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Obama backs Minneapolis protesters, slams ‘unprecedented’ ICE tactics in Minnesota Barack Obama publicly endorsed demonstrators in Minneapolis and St. Paul and condemned what he called the “unprecedented” deployment of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, saying the sustained protests helped force a rethink of the crackdown. Speaking in an interview published Saturday with progressive YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, the former president argued that public pressure remains the most effective check on government overreach and…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s opposition-aligned Somali Future Council convened in the capital on Saturday for internal consultations ahead of anticipated talks with federal leaders on elections and constitutional reform, as a high-stakes political standoff shows little sign of easing. The meeting brought together powerful federal member state leaders, including Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madoobe. Participants focused on the dispute over the format, timing and procedures…

North Western State of Somalia clans agree to cease-fire after deadly clashes in Awdal and Salal, minister says HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia (AX) — Two clans that recently fought deadly battles in western North Western State of Somalia have agreed to end hostilities after a government-backed reconciliation push, officials said Saturday, as authorities announced arrests and fresh deployments to stabilize the border region. The fighting, which flared in parts of the Awdal and Salal regions, left several people dead…

Atletico Madrid routs Barcelona 4-0 to seize Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg control Atletico Madrid overwhelmed Copa del Rey holder and La Liga leader Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their semifinal on Thursday, shredding a high defensive line with a furious first-half surge to take a commanding advantage into the March 3 return at the Camp Nou. An early own goal set the tone before Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez struck to cap a blistering opening 45 minutes. Diego Simeone’s side then managed the…

AU peace and security council rejects North Western State of Somalia recognition, reaffirms Somalia’s territorial integrity, condemns external meddling in Sudan The African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Thursday reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejected any recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, and condemned external interference fueling Sudan’s war, following a ministerial-level meeting in Addis Ababa. In a strongly worded communique, the council said it…

Kenya to reopen Somalia border in April after 15-year closure, Ruto says MANDERA, Kenya — Kenya will reopen its border with Somalia in April, President William Ruto said Thursday, pledging tight security as his government moves to revive formal cross-border trade after years of closures tied to al-Shabab attacks. Speaking at the NYOTA Capital Disbursement event in Mandera, Ruto said he will personally officiate the reopening of the Mandera Border Post, which has been shut since 2011. “We cannot trade with closed borders. For…

All 55 survive as plane overruns Mogadishu runway, comes to rest in knee-deep surf MOGADISHU, Somalia — All 55 people aboard a Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 escaped unharmed after the aircraft overran the runway at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport and came to a stop in shallow water along the capital’s seashore, Somali officials and passengers said. The plane reported a technical problem shortly after taking off on Tuesday and turned back toward the airport, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority said. During the…

CAIRO — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egypt’s defense minister, Gen. Abdel Mageed Saqr, on Wednesday attended a military formation ceremony for Egyptian troops preparing to deploy to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The event, held in Egypt, was also attended by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa and senior commanders, according to a statement from the Egyptian military spokesman. During the visit, officials received a detailed briefing on the preparation…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish Navy warships docked at Mogadishu’s seaport Tuesday, marking a new phase in Somalia–Turkey security cooperation as the allies expand joint maritime operations alongside deepening energy ties in Somali waters. The vessels were formally welcomed Wednesday by a high-level Somali delegation led by State Minister for Defense Omar Abdi Ali. Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, who also oversees the navy and coast guard, attended alongside senior naval officers and…

The last of the afternoon heat clings to the metal walls as Asho Mohamud Jama stoops to set down a yellow jerrycan outside a ramshackle shelter on the edge of Lasanod. She has walked about 7 kilometers to and from a privately owned borehole to collect the only water her family of 14 will drink today. Inside, her 10-month-old dozes fitfully. Tin sheets rattle in the wind. There is no door to keep out the cold at night, and nowhere to escape the sun by day. Across Somalia’s Sool region, prolonged drought has pushed hundreds of…