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Today, a wave of anticipation washes over Los Angeles as the Oscar nominations are set to be announced around lunchtime. The clock ticks toward 1:30 PM, and fingers are crossed that this year’s nods will shine brightly on Irish cinema—an ever-flourishing beacon of talent. In the spotlight, the Rich Peppiatt-directed film *Kneecap* emerges as a strong contender for accolades. This music biopic isn’t just another entry; it’s expected to vie for Best International Feature Film and, hold your horses, it could also snag a…

The ink was barely dry on the freshly signed agreement when a wave of optimism swept through the room, coloring the atmosphere with a renewed sense of hope. This came after Director of Qatar Charity's office in Somalia, Mr. Abdul Fattah Adam Maalim, and Galmudug's Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Abdulwali Abdullah Jama, joined hands to announce a groundbreaking collaboration. This was no ordinary handshake; it marked a partnership set to breathe life into Somalia's health sector. A fitting testament to altruism…

As the sun sets on yet another tumultuous week, all eyes are on Israel’s security cabinet, which convened to finalize the particulars of a ceasefire in Gaza, a move that has cast a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office expressed optimism, stating that the United States is “confident” that both a truce and a deal for hostage exchanges would kick off this weekend, should the cabinet give the green light. If the thumbs up is given, we could see this ceasefire taking root on Sunday—an…

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, the two nations have announced in a joint statement. This agreement on Saturday follows Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's warm reception of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where the leaders held high-level discussions focused on strengthening relations and addressing mutual priorities.

Mogadishu (AX) — Once a lively trade hub bustling with activity, Beledweyne in central Somalia now finds itself caught in a web of insecurity, unlawful checkpoints, and ineffective leadership. This turbulent climate prompted Somalia's federal government to step in, taking charge of security operations in hopes of reviving stability in the beleaguered Hiiraan region. The federal authorities' intervention springs from the violent El Baraf confrontations, where militia attacks claimed the lives of numerous soldiers. Earlier…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Next week, Egypt is set for discussions with Somalia to explore the role Egyptian troops could play in a diverse force tackling Islamist extremists in the Horn of Africa. This is a notable development in a longstanding regional conflict, promising potential shifts in military alliances and strategies. According to Ali Balcad, the Somali state minister for foreign affairs, these crucial talks are slated for January 15-17 in bustling Cairo. Not too long ago, Egypt's foreign minister declared that Egypt would contribute…

The Senate of Liberia has agreed to the draft budget for 2025 put forth by a faction within the House of Representatives, identifying themselves as the "majority Bloc." However, this move hasn't come without its share of controversy. Analysts, including the beleaguered Speaker Fonati Koffa and a former Supreme Court justice, have raised eyebrows about the legitimacy of this financial document. They point to ongoing tensions between the Speaker's supporters and those seeking to remove him from office. This hefty budget,…

In the bustling city of Kismayo, the seat of Jubbaland’s interim government in the Lower Jubba region, the stage is set for a dramatic political showdown. Despite a cloud of controversy hanging over the proceedings, the regional presidential election is scheduled for Monday. The central government, however, is up in arms, outright dismissing the election's legitimacy. I ain’t whistling Dixie! The stakes are sky-high as four ambitious contenders throw their hats into the ring. Among the hopefuls, we’ve got the seasoned Ahmed…

Next week, NATO and Ukraine will convene in Brussels to discuss Russia's recent launch of an experimental hypersonic missile, according to diplomatic sources. This assembly of the NATO-Ukraine Council is scheduled for Tuesday and will take place at the ambassadorial level. The meeting was initiated by Ukraine in response to the missile strike that struck the city of Dnipro, officials reported. A NATO spokeswoman stated, "The deployment of such a missile won't alter the conflict's trajectory or dissuade NATO allies from…