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Uniting Against a Growing Crisis: President Boakai's Call to Action on Drug Abuse In a compelling address that resonates with the challenges faced by many nations today, President Joseph Boakai is urgently navigating the dangerous waters of drug abuse in Liberia—a crisis that has become a nationwide concern. As he unveiled new logistical support for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), including 15 new vehicles that symbolize a tactical response to the escalating drug trade, he emphasized that this issue is not solely a…

Oil, identity and consent: Why Ethiopia’s Somali region is pushing back There are two ways oil can arrive in a place like Ethiopia’s Somali region: with community buy-in and a clear ledger of who benefits, or with suspicion trailing the first truck. This week, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told lawmakers his government is ready to begin using oil from new wells in the Somali Regional State for domestic markets, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) chose the latter framing—warning that a vital moment for Ethiopia’s…

Prominent Somali American advocate detained by ICE in Minneapolis, unsettling a community he helped build MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Omar Jamal, one of Minnesota’s most visible Somali American civic voices, in downtown Minneapolis on Friday, federal officials and his attorney confirmed. He was later transferred to the Freeborn County jail in Albert Lea, a facility that holds federal immigration detainees. What we know Jamal, 52, was taken into custody by ICE on Friday…

Recent reports have emerged of new cholera cases at the Gache Gache fishing camp and Nyamhunga village, not long after the previous outbreak was officially declared over. Alarmingly, this situation raises concerns about the potential for the highly mobile fishmongering community to facilitate the disease's spread throughout Kariba and its neighboring regions. Tragically, one individual has succumbed to the illness, while 14 others are suspected to be infected. In response, the health ministry has actively engaged…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

Reporters from Bush Radio, a community radio station based in South Africa, are currently sharing their insights live from New York as part of an ambitious 14-month initiative. This project, aptly named "Strengthening Democratic Values through Cross-Cultural Journalistic Collaboration," seeks to enhance journalistic ties between South Africa and the United States. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to nurturing up-and-coming journalists from both countries. Together, they aim to tackle the pervasive issues of…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — As the investigation into the harrowing murders of three Somali women in Eastleigh intensifies, police have unearthed a car suspected to have been used in their kidnapping. This discovery marks a significant stride as mourners prepare to lay the victims to rest. The community grows restless, demanding justice as protests ignite throughout the neighborhood. Discoveries surfaced on Thursday when sleuths tracked down the vehicle amidst the bustling stalls of Ukulima Market in Kamukunji, Nairobi. It's…

Gatherings of devoted citizens, healthcare experts, and passionate advocates converged at the illustrious Minnesota Somali Community Center’s annual Samafal Gala. This event was a beacon, illuminating those who have exhibited remarkable dedication in tackling the opioid crisis, mental health issues, and other critical challenges confronting the community. The gala was a tribute to bravery, “Geesinimo,” with accolades commemorating their significant impacts. The evening was alive with traditional performances, cultural…

Some conspiracy enthusiasts posit that mpox was engineered by a shadowy elite aiming to reduce populations and reap profits for "big pharma." According to these theories, individuals who get vaccinated against mpox are doomed to suffer from heart attacks and a host of other grave illnesses. As highlighted by Helen McCarthy in The Conversation Africa, these conspiracies often focus on the LGBTQ+ community, casting suspicion and fear upon them. Misinformation about mpox is blooming, reminiscent of the early stages of the…

Minneapolis, Minn (AX) — A group of over 35 Somali religious figures and thinkers in Minnesota have shown firm support for the Harris-Walz campaign. Their endorsement stems from deep worry about what a second term for Donald Trump might mean for Muslims in America. Announced during an event in St. Cloud, they made a fervent call for Somali-American voters to back the Democrats to safeguard civil liberties and combat the growing tide of Islamophobia.This coalition, representing various segments of Minnesota's Somali-American…