Africa Somalia The Somali authorities banned, for security reasons, the wearing of masks in the capital Mogadishu, as the use of masks would be used to conceal identity and facilitate criminal activities
Africa Somalia WHO launched a project to reduce child deaths related to pneumonia and diarrhoea, in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre; it will equip 28 health facilities in 10 selected districts with solar-powered oxygen concentrators
Africa Somalia The head of the Saudi Arabian humanitarian agency, KSrelief, arrived in Somalia to launch 24 humanitarian aid projects worth a total of $45 million, covering food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation
Africa Somalia Acted is currently providing emergency food assistance to 1425 vulnerable families affected by the devastating rains and flash floods starting in October 2023 which led to the overflowing of the Juba River in the district of Baardheere
Africa Somalia A helicopter belonging to the UN mission in Somalia was captured by al-Shabaab militiamen after accidentally landing in territory controlled by the armed group; at least six aid workers who were on the aircraft are now in their hands
Africa Somalia Somalia declared null and void the agreement just signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia to grant the latter access to ports
Africa Somalia Former refugee Abdullahi Mire received the Nansen 2023 prize from UNHCR for setting up "Refugee education hub" that has opened 3 libraries in refugee camps with 100.000 books and contributed to the education of thousands of refugee children
Africa Somalia Somalia has formally joined the East African Community as the 8th member state; President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed the bloc's accession treaty three weeks after being approved at a leaders' summit in Arusha, Tanzania
Africa Somalia The UN Security Council has decided to lift the arms embargo imposed on Somalia since 1992, with a resolution stating that its 'primary objective is to reduce the threat from Al-Shabaab'
Africa Somalia The recent seasonal rains, heavier than usual, claimed nearly 100 lives, affecting 2,3 million people according to the Somali Disaster Management Agency
Africa Somalia Somalia's deputy prime minister praised the crucial role of Somali women in supporting operations against al-Shabaab militiamen
Africa Somalia A bill to strengthen efforts to combat maritime crimes such as piracy and kidnapping at sea was passed to secure the country's extensive coastline for economic activities
Africa Somalia Somali music has not had its own national orchestra for years; young musicians are trying for the first time to bring the Somali musical tradition to television broadcasts and online to pass on its roots to the next generation