negotiations

Indirect talks open in Sharm El-Sheikh under Trump plan as Gaza war grinds on Delegations representing Hamas and Israel have begun indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm El‑Sheikh aimed at ending nearly two years of war in Gaza, diplomats and officials said Monday, in a U.S.‑backed effort that has raised hopes and doubts in equal measure. Under the outline promoted by former U.S. President Donald Trump — who has waded into the role of broker with envoys including businessman Steve Witkoff and his…

Trump says Israel has agreed to “initial withdrawal line”; ceasefire hinges on Hamas confirmation as strikes continue WASHINGTON — Former US President Donald Trump said on social media that Israel has accepted an “initial withdrawal line” for Gaza and that the details have been shared with Hamas, setting the stage for a tentative ceasefire and a prisoner swap — but only “when Hamas confirms.” The announcement came amid renewed Israeli bombardment that killed dozens on Saturday, underscoring how fragile any pause remains on…

Somalia’s New Electoral Agreement: A Crucial Step Toward Unity NAIROBI—In a nation often marred by instability and political discord, the recent landmark electoral agreement between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum marks a pivotal stride toward national unity and democratic governance. The Agreement: A Pathway to Stability After two months of contentious negotiations, the agreement outlines a distinctive approach to conducting the next elections. Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament…

In some wild turn of events, five suspects were hit with charges in a bribery case, but a twist in the tale reveals that a mysterious sixth individual also knew about the dang bribe. Yeah, you heard it right! This case, centered around some shady dealings with Feeding Our Future, just got more tangled than a skein of yarn.Turns out, some sneaky text messages have surfaced, shedding light on how the suspects were wheeling and dealing, even plotting against each other in what can only be described as a hurricane of chaos.…

As nations find themselves in a stalemate at the ongoing UN climate talks, there are rising hopes that the G20 leaders gathering thousands of miles away may spark vital support for a resolution aimed at aiding developing nations. Stranded halfway through a two-week-long negotiation period housed in a vast arena in Azerbaijan, diplomats are struggling to inch closer to an agreement that could ultimately decide the fate of COP29. The government ministers diving into discussions in Baku are racing against the clock, with a…

Following the whirlwind events of the U.S. elections in November 2020, President Biden’s administration paused, opting to re-evaluate portions of an existing trade pact before rolling out a new series of discussions. Fast forward to August 2022, Kenya witnessed a leadership shift as former Deputy President William Ruto rose to the presidency, taking the reins in the ongoing negotiation process. The buzz around these trade talks, formally known as the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), brims with optimism in…

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…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission is urging the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to reevaluate its choice to withdraw from Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference. This decision, according to the Commission, could potentially destabilize the delicate peace deal between the two parties, established back in 2018.ONLF, which champions the cause for self-determination in Ethiopia’s Somali region, blames the government for reneging on crucial commitments, prompting them to abandon the conference mere days…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that a ceasefire with Russia is not on the table during discussions with European partners. Instead, he is advocating for increased Western support as Ukraine braces for a harsh winter amid his whirlwind visit to four European capitals. During a short 48-hour jaunt to London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin, Zelensky was on a mission to secure both military and financial aid. Escalating concerns hover over the possibility of waning support if Donald Trump assumes the presidency in…

MOGADISHU- Folks expected a game-changing announcement from Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre. However, his recent press talk barely shed light on why the National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow went kaput. Attendees from the federal government and four pivotal Federal Member States (FMS) gathered with the intention of hashing out Somalia’s electoral game plan, but the whole affair fizzled, leaving everyone in the dark. Now, there's a lot of head-scratching over possible ulterior motives behind the curtains.…