deal

In a significant move signaling potential thawing relations, Russia has released a U.S. citizen from prison following a historic visit by a member of President Donald Trump's administration. The White House has interpreted this development as a positive gesture towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Marc Fogel, who had been incarcerated since 2021 on drug-related charges, was set free as part of what the administration has described as a "swap." Details concerning the specifics of this arrangement remain scarce.…

The price tag for Somali pilgrims heading to the Hajj in 2025 has shot up to a whopping $4,604. This price surge reflects the inflating costs of travel and accommodation in Saudi Arabia, as per the Somali Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. This fee is meant to cover everything from transportation and lodging to the logistics of organizing such a pilgrimage both in Somalia and once they reach the holy land of Saudi Arabia. While officials are making a hullabaloo about their initiatives to offer top-notch services,…

In a significant move, Resolute Mining, an Australian-based company, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $160 million to the Malian government in a bid to settle an ongoing tax dispute. This decision comes on the heels of a troubling incident where Mali's authorities detained the company’s CEO, Terence Holohan, along with two other staff members during their trip to Bamako for what was supposed to be routine negotiations with the current regime. As tensions rise, the spotlight on foreign mining operations in Mali grows ever…

In a key move for Somalia's financial future, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh inked a pivotal debt relief deal with Denmark's representative, Ambassador Steen Sonne Aderson, in the bustling city of Mogadishu on a vibrant Monday. This latest agreement reflects the positive outcomes from the notable discussions held by the Paris Club back in March 2024, another feather in the cap of Somalia’s ongoing economic reform crusade. The ministry enthusiastically declared, "The national reform efforts and debt forgiveness successes…

Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, gathered with Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, in Berlin from November 5-6, 2024. The photo credits: Hannes P. Albert / picture alliance. Recently, Germany and Somalia unveiled a new agreement, sparking varied reactions and opinions. Historically, similar attempts to repatriate migrants have often faced challenges and shown limited success, as noted by several experts. On November 6, after their meeting in Berlin, Scholz and Mohamud declared their intention to return more…

In a significant move, Somalia has announced the cancellation of over $1.1 billion in loans, roughly a quarter of their outstanding debt. Wow, isn't that a breath of fresh air? This declaration follows a string of similar commitments by lenders, freeing Somalia from financial shackles. The burden originated chiefly during Siad Barre's authoritarian rule, the aftermath of which led to civil chaos lasting three decades. The saga of heavy debt continued to loom large until now. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move towards bolstering Somalia's defense potential, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur shook hands on a financial defense pact with Turkey's Defense Minister, Yaşar Güler.The ceremonious event held in Turkey on Monday saw representatives from both Mogadishu and Ankara converge, underscoring the agreement's potential to both enhance Somalia’s defense infrastructure and elevate the two nations’ partnership.According to reports from Somali state-owned outlets, this fresh accord…

Mogadishu— Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed immediate negotiations with Ethiopia over their maritime squabble, blaming Ethiopia's steadfastness over its controversial deal with North Western State of Somalia. The heart of the conflict lies in an agreement struck in January 2024, where North Western State of Somalia granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease over 20 kilometers of coastline. This pact would provide landlocked Ethiopia with coveted sea access for commercial and naval use. In return, Ethiopia was…

On Friday in Berlin, German and Kenyan officials inked a pact designed to attract skilled workers to Germany and streamline the repatriation process for Kenyans who aren’t eligible to stay in the country.This deal came to fruition during Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Germany, where he had discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.Reflecting on the significance of the agreement, Scholz commented, "This is a pivotal step that symbolizes Germany and Kenya's partnership in migration matters." "It aids us in…

In Senegal, the Kimpavita Ecofeminist Festival hosted, on Saturday, March 12, a film screening, a music scene, performances, the recording of a feminist podcast and various roundtable discussions, one of which was about gynecological violence and obstetrics, a…