National

Purdue Pharma, along with its controlling Sackler family, has recently hammered out a staggering $7.4 billion agreement aimed at settling a tidal wave of lawsuits. These cases allege that the painkiller OxyContin played a significant role in igniting the opioid addiction catastrophe gripping the United States, as affirmed by several state attorneys general. This settlement comes nearly seven months after the U.S. Supreme Court upended Purdue’s earlier bid for resolution via a bankruptcy settlement. At that time, Purdue…

MOGADISHU, Somalia— As Somalia embarks on an ambitious journey to bring its identification framework into the digital age, the rollout of the new National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system is lighting up the proverbial switchboard with public apprehension. The buzz isn’t just white noise; concerns about the safekeeping and longevity of personal data are resonating across the nation like a chorus of warning bells. Imagine the skepticism swirling around the NIRA initiative as a tempestuous cloud, casting…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In the heart of bustling Mogadishu, cobbled together in a meeting room buzzing with ideas and caffeine chatter, a significant decision was stitched into the fabric of Somalia’s forward-looking initiatives. The weekly conclave of the Somali Council of Ministers—a gathering often flavored with a dash of formality and purpose—saw the spotlight fall squarely on the National Disability Agency Board. This esteemed body, tasked with championing the rights and inclusivity of the nation’s diverse community of individuals with…

Bosaso (AX) – In a twist of fate both intriguing and contentious, Northeastern State's regional leaders have turned down food aid supplied by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). This aid was intended to assist communities beleaguered by drought and conflict in Northeastern State. However, suspicions regarding both the aid's origins and its distribution process have cast a shadow over its intended purpose. During a no-holds-barred press briefing in Bosaso on the Sabbath, Northeastern State’s…

Mogadishu (AX) - At the hustling heart of Mogadishu, Somalia steps gleefully towards a new dawn of progress, rolling out its long-anticipated National ID Card. Imagine unlocking not just doors, but possibilities - that’s the power of this little rectangle of promise. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has fired the starting gun on this venture, aiming to equip citizens with a key to both essential services and their due rights. The ribbon at the launching event was snipped by none other than the…

Somali Forces Strike Key Blow Against Al-Shabab in Amara Mogadishu (AX) – Picture this: under the cloak of night, when even the stars were whispering secrets, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, alongside some fearless local clan militias, sprang into action in a daring escapade that could give even the best action films a run for their money. They descended upon the Amara district in the Mudug region during a Saturday night operation, delivering a significant blow to the notorious al-Shabab militants.…

Recently, the Los Angeles area has been ravaged by wildfires, tragically claiming at least ten lives and leaving nearly 10,000 structures in ruins. As five fires, fueled by unrelenting desert winds, continue raging into a third night, the situation remains dire. The Palisades Fire, located between Santa Monica and Malibu, along with the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, has become infamous for their destruction, marking them as some of the most catastrophic blazes in Los Angeles history. These infernos have already scorched over…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Beledweyne (AX) — In a significant development, a delegation spearheaded by Army Chief General Odawaa Yusuf Raage and the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, has brokered a landmark agreement with the Hawadle clan's leadership. This pact aims to shift the security reins of Beledweyne over to federal authorities. During a Tuesday afternoon gathering with an array of community members—elder leaders, thinkers, young folk, and women—the delegation stressed the vital…