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by BRIAN ORUTAMonday April 13, 2026 Somalia celebrated the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army (SNA) on Monday with a prominent ceremony in Mogadishu that projected a message of confidence in the country’s security gains. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Army Commander Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, and other senior civilian and military officials at the event. A military parade featuring armored vehicles, aircraft, and traditional displays highlighted what officials described as…

Violence along the Lebanese-Israeli border has struck UN peacekeepers again, with members of the force wounded in an "incident" near Bani Hayyan, according to a spokesperson, in the latest blow to a mission increasingly exposed to the conflict. "There has been an incident involving peacekeepers near Bani Hayyan, and we have injuries," Kandice Ardiel said. The development follows the death of a UNIFIL peacekeeper yesterday after a projectile detonated at one of the mission's positions near the southern Lebanese village of…

Anger at President Donald Trump erupted into massive demonstrations across the United States and overseas, with millions turning out to denounce what they describe as authoritarian rule and a pattern of harsh, law-defying governance. The mobilization marks the third nationwide surge in less than a year under the grassroots banner "No Kings," which has become the most visible and forceful outlet for resistance to Trump since the start of his second term in January 2025. Protesters now have a fresh target for their outrage:…

Access to safe water is transformative for communities, enhancing health, boosting agricultural productivity, and providing women and girls with the precious time needed to focus on education, careers, and leadership roles. This year, World Water Day emphasizes this critical connection with the theme, "Where water flows, equality grows," drawing attention to the essential relationship between water security and gender equality. More on the AfDB AllAfrica page.

Saudi authorities said the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on March 18, 2026, meaning Ramadan will run for a full 30 days, while officials also announced four-day Eid holidays for private sector workers. Saudi authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal had not been sighted, leading to a decision that the holy month of Ramadan would complete 30 days. A moon-sighting committee convened to verify the beginning of the new lunar month, in line with Islamic traditions that…

Iran war enters seventh day as Israel expands strikes to Beirut and Tehran The regional war involving Iran, Israel and the United States entered its seventh day after Israel announced a “next phase” of operations and bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs, while blasts were heard in Tehran following what Israel said were strikes on “regime infrastructure” in the Iranian capital. Residents in Beirut’s southern districts fled after the Israeli military issued an unprecedented warning to evacuate “immediately.” In Tehran, AFP…

Israel strikes Beirut hotel as war enters fifth day Israel carried out a strike on a hotel in Beirut as the war entered its fifth day, according to initial updates from the scene. Immediate details on the location within the capital, the extent of damage and whether there were casualties were not available. The strike underscores the volatility and speed at which events are unfolding in Lebanon’s capital, where hotels can house travelers, aid workers and residents alongside commercial tenants. With the conflict now five days…

Johannesburg residents are embroiled in a worsening water crisis that is triggering community conflict and stretching relief efforts, while authorities in the Western Cape urge conservation as municipalities confront failing infrastructure, according to local reports. In Johannesburg, shortages have forced people to queue for hours at water tankers only for supplies to run out. The breakdown is reportedly driving arguments and physical fights as some residents collect far more water than others. Some neighbourhoods remain…

BAIDOA, Somalia — Heavy gunfire and mortar blasts rocked Baidoa for a second straight day on Thursday as Southwest State security forces clashed with armed militias in the city, an escalation regional authorities allege is being fueled by the federal government in Mogadishu. Residents and local officials said the fighting has centered around the residence of Hassan Eelay, Somalia’s federal minister for Livestock, Forestry and Range, in a densely populated neighborhood of the interim state capital. Southwest security…

Eurostar cancels all London–Europe trains as Channel Tunnel closes over power failure Eurostar has suspended all services between London and mainland Europe after a power failure and a failed LeShuttle train forced the closure of the Channel Tunnel on Saturday, the high-speed operator said, urging passengers not to travel to stations. “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed LeShuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed,” Eurostar said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this means we…