hope

In a remarkable testament to the power of humanitarian aid, Qatar Charity (QC) has made significant strides in combating drought in Somalia, particularly in the village of Yoron. As shared in a recent statement coinciding with the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, these efforts have revived hope and transformed lives. This year’s theme, “Restoring Land... Unlock Opportunities,” encapsulates a profound truth: restoring the very foundation of our natural world not only revitalizes ecosystems…

The Zimbabwe Gold: A New Chapter in Currency History The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) boasts that its latest currency, the Zimbabwe Gold—a gold-backed currency colloquially known as the “ZiG”—is underpinned by more than 100% in reserves. These reserves include 2.5 tons of gold and approximately $100 million in foreign assets. At first glance, such figures might inspire confidence in a nation long plagued by economic upheaval and inflation. But how genuine is this assurance? Enter the ZiG, Zimbabwe’s sixth…

The ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has given rise to a staggering humanitarian crisis, underscored by an alarming surge in sexual violence against women and children. Recent statistics reveal that over 67,000 cases of rape and sexual assault were documented in just the first quarter of 2025. How did we arrive at such a harrowing juncture? In this heart-wrenching context, nearly 500 incidents of sexual abuse are reported weekly, involving more than 150 children. The sheer numbers are not…

La Liga Update: A Weekend of Drama and Triumph This weekend, La Liga served up a delightful mix of triumph and tension, featuring standout performances from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Güler. The dynamic duo propelled Real Madrid to a thrilling 3-2 victory against Celta Vigo, showcasing how the beautiful game can hold our hearts in suspense until the very last whistle. Can you recall a moment in sports that left you on the edge of your seat? It’s precisely the kind of elation that sports fans live for. Real Madrid’s journey…

In a poignant address that resonates deeply with the realities facing many Nigerians, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), recently sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening economic landscape. His words serve not just as a critique but as a wake-up call: the average Nigerian is now grappling with an economic state that is, alarmingly, worse than it was at independence in 1960. Dr. Adesina's remarks were made during a keynote address at the 20th anniversary dinner of the…

An Irish-Syrian citizen who fled Aleppo in 2014 recently returned to her home city, only to find it "completely destroyed." Dentist Loujin Shakerdi has made Maynooth, Co. Kildare, her home since her arrival in Ireland nearly a decade ago. However, the lingering effects of the 13-year civil war she escaped have left an indelible mark on her heart, igniting a strong desire to return and lend a helping hand. During a recent five-day humanitarian medical mission, the 25-year-old found herself stationed in Maarat al-Numan, a…

The truth commission in The Gambia, a relatively young institution born in 2018, stands as a beacon of hope amid the shadows of a troubled past. This vital body has accused numerous officials from the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh of heinous acts, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a slew of other human rights atrocities. Each of these allegations unfurls stories of grief, loss, and injustice that echo throughout the national psyche. Take, for instance, the recent issuance of an arrest…

The narrative of aid to Africa is undergoing a monumental shift. We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the often-discussed topic of aid dependence comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of aid cuts, particularly those announced by countries historically viewed as partners. Former Ghanaian President John Mahama sees this moment as Africa’s chance to pivot from reliance to resilience. A compelling notion, indeed, yet it provokes a fundamental question: Will Africa's leaders seize this moment of reckoning to shoulder more…

When tragedy hits home, it echoes painfully through the lives of those left behind. Leyla Mahmud Ahmed was no exception to this heartache, as she grappled with indescribable anguish over the execution of her brother, Mohamed Nur Hussein, in Saudi Arabia. The ruling, she emphatically claims, was unjust and devastatingly felt by her family. (Credit: Supplied via BBC) Mogadishu (AX) — The grim news was delivered with chilling finality: Mohamed Nur Hussein, a Somali man detained for seven long years in Saudi Arabia, had been…

As the ceasefire extends into its seventh day, the residents of Gaza are grappling with the grim aftermath of a staggering 15 months drenched in tragedy and chaos. This week, the health ministry—operating under Hamas—reported a staggering death toll of 47,283, a figure that is grimly expected to climb higher as the debris is sifted and more bodies are discovered beneath the ruins. The erasure of Gaza's infrastructure is nothing short of catastrophic: approximately two-thirds of buildings that once stood have either…