Category: General

Somalia has been plagued by violence and instability for decades, with the terror group al-Shabaab being one of the main culprits. The group, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has committed numerous atrocities against the people of Somalia, including imposing crippling extortion fees on businesses and killing those who failed to comply with their demands. The result has been devastating for the people of Somalia, with many losing their livelihoods and becoming vulnerable to the group’s violence. The government of Somalia has been working to combat al-Shabaab for many years, but it was not until recently that they declared an all-out war on the group. The military operations that followed have been successful in pushing back the group and reducing their financial power. Many areas that were once under al-Shabaab’s control have been reclaimed by the government, and their evil ideology has been exposed. Despite these successes, al-Shabaab still poses a threat to the people of Somalia. The group has the capacity to strike and cause significant harm. The government has therefore vowed to step up its operations and neutralize the group’s threat completely. The impact of al-Shabaab’s violence on the people of Somalia has been profound. Children, in particular, have been affected, with many losing their parents and their sources of income. The national media has visited some of these children, and their stories are heart-wrenching. The stories of Hudeyfi and Farhan, the two children who lost their fathers to the violence of al-Shabaab, are heart-wrenching and demonstrate the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent civilians, particularly children. Hudeyfi’s story highlights the emotional toll that violence can take on children. His father was a school teacher who was killed in a car explosion, and Hudeyfi recalls receiving the news of his father’s death with shock and disbelief. He describes how his family’s life changed after his father’s death and how they struggled to cope with the loss of their breadwinner. Hudeyfi’s story is a poignant reminder of how the innocent victims of terrorism are often the ones who suffer the most, with their lives forever changed by the violence inflicted upon them. Farhan’s story, on the other hand, demonstrates the lasting trauma that can be inflicted on children who have lost their loved ones to terrorism. Farhan lost his father in a bomb blast, and his grief is palpable as he recalls receiving the news of his father’s death. He struggles to come to terms with his loss, and his tears are a testament to the pain and suffering that he has endured as a result of al-Shabaab’s violence. Both Hudeyfi and Farhan’s stories highlight the need for support and care for the children who have been affected by terrorism. These children have been robbed of their childhoods and their futures, and they need assistance in coping with their trauma and rebuilding their lives. The government and civil society organizations must work to provide the necessary support and resources to these children, to help them overcome their grief and move forward towards a better future. the stories of Hudeyfi and Farhan serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent civilians, particularly children. Their stories must be heard, and their needs must be addressed, to ensure that they are not forgotten in the fight against terrorism. The trauma inflicted on the people of Somalia by al-Shabaab is immense. But there is hope that the recent military operations will bring an end to the group’s reign of terror. The government’s commitment to fighting the group is unwavering, and they have the support of the people. The people of Somalia have suffered for too long at the hands of al-Shabaab. But with the group’s power and influence waning, there is a glimmer of hope that peace and stability can be restored to the country. The children who have lost their parents and their livelihoods deserve nothing less. It is now up to the government to continue their efforts and ensure that the people of Somalia can live in peace and security.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Six women and five men from Ethiopia are known to have died in a road accident in Somalia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.

They were being transported by smugglers who reportedly planned to take them to Yemen via the port city of Bosaso, the IOM adds.

But the lorry carrying them overturned on Tuesday, a short distance from Bosaso. The IOM has only just released the details.

Investigations into how it happened are still under way, but at this stage local authorities say they believe the lorry had a mechanical issue and that no other vehicle was involved.

They confirm that 11 bodies have been buried. At least 20 other passengers were injured, the IOM says.

“We have buried the bodies and injured ones are being treated at Bosaso General Hospital,” Bosaso municipality representative Mohamed Jama told the BBC.

Source: BBC

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Sightsavers Nigeria and other stakeholders are developing a national guideline for the management of mobility and disability induced by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Mr Nse Akpan, the National Cordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases Programe in the ministry, disclosed this at the opening of a three-day workshop for key stakeholders on Tue Tuesday in Abuja.

Akpan said the document would eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, popularly called elephantiasis, among others.

“This is to ensure that we have a guideline that speaks towards management of mobility and disability induced by Neglected Tropical Diseases in the country.

“We want to ensure that the guideline addresses the burden of the people, also addresses the disease and work towards interruption and elimination of it.

“The goal of the global community is to ensure that we eliminate these diseases and people are not infected and come up with disability.

“When we interrupt at the early stage, we will be able to reduce the burden of disability,’’ he said.

Akpan said poor arrival of medication, misconception and attachment of NTDs to myths, spiritual attacks or superstitions were some of the challenges affecting elimination of the disease in the country.

“ Some Nigerians are not keen in practicing sound sanitation and hygiene practices. You will see people living in a dirty environment. You don’t need government to clean your environment.

“Some people still believe that these diseases are been attached to myths, attacks or superstitions. Some believe that they are not caused by NTDs.

“So, we should be able to educate people on these and if they are treated on time, one will be able to come out of the disease,’’ he said.

He, therefore, stressed the need for access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, sensitisation exercises in communities and full implementation of the guidelines to be developed towards eliminating NTDs.

“ The prevention varies as some are prevented with drugs, hygiene and sanitation packages. The disease is more common among the poor, downtrodden areas, where we have slums, shanties and unhygienic environment.

“ We educate people on how to stay in hygienic environment, do sanitation practices and when infected, access treatment and drugs,’’ he said.

Mrs Anita Gwom, the Senior Programme Manager, NTDs Sightsavers Nigeria, said the guideline would enable stakeholders implement programmes towards eliminating NTDs.

She said: “It is important because we have a target and a timeline for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in Nigeria by 2030.

“We are hoping all the states in Nigeria would have eliminated the disease in all the local government areas that are endemic of this disease based on the global target.”

Gwom also stressed the need for more enlightenment to reduce prevalence of the disease and stop stigma of affected persons with disabilities caused by NTDs.

“At the community level, we have stigmatism affecting persons with disabilities due to these diseases.

“So we try to create lots of awareness and ensure that we deliver quality service, because when we do that, the patients usually come back and become advocates to support elimination of NTDs,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Rev. Yakubu Pam, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday praised the 9th batch of the 2022 pilgrims for exhibiting good conduct.

Pam gave the commendation at the conferment of Jerusalem Pilgrimage and the award of certificates ceremony to the pilgrims.

The Executive-Secretary, represented by Mr Charles Wali, Director Administration and Finance of NCPC, said safety of pilgrims was paramount than every other thing.

“We will make sure that the wellbeing of our country’s pilgrims is paramount and secured,“ he said.

He said the issues about pilgrims’ health and environment would not be taken for granted, adding that their safety was of paramount interest.

“The light we have seen here, let us take it home and let it shine in all our undertakings.

“The change we deserve in Nigeria begins with you and me” he advised.

He reiterated that errors that occurred during the pilgrimage would be corrected before their departure and appealed to them to endure whatever might have gone wrong.

Also speaking, Rev. Shiktuun Koppah, Executive Secretary of Plateau Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the exercise.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has contributed immensely to the growth of Christian faith with the pilgrimage.

He also thanked Christians who invested in “the kingdom business’ through self-sponsorship to the pilgrimage.

Koppah praised the governors of Plateau and Kaduna States for sponsoring to pilgrims in spite of the economic challenges confronting their states.

Mr Joseph Tabar, President of Tabar Tours, thanked all the participants for their good conduct while in Israel.

“It is the wish of Christians to visit the Holy sites and we thank God for making yours possible.

“It is a great honour to follow Christ and to live the life of Christ for people to emulate,” he said.

Hon. Benjamin Zoyong, Plateau Commissioner for Science and Technology, thanked the pilgrims and prayed for continuous unity among Christians.

He appealed to the pilgrims to continue with the good way they have started in the Holy Land.

The President, Plateau Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Blessing Dalyop, called for intense prayers for Nigeria.

She urged the pilgrims to always behave as they would not be spared if they committed any infraction in the Holy Land.

Some of the pilgrim, who spoke to NAN on the sideline of the award ceremony, described their experiences as historical and life changing.

They said the exercise was spiritually uplifting and created more avenues for love, unity and reconciliation with God and man.

A cleric, George Oaya, said his faith has been deepened and his life transformed.

“As the Chairman, 19 Northern States Pentecostal Youth Wing of Nigeria, I will ensure our youths experience this and this will be a way to transform them.

Another pilgrim, Ven. Ikechukwu Christian, said the pilgrimage has deepened his faith.

Evangelist Helen Diamond thanked God for the privileged of being part of the spiritual exercise and described it as an opportunity to make one’s spiritual path to be straight.

She said she was going to impact on others through evangelism.

Mr Peter Albarka , a civil servant, said the exercise had helped him to make peace with Christ.

“The (bad) things I did before I will do them no more. I will be focused on the truth and live an exemplary life,“ he said.

Also Prophetess Olayemi Owolabi said the visit has improved her life and now ready to live by the word of God.

She called for more enlightenment of intending pilgrims as some of them still did not understand the essence of the visit.

A Civil Servant, Mr Audu Richard, said he had already had manifestations and testimonies as he prayed at various sites in the Holy Land.

He commended the Israeli and Jordanian governments for preserving their cultural heritages which had kept them outstanding in the world.

He urged the Nigerian government to emulate the two countries by creating tourist sites that would generate more revenues and promote bilateral ties with other nations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that state executives of NCPC of Plateau and Kaduna, some traditional rulers, clerics and Christian faithful were on the pilgrimage

A 67-year-old pilgrim, Mr Joseph Pam, who hailed from Plateau, slumped and died in the Holy Land. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Somali National Army on Wednesday repulsed terrorist militants who attacked army bases in Hiiraan and Lower Jubba regions in central and southern parts of the country. SNA and local forces, Macawisley fought and pushed back terrorist militant fighters of Al-Shabaab who crossed the Shabelle river from Bardhere area south of Beledweyne town in Hiiraan region early in the morning according to military sources. Sources also said that SNA and Jubaland State forces reacted swiftly after Al-Shabaab militants shelled mortar rounds around Sanguni area about 45 Km south of Kismayo, the administrative capital of Jubaland State in the country. Al-Shabaab militants claimed to have inflicted casualties on SNA soldiers after attacking army bases in those two regions, but their claims were said to be baseless propaganda against the reality on the ground according to military sources. On the other side, Somali National Army’s elite forces, Danab and Gor-gor units took control of Ceel Cali Heele in Galgudud region under Galmudug State after conducting special operation there today.

Source: Somali National News Agency

A meeting between Somali young men and Chinese young diplomats in the Chinese embassy was held in Mogadishu on Wednesday. Mr. Chen Wendi, the Chinese embassy Counsellor, inaugurated the meeting. The event was an opportunity for Somali young people and Chinese young diplomats in Somalia to exchange experiences and perspectives on the Chinese modernization program and the Global Civilization Initiative. Mr. Wendi emphasized the importance of the friendship relationship between Somalia and China, and noted that it is important to build relationships between the young diplomats working in the embassy and Somali young people. He mentioned that the Somali youth population is estimated to be 75% of the total population, and that the event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Information, including Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman, Director of Planning and International Relations, and Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed, Chief Editor of SONNA. The meeting was a fruitful opportunity for both Somali and Chinese participants to learn more about each other’s cultures and perspectives. The Chinese diplomats spoke about the history and development of China, as well as the country’s current goals and ambitions. The Somali participants shared their own experiences and perspectives on Somali culture and society. The meeting concluded with discussions, during which participants had the opportunity to ask questions about each other’s countries and cultures. The meeting was a positive and productive exchange of ideas and experiences, and it is hoped that it will be the first of many such meetings between Somali and Chinese young people.

Source: Somali National News Agency

When smoke began billowing out of a migrant detention center in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, Venezuelan migrant Viangly Infante Padrón was terrified because she knew her husband was still inside. The father of her three children had been picked up by immigration agents earlier in the day, part of a recent crackdown that netted 67 other migrants, many of whom were asking for handouts or washing car windows at stoplights in this city across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. In moments of shock and horror, Infante Padrón recounted how she saw immigration agents rush out of the building after fire started late Monday. Later came the migrants’ bodies carried out on stretchers, wrapped in foil blankets. The toll: 38 dead in all and 28 seriously injured, victims of a blaze apparently set in protest by the detainees themselves. ‘I was desperate because I saw a dead body, a body, a body, and I didn’t see him anywhere,’ Infante Padrón said of her husband, Eduard Caraballo López, who in the end survived with only light injuries, perhaps because he was scheduled for release and was near a door. But what she saw in those first minutes has become the center of a question much of Mexico is asking itself: Why didn’t authorities attempt to release the men – almost all from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador – before smoke filled the room and killed so many?A ‘There was smoke everywhere. The ones they let out were the women, and those (employees) with immigration,’ Infante Padrón said. ‘The men, they never took them out until the firefighters arrived.’ ‘They alone had the key,’ Infante Padrón said. ‘The responsibility was theirs to open the bar doors and save those lives, regardless of whether there were detainees, regardless of whether they would run away, regardless of everything that happened. They had to save those lives.’ Immigration authorities said they released 15 women when the fire broke out, but have not explained why no men were released. Surveillance video leaked Tuesday shows migrants, reportedly fearing they were about to be moved, placing foam mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and setting them on fire.

Source: Somali National News Agency

The shooter who killed three students and three staff members at a Christian school in Nashville legally bought seven weapons in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said Tuesday. The violence Monday at The Covenant School was the latest school shooting to roil the nation and was planned carefully. The shooter had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Hale did not target specific victims – among them three 9-year-olds and the head of the school – but did target ‘this school, this church building,’ police spokesperson Don Aaron said at a news conference Tuesday. Hale was under a doctor’s care for an undisclosed emotional disorder and was not known to police before the attack, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at the news conference. If police had been told that Hale was suicidal or homicidal, ‘then we would have tried to get those weapons,’ Drake said. ‘But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if (Hale) even existed.’ Tennessee does not currently have a ‘red flag’ law, which lets police step in and take firearms away from people who threaten to kill. On Tuesday night, Tennessee’s governor said one of the victims, 61-year-old substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, was a close friend of his wife, Maria, and that the two had been scheduled to have dinner after Peak taught that day. ‘Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends,’ Gov. Bill Lee said, adding that his wife once taught with Peak and another victim, Katherine Koonce, and the women and ‘have been family friends for decades.’ Hale legally bought seven firearms from five local gun stores, Drake said. Three of them were used in Monday’s shooting. Police spokesperson Brooke Reese said Hale bought the guns between October 2020 and June 2022. Hale’s parents believed their child had sold one gun and did not own any others, Drake said, adding that Hale ‘had been hiding several weapons within the house.’ Hale’s motive is unknown, Drake said. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Drake said investigators don’t know what drove Hale but believe the shooter had ‘some resentment for having to go to that school.’ Drake, at Tuesday’s news conference, described ‘several different writings by Hale’ that mention other locations and The Covenant School. Asked at a Senate hearing whether the Justice Department would open an investigation into whether the shooting was a hate crime targeting Christians, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said federal officials were working with local police to identify a motive. Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooter’s car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them.

Source: Somali National News Agency