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Northeastern State’s Stand Against ISIS: A New Chapter in Somalia’s Quest for Stability In the remote, arid expanses of Somalia’s Bari region, a palpable shift is taking place. The Northeastern State Defense Forces have emerged victorious over a strategic enclave long occupied by ISIS militants. Situated north of Qandala, the area of Elka Wangable was once a bastion of extremist activity and a haunting symbol of insurgency. This recent triumph brings new hope to a nation scarred by decades of conflict. But how did we get…

Human rights advocates are strongly encouraging the authorities in Mozambique to take decisive action against the ongoing repression and violence directed at protesters challenging the questionable election results. The Committee to Protect Journalists has painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that the nation has "plunged into turmoil as security forces engage in violent confrontations." Disturbingly, they report that at least nine journalists have faced assault or arrest, while two foreign correspondents have…

By the year 2025, Nigeria could see a staggering 33 million individuals grappling with severe food scarcity—almost double the current figures for those in dire need. This dire situation stems from a confluence of economic challenges, soaring inflation, the effects of climate change, and the ongoing violence that plagues the northeastern regions of the country. In the northwest, specifically in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, over five million people currently experience acute food insecurity, and the crisis is anticipated to…

Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the chances of a transatlantic trade disruption are on the rise, but he characterized the US president-elect, Donald Trump, as "transactional" and expressed confidence that he would recognize the mutual nature of US-EU trade. Harris made these comments upon his arrival at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, which includes leaders from 47 European nations, among them the 27 members of the European Union. This gathering comes at a critical moment, as Trump's recent…

Concerns are escalating regarding an Iranian student who was detained after staging a protest by stripping down to her underwear, an act fueled by alleged harassment over her attire. Activists are expressing worry that the authorities may resort to confining her in a psychiatric facility. In footage circulated on social media platforms, the student—who is enrolled at the distinguished Islamic Azad University in Tehran—was seen outside the campus on Saturday, clad only in her bra and underwear as a form of protest. Reports…

Every four years, an eerie shadow looms over Somalia as elections, instead of heralding a new dawn, often lead to political turmoil and strife. The outcome of these elections should ideally reaffirm the federal government's authority through peaceful and legitimate processes, yet, more often than not, the opposite occurs. The last election cycle (2021-2022) put the very fabric of the Somali state at risk. Despite this, there was a palpable sense of relief among the populace when newly elected parliamentarians pledged to…

Mogadishu (AX) — In North Western State of Somalia, two deputy ministers have thrown in the towel, indicating a major realignment in the political sphere just a few weeks shy of the crucial November 13 presidential election. These officials, formerly aligned with the sitting Kulmiye Party, have now pledged their allegiance to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, from the opposition. Their rationale? A push for transformation.Nasir Aydid Mohamed, once serving as Deputy Minister of Fisheries, expressed his intention to…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The political scene in Somalia is heating up with tensions brewing within the Senate. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi announced that the seat of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Salah Ahmed Jama is now vacant due to his regular absence, which has sparked division among lawmakers. Jama, an influential player in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government, is in hot water for skipping four consecutive Senate meetings, a violation of the Senate's Standing Orders and the country's constitution. The Senate…

This past week, Israeli military operations targeted United Nations peacekeeping installations in southern Lebanon, igniting significant worries about the safety of international personnel in the region. According to the UN, while their troops would scale back operations, they weren’t intending to withdraw entirely. The decision of Irish soldiers to stay put at UN post 6-52, even as nearby Israeli forces established a firing position, has been characterized by many Lebanese as a display of “grit and resolve,” as noted by…