Fostering

During the funeral of Pope Francis, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged world leaders and mourners alike to "build bridges, not walls," a powerful echo of the late pontiff's calls for compassion toward migrants, peace, and urgent climate action. Leading the Requiem Mass in St. Peter's Square, the 91-year-old cardinal delivered a poignant message that was as political as it was pastoral. He stated, "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," a remark that…

Somalia: The Nation of Poets On the easternmost edge of Africa lies Somalia, a country often dubbed the "Nation of Poets" or the "Nation of Bards." This evocative label resonates deeply with Somalis, who possess an intrinsic flair for poetry and a profound respect for storytelling. For as long as anyone can remember, poetry has been the lifeblood of Somali culture. Its roots trace back to the 18th century with revered meditations like those of Sheekh Cali Cabduraxmaan. But what of today? Is this timeless tradition…

U.S. Ambassador Engages with FESTU Leadership to Catalyze Workers' Contributions to Somalia's Investment Ecosystem MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a world where investment often hinges on human capital, a recent dialogue between U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, and the leadership of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) underscores a vital theme: the indispensable role of Somali workers in steering the nation towards…

The "Joint Border Administrators and Commissioners Meeting," marking the 28th round of collaboration between Ethiopia and Djibouti, unfolded in the town of Debre Zeit (also known as Bishoftu), just 44 kilometers southeast of bustling Addis Ababa. This significant gathering was highlighted in a recent announcement by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, putting a spotlight on a partnership crucial to both nations.In the leading roles of this diplomatic assembly were Selamawit Dawit, Director General of Ethiopia’s…

It was the surreal hour of 3 a.m. in November 2020 when Zakariya Sayid reached out to his dad with life-altering news. Over a crackling phone line, he revealed their intention to let go of The Horn, a beloved establishment they had set up in tribute to his father in 2014. His father, Hassan Rasul, was far away in Somalia, tending to his own mother at that very moment. Despite the distance, the news hit him hard. The café, located at 619 Murfreesboro Pk., was already wrestling with challenges, made worse by the pandemic.…