international

For nearly three decades, Alexander Lukashenko has stared defiantly from the presidential palace in Belarus, and recently, he secured his seventh consecutive term in what many are calling a farcical election. The results, according to an official exit poll, claim that a whopping 87.6 percent of voters cast their ballots for the 70-year-old incumbent. This election has been widely criticized by both exiles and the European Union, branding it a travesty of democracy. With major opposition figures either languishing in jail or…

Spain has cemented its status as a global tourism heavyweight, attracting a staggering 94 million foreign visitors in 2024 alone. This remarkable surge is no minor detail; it's a powerful driver of the national economy, as the country's tourism minister recently revealed. The numbers tell a compelling story that underscores the resilience and appeal of this sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise. Tourism accounts for roughly 13% of Spain's GDP, making it the lifeblood of the economy for the world's second most-visited nation.…

In a bold move towards sustainability, Somalia has officially thrown its hat into the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) ring. This step marks a significant chapter in the nation's quest to build a greener economy and shield its environment, gearing up to tackle and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. According to Khadija Al Makhzoumi, the Minister of Environment for Somalia, the decision to unite with GGGI isn't just a small leap—it's a substantial stride in the right direction. As quoted by the Somali…

Islamic State Ramps Up Recruitment in Somalia, Targets Al-Shabaab NAIROBI, Kenya - The aggressive recruitment of foreign soldiers by the Islamic State in Somalia is highlighted in a recent United Nations report, spotlighting a growing threat across the Horn of Africa and setting off alarm bells about potential regional turmoil. Previously, IS-Somalia was cash-strapped, struggling to recruit combatants, yet now boasts an expansionist zeal surpassing Al-Shabaab, who are currently under siege by the Somali National Army and…

Somalia: Global Allies Urge Calm in Government-Jubaland Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia - The ongoing skirmish between Somalia's central government and Jubaland's authorities has caught the eye of global allies. These international partners plead for peace and urgent dialogue to curtail the growing discord. Reflecting on the contentious atmosphere at the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners expressed concern over the escalating drama between these governmental layers, noting, "This spells trouble for the mission…

With political shifts shaking the landscape worldwide, North Western State of Somalia stands at a critical juncture in 2024. The election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and the mediation of a maritime agreement with Ethiopia converge as this self-declared republic advocates for recognition as Africa's freshest state. Nestled at Somalia's northwestern tip, North Western State of Somalia declared its independence back in 1991. This went unsupported by Mogadishu and lacked international acknowledgment. Despite the complexities,…

In a recent hubbub in Mogadishu, the Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, took to the podium, wagging a finger at foreign diplomats for what he says is meddling in Somalia's sovereign affairs. The heat was turned up after comments made around North Western State of Somalia's presidential elections held in Hargeisa. Diplomats' remarks stirred the pot by suggesting North Western State of Somalia stands as its own country, a move Fiqi claims crosses the line and ignites tensions over territorial loyalty. Fiqi got fired…

North Western State of Somalia's Upcoming Election: Muse Bihi Grapples with Defections and Sovereignty Struggle HARGEISA, Somalia - Muse Bihi Abdi, the leader of North Western State of Somalia, faces considerable challenges in the upcoming election as over a million voters prepare to choose their new leader. This vote is poised to be a pivotal moment for the self-declared autonomous region, which is pushing hard for global recognition. Bihi, who once piloted jets in the Air Force, now witnesses the departure of his deputy,…

Commemoration for Journalists in Somalia Sparks a Strong Plea for Justice MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a remarkable gathering on November 2, 2024, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), backed by UNESCO and the Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. This heartfelt ceremony honored Somali journalists who laid down their lives in pursuit of the truth and rallied for accountability and action against impunity. The event saw a show of unity as…

Somalia's Leadership Looks Beyond Borders for Resolution Kenya Hosts Jubaland Leader Amid Political Crosswinds NAIROBI, Oct 27 (Axadle) – On a brisk Friday morning, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam—more affectionately dubbed Ahmed Madobe—touched down in Nairobi. He was whisked away courtesy of a plane dispatched by good neighbor Kenya, Axadle confirmed through trusted grapevine. Madobe's agenda was an exclusive,…