Halts

Switzerland Ceases Aid to Eritrea in Asylum Seeker Dispute A tale often retold, where political maneuvers and humanitarian concerns intertwine, emerges yet again. This time, Switzerland takes the stage, grappling with the intricacies of international aid and the fate of displaced persons. BERN, Switzerland - In a bold stroke reminiscent of a chess grandmaster's tactful gambit, Switzerland has moved to halt its development aid to Eritrea. At the heart of this unilateral decision lies a poignant standoff concerning asylum…

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration’s recent attempt to freeze federal grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. This decision came at the behest of Democratic state attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia, who argued that implementing this Republican policy could jeopardize vital government-funded services. US District Judge John McConnell, based in Providence, Rhode Island, delivered the ruling following extensive legal arguments. Despite…

In an unexpected turn of events, the acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems, recognized globally for her Grammy-winning talents, has opted to cancel her highly anticipated “Born in the Wild” tour performance in Rwanda. This decision, grounded in complex geopolitical realities, spotlights the nuanced interplay between art and international conflict. Tems was set to grace the stage at the BK Arena in Kigali on March 22, 2025, a date that many fans had circled in red ink on their calendars. The excitement surrounding her performance…

In a whirlwind of political drama, a federal judge threw a wrench into President Donald Trump’s recent endeavor to put a halt on federal funding. On Tuesday, amidst a sea of back-and-forth legal motions, U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan stepped in, temporarily stalling Trump's administration from proceeding with this sweeping financial freeze. It was a day marked by chaos and high stakes—the kind that paints a vivid picture of modern-day political intrigue. You might wonder: why not simply proceed with the president's…

"These programs were lifelines for so many," lamented a senior Somali official wishing to remain unnamed. The suspension of aid is a stumbling block we simply can't afford to encounter. Consider the meticulously crafted five-year development initiatives recently unveiled by USAID, worth a hefty $28 million. Designed to foster sustainable livelihoods and bolster local resilience, these programs were a beacon of hope for Somalia. A nation where nearly 70% of its denizens are trapped beneath the poverty line, the…

In a significant setback for Donald Trump’s administration, a federal judge has decisively thwarted the former president's attempt to limit birthright citizenship in the United States. The ruling marks a notable victory for more liberal states, standing against the backdrop of Trump’s rigorous policies that many have deemed controversial. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, puts a temporary 14-day pause on enforcing one of the more contentious executive orders the former president enacted shortly…

In a significant turn of events, Qatar has hit the pause button on its mediating efforts to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The announcement, made on Saturday, comes as talks between the two sides run into a brick wall, with both reluctant to compromise."A heads-up was given 10 days prior, warning both parties that Qatar would pump the brakes if an agreement wasn't in sight," remarked Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in his Saturday statement.The detailed disclosure marked the end of…

Kismayo, September 2023: Jubbaland State and Somalia's federal government have hit a rough patch. Why, you ask? Jubbaland's camaraderie with the central government is on hold. The reason? The tides have shifted due to claims of federal disregard for Somalia's constitution and an apparent lack of respect for Jubbaland's self-rule. "In short, we’re pulling our support until the federal folks start playing by the rules," announced Jubbaland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on Sunday. They're throwing shade at the federal squad…

Jigjiga (AX) - The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has withdrawn from Ethiopia's National Dialogue, accusing the ruling Somali regional party of breaking promises with political factions. In a Sunday statement, the ONLF alleged that the ruling party handpicked attendees for the dialogue, sidelining varied perspectives and undermining the exclusivity pact. "An exclusionary approach defies the essence of National Dialogue, designed to unite all parties to tackle conflict's core issues. Without key players from…

The Texas Supreme Court has delivered a last-minute halt to the execution of Robert Roberson, a man on the autism spectrum, whose conviction for murder stems from what his attorneys argue was a grave misdiagnosis related to "shaken baby syndrome." This 57-year-old man faced lethal injection at the state prison in Huntsville after being sentenced for the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki, in February 2002. However, in a dramatic twist, the state's highest court intervened, granting a temporary stay following…