reports

Pope Francis is currently in the midst of his sixth day at Rome's Gemelli hospital, undergoing treatment for a respiratory infection. In a recent update, the Vatican reassured the faithful that the pontiff remains alert and even enjoyed a modest breakfast this morning. This is certainly a welcome sign, given the circumstances. Unfortunately, it appears that the 88-year-old pope is now facing the beginnings of double pneumonia, a troubling complication that can lead to swelling and scarring in both lungs, severely…

The Vatican has recently reported that Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, complicating the already intricate health challenges he has faced in recent weeks. This respiratory infection, they emphasize, presents a "complex picture," leaving observers and the faithful alike concerned for his well-being. At 88, the heartfelt prayers of many are directed toward the pontiff, who has been grappling with a respiratory infection for over a week and was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14. One cannot…

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State in Somalia WASHINGTON — In the enigmatic expanse of Somalia's Golis Mountains, a U.S. military operation unfolded earlier this month with precision and strategic acumen. The airstrikes, orchestrated against the ever-elusive Islamic State, have achieved a significant milestone, according to the latest assessment from U.S. military officials. Late Tuesday, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the demise of Ahmed Maeleninine, a notorious architect of terror,…

In a poignant announcement, Somalia's Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh, heralded a defining achievement: the nation has successfully cleared approximately $4.5 billion in debt. This monumental accomplishment, attained through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative spearheaded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), perhaps turns a promising page in Somalia’s ongoing narrative. Who would have thought that such reformative strides could bring a country closer to financial stability? Egeh spoke…

Libya, an unwitting waypoint for countless migrants and refugees hoping to navigate the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe, has again emerged as a focal point of tragedy and despair. The recent discovery of mass graves, punctuated by grim gunshot wounds on some bodies, paints a harrowing portrait of the dangers faced on these treacherous journeys. How did we come to this? The United Nations, in its latest report, has confirmed the alarming revelations about these graves, further intensifying the urgency with which…

The unpredictable corridors of power opened their doors on February 4, 2025, as US President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the Oval Office. An occasion captured in time by Evan Vucci's lens for the Associated Press, the meeting hinted at a controversial geopolitical chess move: relocating Gazans from their besieged enclave. But relocate to where? The eyes of Israeli and US officials are turning toward Morocco and two autonomous Somali regions—Northeastern State and North Western State…

Vaccination Against Mpox South Sudan has encountered its inaugural case of mpox, as confirmed last Friday—a grim milestone that has placed the nation on high alert. The discovery was made when a patient succumbed to the clutches of this rare virus, following a gauntlet of diagnostic tests. James Hoth Mai, serving as Acting Health Minister, illuminated the details during a press briefing held in the pulsating heart of Juba. On January 22, a patient first displayed harrowing symptoms, including fever, a…

Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has revealed that the ongoing security operation by Kenya against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is a concerted effort with Ethiopian security forces. This operation, targeting “OLA camps” on both sides of the border, underscores a strategy where borderlines blur into zones of mutual concern and cooperation. What has led these two countries to act in unison against threats lurking at geographical seams? On February 4, NISS issued a statement indicating that this…

Northeastern State Forces Strike at the Heart of ISIS in Somalia "Verification of the identities of those killed is ongoing, and we will release the names once the process is complete," Faadhigo revealed with a resolute tone. Among the casualties, he noted, were senior ISIS leaders, though their identities remain under wraps for now. The world will likely know the key figures lost in the shuffle within a matter of days. In a strategic decision, Northeastern State forces have been tasked…

The M23, an armed group notorious for its tumultuous past, takes a somber stroll with the locals down Keshero neighborhood’s bustling streets in Goma. These scenes unfolded on a striking winter's day — Jan. 27, 2025. GOMA, CONGO — Amidst whispered rumors and tense anticipation, a seismic diplomatic discussion looms on the horizon. Kenyan President, William Ruto, voiced a pivotal announcement on Monday, heralding a consequential meeting on Wednesday. Both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of…