Reductions

FILE - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., defending sweeping cuts to foreign aid programs. Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently found himself at the center of a storm, facing increasing backlash from health experts and humanitarian organizations over his defense of substantial reductions in foreign aid. During a congressional hearing on May 21, Rubio made a contentious claim: “No one has died because of USAID”— a statement quickly challenged…

Navigating New Alliances: Somalia's Bid for Stability Amid Global Shifts In recent years, Somalia has increasingly sought to forge a dynamic partnership with Turkey in its ongoing struggle against al-Shabab. As the global focus on Africa diminishes—exemplified by America’s shifting priorities—the alignment between Mogadishu and Ankara has become increasingly pivotal for the Horn of Africa. Take, for instance, the November 2022 drive through Masjid Ali Guduud, undertaken by Somalia's…

Somalia finds itself at the forefront of the climate crisis, ranking among the nations most vulnerable to its impacts. According to the United Nations, this Horn of Africa nation has faced an unprecedented dual challenge: the worst drought in four decades and catastrophic flooding that has occurred just once every hundred years. The tales of those affected are not just statistics; they are heartfelt stories weaving through the fabric of a population struggling to endure. One such narrative belongs to Mohamed Abdukadir…

Challenges and Changes: The Somali Army in its Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent weeks have presented daunting challenges for the Somali National Army (SNA), as it struggles to maintain its footing across various strategic frontlines. The fall of Adan Yabaal starkly exemplifies the difficulties faced by a force striving to assert itself, despite significant investments from international partners. Amidst dwindling financial support, spearheaded by the United States, the SNA grapples with a…

The Struggles of Displaced Families in Baidoa: A Glimpse into Their Lives In a world where the echoes of hope often clash with the harsh realities of survival, we find compelling stories of resilience and despair. In the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp situated in Baidoa, Somalia, the plight of families like that of Quresho Adan Ishaq captures attention. A widow who has been blind since birth, Quresho is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fight against dire odds to nurture the next generation.…

World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on April 25, serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for ongoing political commitment and investment in malaria prevention and control. This is especially critical in Africa, a region that accounts for a staggering 94% of global malaria cases and deaths. Just consider this: while we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, one ill-defined mosquito continues its reign as a leading enemy to children and mothers, and indeed, entire communities. Recently, Uganda marked…

"Trump is emotionally pro-Brit," declared Reform leader Nigel Farage during a recent lunch gathering in the Palace of Westminster, addressing a room full of journalists. "Trump is the least isolationist, probably of the whole of the senior Republican Party," he asserted. True to his bold style, the close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his concerns about the opportunities missed in securing a free-trade agreement with the United States, lamenting that, "we've blown it." Farage revealed an interesting insight,…

Irish aid agency Goal has announced that over 900 of its staff, including 28 individuals based in Ireland, now face the threat of job losses due to significant cuts in international aid funding. These reductions have placed nearly 30% of the agency's workforce at risk of redundancy and have resulted in a consequential decrease in the organization's ability to carry out its essential work globally. In a statement, Goal emphasized, These cuts come at a time when there are more than 120 million people displaced worldwide, and…

Rwanda and US Aid: A Unique Perspective on Development The journey of development is rarely straightforward, and for Rwanda, foreign aid has often been the compass guiding some of its most critical sectors. From health to agriculture, from education to administration, the funds have weaved a tapestry of progress that reflects a nation’s resilience and vision. Let’s travel back a year. Think of Rwanda like a tree, deeply rooted yet aspiring for the canopy. The country had received an impressive $178 million in…

In the bustling city of Hargeisa, a shadow has cast itself over the daily lives of many. More than 2,000 individuals coping with HIV/AIDS in North Western State of Somalia have found themselves facing an unexpected crisis: the abrupt suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid. Imagine being thrust into a cyclone of uncertainty, where your survival depends on medications now at risk of vanishing. This is the stark reality confronting many. This alarming situation follows a stern warning from Dr. Tedros Adhanom…