unveiling this policy shift in the town of Wajir, Ruto articulated a…

In a significant development, six American citizens were released from detention in Venezuela and returned home, thanks to the diplomatic efforts of Richard Grenell, a prominent envoy representing former President Donald Trump. This release follows Grenell’s pivotal meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who expressed a desire for a "new beginning" in relations with the United States. "We are wheels up and headed home with these six American citizens. They just spoke to Donald Trump and they couldn't stop…