U.S

Mogadishu (AX) — In a monumental financial shift, Somalia has seen $1.14 billion in debt forgiven by the United States, signaling a significant stride towards achieving economic stability and revitalizing fundamental public sectors. Richard Riley, the US Ambassador to Somalia, shared this news in Mogadishu, emphasizing America’s strong dedication to bolstering Somalia’s future. Emboldened by this support, Riley stated, "This debt cancellation underlines our unwavering commitment to aid the Somali people in their pursuit…

The current United States presidential election campaign has unfolded in an unprecedented manner, brimming with captivating episodes that have kept everyone on their toes. As the globe eagerly anticipates the outcome of the fierce competition between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for the coveted seat in the White House, let’s rewind and reflect on some of the most striking developments from the past four months—all encapsulated in under two minutes. Video: Philip Bromwell This election season has truly been a…

In the quaint locale of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, an election observer assists a resident casting her vote for the U.S. presidential election on the early morning of November 5, 2024. It's a scene that's been replayed for years: the tiny northeastern town kicking off Election Day voting at the stroke of midnight, captured in an image by Xinhua photographer Li Rui. Dixville Notch has cultivated a unique tradition over the years, where its modest group of six registered voters dutifully cast their votes as soon as it’s…

Kenya's Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua teamed up with the US Undersecretary for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, Thea Mei Lee, to seal a labour cooperation deal. The pact, formalized on October 28, 2024, promises to introduce top-notch labour practices to Kenya courtesy of the US. In a bid to bolster workers' rights and uplift labour conditions, Kenya inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Department of Labour. This document aims to refine labour standards…

According to a statement from Iran's mission to the United Nations, Israeli airstrikes were launched against Iranian targets using Iraqi airspace, with the Iranian representatives directly implicating the United States in this operation. They characterized the U.S. as complicit in these aggressive actions. The Iranian mission declared on X, "Iraqi airspace remains under the occupation, oversight, and control of U.S. military forces. The conclusion is clear: the U.S. bears certain responsibility for this heinous act." In…

WATCH: American Somalis Vote Early by Mail in U.S. Election On Africa 54: Somali-based Americans send their absentee votes while keeping a close watch on the presidential race back home. Meanwhile, Mozambique's electoral board announced Daniel Chapo from the ruling party as the victor of their presidential election. Over in Sierra Leone, hip-hop artist Kao Denero sat down with VOA's Jackson Mvunganyi to chat about his tunes. Tune in for these stories and more on today's Africa 54.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed grave concerns about the plight of everyday Zimbabweans, who bear the brunt of economic sanctions levied against the nation. Although these sanctions target specific individuals, the ripple effects reach far wider, impacting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Mnangagwa argues that these punitive measures hinder efforts toward regional cooperation and stifle sustainable development initiatives. In a significant turn of events, U.S. President Joe Biden took steps to forge a new…

Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Somalia's U.S. Ambassador MOGADISHU, Somalia – The mid-2024 designation of Dahir Hassan Arab as Somalia's envoy to America has stirred the pot, with whispers of favoritism and questionable conduct in the mix. Arab, who previously led SIMAD University, landed this gig courtesy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite lacking credentials in diplomacy or foreign management. He's got a Master’s in Education Management from the Islamic University in Uganda. Alongside him, Mohamed Muse,…

This Halloween season, a palpable sense of unease grips American voters, as the specter of potential electoral upheaval looms over the 2024 presidential race. Many are anxious that the victor might not emerge from the ballot box come election day but rather from a chaotic judicial showdown afterward. Such turmoil is not without precedent. Flashback to 2000: the Supreme Court intervened to resolve the contentious showdown between George Bush and Al Gore, ultimately declaring Bush the winner after a fraught manual recount in…

In Mogadishu, Somali leaders are staunchly defending a new security agreement they’ve forged with Egypt. To them, this deal nestles comfortably alongside Somalia’s collaborations with the U.S., Turkey, the EU, and several Gulf nations.Hussein Sheikh Ali, who advises Somalia on national security matters, clarified that Egyptian forces might soon participate in the awaited African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission is destined to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia…