Explore

Somali Elders Commend Turkey's Enduring Humanitarian and Development Support

Somali Elders Commend Turkey's Enduring Humanitarian and Development Support

Somali traditional elders, including sultans, clan leaders, peace envoys, and intellectuals, convened in Mogadishu to express their appreciation for Turkey's consistent support to Somalia over the years. They highlighted Turkey's significant contributions across various sectors, such as humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and social services. The elders specifically recalled Turkey's crucial assistance during periods of severe drought and famine, noting that this support has been instrumental in the country's rebuilding efforts. The bilateral ties between Somalia and Turkey expanded considerably after 2011, following a visit by then-Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Mogadishu amidst a devastating famine. This visit marked Erdogan as the first non-African leader in nearly two decades to visit Somalia during the peak of a humanitarian crisis. The elders emphasized that the relationship extends beyond governmental cooperation, encompassing long-standing social and...

Exclusive-US gives UN more time to end support for Somalia peacekeepers

Exclusive-US gives UN more time to end support for Somalia peacekeepers

By Faisal Ali and Ammu Kannampilly MOGADISHU/NAIROBI, Sept 18 (Reuters) - The United States has agreed to give the UN another year to wind down its support for African peacekeepers in Somalia, a document showed - a move that gives some breathing space to a force that was fearing quicker cuts, but

Congressman Rose Raises Somaliland Economic Access Bill at Treasury Hearing Amidst Presidential Visit

Congressman Rose Raises Somaliland Economic Access Bill at Treasury Hearing Amidst Presidential Visit

Representative John Rose (R-Tenn.) pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Somaliland Economic Access and Opportunity Act (H.R. 7993) during a House Financial Services Committee hearing on September 15. This occurred hours after Representative Rose hosted President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland in his Capitol Hill office. The bill, co-sponsored by Representative Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) and others, aims to identify and address barriers limiting Somaliland's access to the U.S. financial system. It mandates a Treasury report within 180 days of enactment, assessing compliance with international financial norms like Know Your Customer (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML), and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards. The legislation also seeks recommendations for both Somaliland and the U.S. to align with IMF, World Bank, and FATF norms, and to explore steps for greater financial integration, including potential SWIFT access, though the source clarifies that SWIFT access is not the primary b...

Saudis seek allies' help as missile defenses run low in fight with Houthis, officials say

Saudis seek allies' help as missile defenses run low in fight with Houthis, officials say

Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has turned to regional and Western allies for assistance as its standoff with Houthi rebels in Yemen drags on

African asylum seekers find home in unlikely new American melting pots

African asylum seekers find home in unlikely new American melting pots

In 2023, thousands of migrants from West Africa arrived in Lockland, Ohio, nearly doubling the town’s population so suddenly it seemed to some that it happened overnight

Turkey Places U.S.-Sanctioned Golden Global Bank Under State Control

Turkey Places U.S.-Sanctioned Golden Global Bank Under State Control

Turkey Places U.S.-Sanctioned Golden Global Bank Under State Control

Turkish Police Detain Protesters Amidst LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Istanbul

Turkish Police Detain Protesters Amidst LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Istanbul

Turkish police detained dozens of demonstrators outside Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse who were protesting a nationwide crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists. The protesters were demanding the release of individuals taken into custody during recent raids. This action follows a series of police operations in several cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, which the government states are part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'Decade of the Family' initiative. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek indicated the operation, named 'My Family is Safe,' targeted 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses, aiming to 'protect children, the institution of the family, and public order.' The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expressed concern over the detentions, stating that 'mere references to 'family values' or 'protection of children' cannot serve as legal justification for human rights restrictions.' Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans before police intervened, with one dem...

Police detain dozens at an Istanbul courthouse protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown

Police detain dozens at an Istanbul courthouse protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown

Police have detained dozens of demonstrators outside a courthouse in Istanbul

Saudi Arabia calls attempted attack on Mecca a 'red line' as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it

Saudi Arabia calls attempted attack on Mecca a 'red line' as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it

Muslim nations are condemning an attempted drone attack on Mecca as Saudi Arabia says that Islam's holiest city is a “red line” for the kingdom

Yemen fuel shortage hampers migrants trying to flee conflict for the safety of Djibouti

Yemen fuel shortage hampers migrants trying to flee conflict for the safety of Djibouti

A fuel shortage in Yemen is hampering the movement of people fleeing the country’s escalating fighting and seeking safety across the Red Sea in Djibouti

IGAD Ministers Convene in Djibouti Amidst Worsening Horn of Africa Humanitarian and Security Crises

IGAD Ministers Convene in Djibouti Amidst Worsening Horn of Africa Humanitarian and Security Crises

Foreign ministers and senior government representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states have gathered in Djibouti City for the 74th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers. The meeting is taking place amidst a backdrop of worsening humanitarian and security challenges across the Horn of Africa. Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulkader Omar, is leading the session, which also includes representatives from international organizations, including the United Nations. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, highlighted the severe humanitarian situation, stating that nearly 49 million people in IGAD countries are acutely food insecure, and over 19 million are displaced. He noted that Sudan remains at the epicenter of some of the most serious crises, with ongoing conflict generating significant humanitarian needs and displacement. Despite these challenges, Gebeyehu also pointed to progress, including 7...

Poll shows rising trust in global institutions, less comfort with US as global leader

Poll shows rising trust in global institutions, less comfort with US as global leader

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - A new poll of over 35,000 people worldwide shows continued support for global cooperation and rising trust in international institutions, but less comfort with the United States or China taking leadership roles. In fact, many view both as a threat.