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Recent discussions between Israel and Hamas in Doha aimed at establishing a ceasefire for Gaza did not yield substantial progress, according to a Palestinian official. "Although we did not achieve a breakthrough during this morning's negotiations, talks will persist, and Hamas remains hopeful for an agreement," the official shared, emphasizing the urgency of ending over 21 months of conflict in Gaza. Another source close to the negotiations indicated that discussions are set to resume later in the evening. This round of…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Ministry of Interior and Reconciliation Affairs unveiled a significant step towards stabilizing its northern regions by appointing an eight-member technical committee. This committee has been tasked with the intricate responsibility of finalizing the formation of the interim SSC-Khaatumo regional administration. This decision comes after the federal government's official recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state just months ago. The backdrop to this development is a…

In the vibrant heart of Douala, Cameroon, the air buzzed with anticipation as the local police concluded a two-day surveillance of an apartment block where the prominent opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, had been residing. Having just returned from a politically charged rally in France, Kamto’s presence in the city ignited tensions with the ruling party. Was it a simple visit, or was he a looming threat to their political foundation? The stakes felt alarmingly high. As you weave through the bustling streets of Douala, a…

The search for survivors from last month’s catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar is gradually reaching its conclusion. As we transition from rescue operations to a focus on relief and recovery, the staggering death toll has now surpassed 3,500 and continues to rise. In the capital city of Naypyitaw, residents are working diligently to clear away debris, salvaging materials from their damaged homes. Meanwhile, soldiers have been busy removing wreckage from some of the area’s Buddhist monasteries. According to the Myanmar Fire…

Somali Forces End 15-Hour Al-Shabaab Siege on Beleaguered Hotel in Beledweyne Location - Beledweyne, Somalia. It was an arduous battle that lasted a grueling 15 hours, yet on Wednesday, Somali security forces, with the indispensable support of allied Djiboutian troops, triumphed over the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. The confrontation was nothing short of a harrowing ordeal, marked by bold acts of heroism as the siege unfolded with unflinching intensity at the Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne—a city vital to Somalia's…

Brigadier Michael Kabango Addresses Troops The endeavor of serving on foreign soil is filled with unmatched challenges and vivid experiences. The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) recently witnessed the return of two resilient units, Battle Group (BG) 40 and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) X, after a year-long deployment in Somalia. With their duties overseas concluded, they now face the task of reintegration into regular duty back home. This crucial transition was marked by a post-mission ideological training…

In a world rife with tension and conflict, the grasp for peace often seems elusive. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump revealed to The New York Post that he had engaged in a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The subject? An earnest discussion about potential avenues to cease the ongoing turmoil between Moscow and Kyiv.Conversations such as these ignite curiosity. How often do these two powerhouses communicate behind closed doors, weaving through complex global…

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a powerful global campaign held every year from November 25 to December 10. During this time, people and organizations worldwide unite to advocate for the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls. So, what exactly do we mean by “gender-based violence”? It encompasses harmful actions directed at someone because of their gender identity. Although men and boys can certainly be victims, the stark reality is that women and girls bear the brunt of this…

On a noteworthy Wednesday, the UN Security Council decided to kick off a two-year plan for phasing out its political mission in Somalia, a task that's been rolling for a decade-plus in East Africa. Back in 2013, the Security Council launched UNSOM to aid Somali leaders in steering toward democracy after over 20 years locked in battles with militias and chaotic elements. Adroitly weaving through Somalia's endemic chaos, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aims to lead the nation toward a brighter, stable tomorrow. This May,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Efforts to stabilize Somalia’s delicate democracy hit a snag as the National Consultative Council (NCC) discussions ended in dispute on Wednesday, sparking further discord. Sources indicate that the NCC plans to regroup on October 27, but the attendance of Northeastern State's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, and Jubaland's Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe remains uncertain following their vocal dissent during the recent conference. During the gathering, leaders struggled to reach an agreement on managing the…