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President Peter Mutharika has announced the cancellation of almost all school-related fees in Malawi, saying the move fulfills a key campaign promise and ordering that "no public school should be requesting learners to make contributions towards the School Development Fund and any other fees, except boarding fees." The directive, disclosed in a presidential statement, is intended to reduce the financial barrier to primary and secondary education and to boost enrollment and completion rates. Malawi currently posts a primary…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday issued a formal warning to district administrations across the Banadir region, ordering them to ensure an open campaign environment and unhindered distribution of voter cards as the election period intensifies in Mogadishu and its surrounding districts. In a directive circulated to local officials, the Commission said political organizations and candidates are legally entitled to campaign without interference, and citizens must be able to…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has extended the free period for obtaining the National Identity Card until Jan. 31, 2026, the agency’s deputy director general announced Thursday. Deputy Director General Abdirahman Said Ahmed said the decision is intended to widen public access to the ID program and ease pressure on registration sites as demand grows. “The National Identity Card issuance service has been extended for two months for the benefit of the Somali…

AFGOYE, Somalia — The Somali National Army rescued more than 30 civilians from Al-Shabaab detention sites during a targeted operation in Lower Shabelle, the Ministry of Defence said, marking one of the most significant hostage recoveries in recent months. The raid unfolded in Buula Madiina, a rural area in Afgoye district, where hostages were being held in makeshift camps, ministry officials said. Among those freed were at least two women. Somali forces killed three Al-Shabaab operatives guarding the compound and…

Somalia’s ID Deadline Tests the Promise of Digital Inclusion In a quiet Saturday statement that ignited a very noisy week on the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) said it will stop issuing national ID cards for free after October 31, 2025. The line that got people moving was simple: “The National ID Card Registration Fee Exemption Period ends on October 31. Please take advantage of the opportunity and apply at your nearest NIRA Center!” Within hours, long queues…

"I want to get the hell out of this country." This sentiment takes us directly into the heart of Abdiwali's predicament. After enduring a deeply traumatic event in 2014, Abdiwali contends his motivation for committing a significant crime was a desperate bid to be deported back to Somalia. A decision influenced by advice from his uncle suggested that such drastic measures might expedite his removal. "I'm not proud of it. I hurt someone," he reflects with regret. What remained unreported until now, thanks to a…

Nevada essentially operates as a city-state, with Las Vegas as its pulsating heart. Out of approximately 3.1 million residents scattered across this arid land, a staggering 2.9 million call the Las Vegas metro area home. The cornerstone of the local economy revolves around hospitality, encompassing food, beverages, gaming, transportation, and the lively spectacles that have put this city on the map. Moreover, the thrilling world of sports is increasingly becoming an integral part of the scene—just a stone's throw away from…

Somali Troops Reclaim Key Location Amid Slow Progress in Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali National Army (SNA) has reclaimed Ali Yabal, a crucial town situated approximately 18 kilometers from Eeldheer in the Galgaduud region, from Al-Shabaab militants. This development marks a notable advancement for government forces after over a year of sluggish movement in their campaign against these insurgents. The specifics of this maneuver remain somewhat elusive. The SNA has indicated that this was part of a…

The Togolese state will cover tuition fees for all students in public colleges and high schools for the academic year 2021-22. A measure announced this weekend by the government that surprised parents of students ahead of the evening of the school year, which was planned for September. A decision is welcomed in different ways. .

In Burkina Faso, Pascal Zaida was released by the prosecutor on Tuesday, August 17, after three days in police custody. The prosecutor also decided not to follow up on the allegations against civil society figures. Pascal Zaida had been was arrested on Friday, August 13, the day after a press conference during which he…