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GENEVA — Ukraine and Russia wrapped the first of two days of U.S.-mediated peace talks in Geneva after a night of Russian airstrikes that battered Ukraine’s energy grid, with President Donald Trump publicly pressing Kyiv to move quickly toward a deal to end the four-year war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the overnight attacks severely damaged the power network in the southern port city of Odesa, leaving tens of thousands without heat and water. “We are ready to move quickly toward a worthy agreement to end the…

Germany opens talks with France on European nuclear deterrent as Munich forum urges reset with U.S. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin has begun confidential talks with France about a European nuclear deterrent, arguing Europe must become stronger as it seeks to reset relations with the United States. The remarks came in an opening address to the Munich Security Conference that framed a more self-reliant Europe as essential in a “dangerous new era of great power politics.” “In the era of great power rivalry, even…

Former Somali premiers warn reforms timetable is unrealistic, urge consensus on elections MOGADISHU — Two former Somali prime ministers sharply criticized the federal government’s push to complete sweeping constitutional and political changes before the current term ends, warning that the roughly three months remaining are insufficient and risk deepening instability. Speaking at an event in Mogadishu on Wednesday, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said the administration’s reform agenda — including a constitutional…

North Western State of Somalia’s recognition push meets a hard constraint: sovereignty in the Horn of Africa is earned through internal consent and constitutional process, not external signals. Reports that Hargeisa has welcomed potential recognition from Israel sharpen that tension, highlighting how external ambition collides with Somalia’s federal order and the political diversity within the territories North Western State of Somalia claims. For three decades, North Western State of Somalia has projected an image of…

Somalia’s leaders pledge unity, faster local elections and intensified security after National Consultative Council meeting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s top political leaders reaffirmed national unity, accelerated election timelines and stepped up security operations against extremist groups during a virtual session of the National Consultative Council chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday. In a statement after the meeting, the council endorsed the Federal Government’s…

North Western State of Somalia’s Irro meets Israel’s Herzog in Davos as sides tout new diplomatic ties DAVOS, Switzerland — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro met Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, the highest-level public engagement since Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, according to statements from both sides. Herzog confirmed the encounter in a social media post, welcoming what he…

TikTok will begin rolling out new age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks, the company said, as the ByteDance-owned platform faces mounting regulatory pressure to better identify and remove accounts belonging to children under 13. The previously unreported system follows a year-long pilot in Europe and is designed to strengthen enforcement of TikTok’s minimum-age rules without resorting to blanket, intrusive checks. The company said the tool analyses profile information, posted videos and behavioral…

North Western State of Somalia’s Irro urges African, Arab states to recognize region after Israel’s move Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Tuesday called on African and Arab countries to recognize North Western State of Somalia, arguing the region has earned international acceptance and should no longer be overlooked after Israel’s decision to formally recognize it. Speaking at a consultation meeting with former foreign ministers at the presidential palace in…

Greenland leaders reject Trump’s renewed push to take control, insist island’s future is theirs to decide Sunday January 11, 2026 NUUK, Greenland — Greenland’s political leaders on Friday forcefully rejected renewed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could take control of the Arctic island, saying Greenland’s future can only be decided by its own people. In a rare joint statement, the leaders of all five parties represented in Greenland’s parliament said they opposed any form of external pressure…

Somali sovereignty fears grow as Israel eyes foothold in Horn of Africa MOGADISHU — Somalia’s defense minister said Sunday the federal government has “confirmed information” about an Israeli plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Somali territory, vowing Mogadishu would not allow any move that compromises the country’s sovereignty. Defense Minister Ahmed Mohamed Fiqi told Al Jazeera Mubasher the government “will not stand idly by” if its territorial integrity is threatened. He described the alleged plan as a…