takes

Prominent Somali American advocate detained by ICE in Minneapolis, unsettling a community he helped build MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Omar Jamal, one of Minnesota’s most visible Somali American civic voices, in downtown Minneapolis on Friday, federal officials and his attorney confirmed. He was later transferred to the Freeborn County jail in Albert Lea, a facility that holds federal immigration detainees. What we know Jamal, 52, was taken into custody by ICE on Friday…

In response to the surge in looting that has plagued humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza, fighters from Hamas and various other factions have united to form a new armed force. This move, fueled by escalating public outrage over the theft of crucial supplies, aims to restore some order amid the chaos. Reports from residents and insiders indicate that this newly established group has been actively engaging in operations against looters, even resulting in armed confrontations, with some thieves reported as casualties. Amid the…

This past weekend marked a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape as Duma Boko took the oath of office as the country's new president. This transition follows what many analysts are calling an unexpected defeat for the long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Yusuf Bangura from The Premium Times raises an intriguing question: Why did the once-dominant BDP, often regarded as a political powerhouse, falter in this election? The outcome has left political strategists and citizens alike…

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei. Kenya's standing as a sanctuary for refugees has recently come under scrutiny following the controversial deportation of four Turkish citizens previously under asylum protection. This event has prompted serious questions: Can individuals truly find a refuge within Kenya, or is the nation merely a supporter of oppressive regimes? As of now, there remains a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the government's handling of these four men. Were they processed through the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced a significant victory in its battle against terrorism. A meticulously executed twelve-hour operation in the Yaaqle region of Middle Shabelle resulted in the eradication of 27 operatives from the notorious Al-Shabaab. Among those neutralized were senior leaders of the militant group.“This focused operation successfully removed militants from the Kharijite faction, who had gathered under the auspices of hostile…

The ruling party in Georgia appears poised to outpace the pro-Western opposition in a highly scrutinized legislative election, as reflected by initial results that suggest a setback for the Caucasus nation’s ambitions to join the European Union. This crucial election in Georgia, nestled south of Russia, has been characterized by analysts as a pivotal moment that could steer the country towards either a European future or foster closer ties with Russia. With approximately 70% of precincts reporting their tallies, the…

US Vice President Kamala Harris recently characterized Donald Trump as "increasingly unhinged," expressing profound concern over his purported admiration for Adolf Hitler, as revealed by a former high-ranking aide. She described this praise as "incredibly dangerous" and alarming. This pointed critique from the Democratic leader surfaced a mere 13 days before the climactic day of their challenging presidential contest. Speaking outside her residence in Washington, Harris reacted to statements made by Trump's former chief of…

Nigeria has taken a significant leap forward in the battle against malaria, receiving a remarkable shipment of one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, courtesy of the Gavi Alliance. This marks a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing struggle against this deadly disease. The vaccination campaign is slated to kick off in November, focusing on the states of Kebbi and Bayelsa, both of which suffer from high rates of malaria. With this move, Nigeria finds itself among the pioneering countries globally to embrace…

On February 19, 2022, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam stands impressively. The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) officially gained momentum on Sunday. This occurred despite ongoing opposition from Egypt and Sudan, as mentioned by the Ethiopian prime minister, according to Anadolu. This agreement opens the doors to the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC). This new body aims to foster a spirit of harmony among the Basin countries regarding the management of the Nile. Egypt and Sudan have continued their…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…