crisis

In a recent article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michelle Gavin opines that the push to amend the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will deepen the already palpable skepticism among citizens towards their government. Since assuming the presidency in 2018 through questionable means, Felix Tshisekedi has faced significant challenges in addressing the urgent needs of the Congolese people. "A leopard doesn’t change its spots," as the saying goes, and many citizens are beginning to believe little…

MSF counselors gather women at a nutrition center inside Bay Regional Hospital, Baidoa. © Alberto Macin/MSF Meet Alberto Macin, the spirited maestro of mental health initiatives with MSF for the better part of a decade. His globe-trotting missions span Mexico, El Salvador, and South Sudan, right through to Ukraine, the perilous routes from Libya to the Mediterranean, not to forget Mozambique, Kenya, and his latest haunt, Somalia. Macin’s gig? Crafting mental health blueprints, embedding vital services into MSF’s action…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a move hailed as a remarkable humanitarian achievement, Somalia has brought back home 164 of its citizens from Libya, who arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday.The returnees were greeted by government dignitaries, among them Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Abdirizak Mohamed and Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Fartaag.Orchestrated by Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, this homecoming required a joint effort with the European Union (EU), the International Organization for Migration…

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…

The European Union's chief diplomat recently expressed concerns over the United States' decision to grant Israel a month to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing that far too many lives could be lost in that timeframe. "The US has urged Israel to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza; however, a one-month extension feels inadequate. Given the current rate of casualties, far too many will die," remarked Josep Borrell to reporters just prior to an upcoming summit of EU leaders. US officials indicated that…

For the past 10 days, Farah Salka and her team of staff and volunteers at a Lebanese anti-racism organisation have answered thousands of desperate messages from women who have nowhere to hide from the bombs. Before the start of the Israeli airstrikes, Salka’s job as head of Lebanon’s Anti-Racism Movement (Arm) involved advocating and campaigning for the rights of Lebanon’s 400,000 migrant workers. Now, she and her team have become frontline humanitarian workers, struggling to find shelter and protection for overseas…

Swan praised Turkey for its role in easing tensions over the Red Sea access agreement, a pact causing friction between Somalia and Ethiopia with North Western State of Somalia in the mix. "I appreciate Turkey's mediation efforts, particularly the dialogues hosted in Ankara during July and August," he commented. He urged Ethiopia and Somalia to approach diplomatic talks earnestly and steer clear of moves that could escalate matters. "This is vital given the possible negative fallout for the region's stability, especially…

FILE - Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abshir Omar Jama, at a press briefing in Mogadishu, detailing diplomatic concerns. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has slammed the attack on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador's home in Khartoum. Calling it a blatant breach of international law, they condemned it as a grave violation of diplomatic norms. This incident raises serious questions about safety in volatile regions. In an official communication, the ministry appealed…

Somali Telecom Firms Shine in Crisis Handling with Cutting-Edge Alert Systems NAIROBI, Kenya - In the evolving sphere of emergency responses, Somalia's telecom industry has emerged as a key player through cutting-edge warning systems. This was underscored at the National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) held in Nairobi, Kenya. From September 23 to 27, a unified initiative brought together Somalia's National Communications Authority (NCA), the International…

Mogadishu (AX) — Millions of people in Somalia face dire hunger threats as the La Niña climate pattern predicts below-average rainfall. The situation risks plunging the nation back into the calamity of near-famine that it narrowly avoided back in late 2022. Hence, the UN is urgently appealing for humanitarian relief to prevent an impending food crisis of significant magnitude. A recent report from the IPC, backed by the FAO, OCHA, UNICEF, and WFP, indicates a grim reality: 3.6 million Somalis, or about 19% of the…