raises

CDC Issues Health Alert on Mpox Outbreak The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory due to an alarming outbreak of mpox in Central Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This advisory serves as a significant reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases—ones that can cross borders in ways we never quite anticipate. Since the beginning of 2024, a handful of travel-related mpox cases have appeared in the United…

Seeds & Pennies: Transforming Finance with Community at Its Core In an exciting development, Seeds & Pennies has successfully capped a funding round with a remarkable influx of $425,000 (N680 million). This achievement is not just a number; it symbolizes a vibrant wave of investor confidence in their innovative, field-driven lending model. Over the past quarter alone, this dynamic lender has reported an impressive $625,000 (N1 billion) in collections while disbursing $500,000 (N800 million) in new loans. These…

Kenya has responded decisively to U.S. concerns regarding its burgeoning relationship with China, proudly reaffirming its commitment to a longstanding partnership with the United States while pursuing a foreign policy that emphasizes mutual benefit and sovereignty. The Kenyan government seeks a balance between respecting traditional alliances and expanding its connections across the globe. In a detailed communication to the U.S. Senate, Nairobi articulated its intention to diversify international relationships…

In a significant development, Togo's President, Faure Gnassingbé, has been appointed to the newly created post of President of the Council of Ministers. This pivotal role, which notably comes with no defined term limits, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, labeling the appointment a "constitutional coup." Many question whether this move might enable Gnassingbé to maintain his grip on power indefinitely. The responsibilities of the President of the Council of Ministers are substantial. According to…

Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism The shadow of terrorism looms large over Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. It’s a stark reminder that even in the face of progress, we must remain vigilant. “The threat of terrorism remains real and immediate in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. We risk losing the hard-earned gains we fought so hard to achieve,” warns Oboth, encapsulating the anxiety that many share. But what exactly does this mean for the everyday lives of ordinary Somalis? This question is not just…

Somalia-Turkey Oil Deal Sparks Controversy over Transparency By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - A confidential oil partnership has surfaced between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey, igniting a flurry of skepticism and public debate. Why the controversy? Many Somalis argue that the agreement was woven together with the threads of opacity. Could there be more beneath the surface? This clandestinely crafted deal, since unveiled through documents leaked by the…

At the tender age of 18, I found myself standing at a crossroads. My belly, a burgeoning symbol of my new identity, was impossible to ignore. As my peers abandoned textbooks for summer adventures, I held onto my high school graduation program, a tangible shard of normalcy in an otherwise unpredictable world. Yet, in that moment, amidst the flowing gowns and tossed caps, my path diverged. While friends expected freedom, I wrestled with an intimate revelation—motherhood was just around the corner.…

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, President Donald Trump recently sanctioned a series of airstrikes in Yemen on territories controlled by the Houthi rebels. His assurance of employing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-supported militants desist from their aggressions against shipping vessels along critical marine pathways reverberates sternly. Reports from the Houthis indicate a tragic toll of at least 18 civilian casualties, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's human cost. "Our brave Warfighters are…

Putin Raises Questions About Ceasefire In recent developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced concerns regarding the current ceasefire negotiations. His comments come at a time when diplomatic efforts are crucial for de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue. “Peace should always be the aim of any negotiation,” Putin stated, emphasizing the importance of carefully scrutinizing the terms of any truce. His remarks reflect the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict and the need for mutual understanding…

SpaceX's Starship, a behemoth in the realm of space exploration, has encountered another setback. During its latest test flight, contact was lost with ground controllers, leading to a dramatic fall from space and an explosion. As a result, airports across southern Florida experienced ground stops. This incident, reminiscent of a previous mishap, could represent a substantial setback for SpaceX. This latest endeavor, however, wasn't just another routine test flight. The entire space industry…