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Showing posts with the label International news

Somalia vs Somaliland: A Long-Standing Dispute in the Horn of Africa

By salman | May 13, 2025 | Garissa News Introduction More than 30 years have passed since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. Yet, the world continues to grapple with a key question: Is Somaliland an independent state or still part of Somalia? The dispute between Somalia and Somaliland is one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts—rooted in history, identity, and politics. As diplomatic efforts falter and regional tensions rise, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions. A Brief History: One Union, Two Paths Somaliland was once a British protectorate. It gained independence on June 26, 1960, before uniting with the Italian-administered south to form the Somali Republic on July 1, 1960. However, the union soon showed cracks. Many in Somaliland felt politically and economically marginalized. The tipping point came in the 1980s when the Siad Barre regime used brutal force to suppress northern dissent—culminating in the bombing of Hargeisa in 1988. In 1991, as Somalia ...

Mogadishu Under Water: Deadly Floods Leave Trail of Destruction, Displacement, and Despair

Subheadline: Somalia’s capital is grappling with the aftermath of one of the worst flood disasters in recent history. Homes destroyed, lives lost, and critical infrastructure damaged—this catastrophe underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and humanitarian support. Introduction In the early hours of May 12, 2025, Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia, was brought to a standstill by a torrent of rain that flooded homes, destroyed infrastructure, and left communities reeling in despair. The relentless downpour began around midnight and lasted more than eight hours, unleashing chaos across the city and surrounding regions. What was once a vibrant city became a waterlogged landscape of destruction, soaked belongings, and heartbreaking losses. For a city already grappling with poverty, political instability, and a fragile infrastructure, this flood was not just a natural disaster—it was a humanitarian crisis. 1. The Storm That Drowned a City Meteorological data rev...

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Istanbul: A Wake-Up Call for Preparedness

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On April 23, 2025, Istanbul—a bustling metropolis of over 16 million people—was shaken by a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake. The tremor, which struck just before 1 p.m. local time, originated from the Sea of Marmara and sent shockwaves through the city and surrounding provinces. While the quake did not lead to mass casualties or widespread structural damage, it served as a jarring reminder of Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability. The earthquake struck at 12:49 p.m. with a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, intensifying the surface shaking experienced across the region. Residents in Istanbul as well as those in nearby provinces like Tekirdağ, Yalova, Bursa, and even as far as Izmir felt the ground tremble. The earthquake was followed by over 50 aftershocks, with the largest registering 5.9 in magnitude. These aftershocks kept people on edge, many of whom refused to return to buildings, choosing instead to camp out in parks and open spaces. Although the earthquake did not cause signific...

Kenyan Police in Haiti Face Rising Challenges Amid Escalating Violence

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Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission have suffered additional casualties as gang violence continues to escalate in the troubled Caribbean nation. The past week has seen two officers sustain serious injuries while conducting routine patrols in Port-au-Prince, further highlighting the dangers faced by the Kenyan contingent. As the situation worsens, questions arise about the effectiveness of the mission and the measures in place to protect the officers engaged in this high-risk operation. Background of Kenya’s Deployment to Haiti Kenya took the bold step of leading an international peacekeeping mission in Haiti following the country’s call for help in addressing the security crisis caused by rampant gang violence. The mission, backed by the United Nations and other global powers, aims to restore law and order in a nation where armed groups have seized control of vast territories, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. ...