pledges

NATO leaders have expressed strong support for a significant increase in defense spending, reiterating their commitment to mutual defense in a summit tailored for U.S. President Donald Trump. As they convened, a key resolution emerged: members endorsed a heightened defense spending goal of 5% of GDP by 2035. This decision not only responds to President Trump’s insistence but also addresses European concerns regarding the rising threat posed by Russia, particularly following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The summit's…

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…

Ethiopia’s Path to the Sea: A Determined and Peaceful Pursuit ADDIS ABABA, June 9, 2025 – In a determined move to reshape its geographical constraints, Ethiopia is set to rigorously pursue sea access through legal and diplomatic avenues, as articulated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a televised interview on Monday. During an insightful discussion with the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed a pivotal…

Presidential Stance on Peace: President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania Responds to Political Tensions Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu, has recently spoken out about the concerning situation surrounding the detention and deportation of several prominent Kenyans. This event unfolded over the course of just two days, sparking heated discussions and a flurry of emotions on both sides of the border. As she addressed the nation at a public forum on May 19, President Suluhu took a firm stance, asserting that attempts by Kenyan…

Urgent Call for Information on Manda Bay Airfield Attack On January 5, 2020, a tragic event unfolded at Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu, Kenya. The scene was not just another day at what serves as a dual-purpose military base; it was the site of a brutal terrorist assault. The perpetrators, affiliated with the notorious al-Shabaab, took the lives of a U.S. service member and two contractors from the Department of Defense. In an instant, families were shattered, and the fragile fabric of peace in the region was further…

Garowe (AX) — Recently, Northeastern State authorities made a resolute declaration in the ongoing fight against human trafficking and smuggling activities that disproportionately affect the region's youth. The urgency of this call to action cannot be understated; the lives of many Somali youths hang in the balance as they become targets for illicit trafficking networks operating through local airports. Following a comprehensive meeting held in Garowe, attended by top officials from various immigration and security agencies,…

Northeastern State to Support Somali Government in Fight Against Al-Shabaab Militants BOSASO, Somalia - In the rugged terrain of the Calmiskat mountains, Northeastern State forces achieved a noteworthy milestone, successfully curbing the influence of ISIS in the region. With this newfound momentum, the Northeastern State administration is setting its sights on a broader challenge: aiding southern Somalia in its ongoing struggle against the pervasive threat of…

A Commitment to Peace: Reflections from the Extraordinary Summit on Somalia In a crucial gathering that epitomizes the dedication to peace in the Horn of Africa, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of Kenya stood shoulder to shoulder with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting took place during the Extraordinary Summit of the troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), held at the serene locale of State House in Entebbe, Uganda. The atmosphere was…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy declaration, Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo interim administration, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering unity among the residents of the Sool and Sanaag regions. His vision is to create a cohesive administration that not only encompasses these territories but also nurtures a deeper sense of community among their inhabitants. “We strive to bring the people of Sool and Sanaag together, to unite them, and to establish a harmonious administration where…

Accountability in the Face of Extremism In the ongoing struggle against global extremism, the U.S. Department of State has recently turned its attention to a woman whose actions resonate deeply within the complex narrative of terrorism and radicalization. “She must be held accountable,” stated the Department, as it emphasized the urgency of bringing her to justice. This call to action coincides with her addition to the Rewards for Justice program's most-wanted list, a tool designed to rally public support and…