Concerns

MOGADISHU, Somalia— As Somalia embarks on an ambitious journey to bring its identification framework into the digital age, the rollout of the new National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system is lighting up the proverbial switchboard with public apprehension. The buzz isn’t just white noise; concerns about the safekeeping and longevity of personal data are resonating across the nation like a chorus of warning bells. Imagine the skepticism swirling around the NIRA initiative as a tempestuous cloud, casting…

Witnessed here, a poignant mother-son reunion, Billy Mwangi exudes an air of reticence, a shadow cast by his recent ordeal. In the bustling heart of Kenya, whispers echo through the streets. Over 80 individuals, known for their outspoken criticisms of government policies, have simply vanished over the last half-year. The public's reaction? A tempestuous uproar. With an air of determination, a judge has issued a stern ultimatum to top security brass: face imprisonment for contempt of court unless they present…

Sure, let's breathe some life into this story. --- Mogadishu (AX) – In a fiery broadside against the Somali federal government's current policies, the former President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, didn't mince words. Emerging from political hibernation, Ahmed, who holds the reins of the Himilo Qaran Party, orchestrated a press conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday that left no stone unturned in its critique. He cut straight to the chase, lambasting the government for its handling of politics, security, constitutional tweaks,…

Pope Francis, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday, has opened up about his health and his future in a new autobiography, and his words are a breath of fresh air. “I am well,” he asserts confidently in a book now available in over 100 countries. Yet, he adds with a hint of humility, “The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.” Despite the challenges he faces daily—often relying on a wheelchair to navigate the Vatican halls due to persistent knee and back pain—the pope insists that age doesn't diminish the vigor of…

Somalia's Rising Tensions Near Kenya KISMAYO, Somalia - In the hustle and bustle of Somali politics, things aren't all sunshine and rainbows, as federal lawmakers from the Jubaland state are ringing alarm bells. They claim that the federal government of Somalia is building up troops along the Kenyan frontier. This, dear reader, could be like lighting a powder keg, all happening a few months after the Somali National Army got a bit of a drubbing in Raskamboni. So, what's cooking? According to these intrepid legislators, the…

The Kenyan Health Ministry has stepped forward to calm public nervousness about the buzz surrounding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) flu outbreak over in China. Despite the chatter, they’re saying, “Stay cool, folks!” while giving the nod to those with gnarly respiratory symptoms—if it hits hard, go see a doc. To clear the air, they mentioned that HMPV is certainly not some brand-new bug. It’s a bug that’s been giving people snotty noses and buggy tubes for quite some time now, even in Kenya. “No spike in the number of…

In a striking turn of events, Elon Musk has thrown his support behind Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the nation gears up for its general election. This promotion took place during a lively chat he hosted with one of the party's leaders on his social media platform, X, where the atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter. Just a year ago, Musk leveraged his considerable influence on X to aid Republican Donald Trump in his efforts for the U.S. presidency, which culminated on November 5. His political…

Mary Robinson, the esteemed Chair of the Elders, recently voiced her frustrations regarding the ongoing COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. During her address, she pointed her finger at several nations, notably the Vatican, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, accusing them of hindering progress on a vital gender-focused climate action strategy. Robinson didn’t hold back her disappointment about Azerbaijan's selection as the host for this significant global conference. She claimed that an overwhelming presence of fossil fuel…

Tomorrow, the United States Embassy in Kyiv is set to resume operations after a temporary closure prompted by air attack threats, according to a statement from the State Department. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the department, refrained from specifying the nature of the threat that led to the embassy's shutdown as a precautionary measure. “Our top priority is the safety and security of our personnel, and we treat it with the utmost seriousness,” Mr. Miller stated. This closure came on the heels of Russia's threats…

Mogadishu (AX) — Donald Trump's return to the presidency has sent shivers through immigrant groups across America, especially among Somali communities now wrestling with fresh anxieties over deportation. His campaign emphasized a stringent approach toward undocumented migrants, pledging historic levels of deportation. This has stirred alarm particularly among Somali families who view North America as a sanctuary and now fear their settled lives might face upheaval. Many are considering the possibility of relocating to…