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Gaza faces severe food shortages amid limited aid access, with only half of the targeted supplies entering since a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Somalia, Sudan, and Haiti are experiencing escalating humanitarian crises driven by aid cuts, conflict, and climate shocks, threatening millions with famine and displacement.
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On November 6, 2025, Somali pirates attacked and seized the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite in the Indian Ocean, over 1,000 km off Somalia’s coast. The 24 crew members locked themselves safely in the ship’s citadel. The pirates, armed with machine guns and RPGs, reportedly operate from a hijacked Iranian fishing boat. EU naval forces are responding amid rising piracy linked to regional instability.
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As of November 2025, the UN's Emissions Gap Report reveals that current national climate pledges will lead to a 2.3-2.5°C global temperature rise by 2100, surpassing Paris Agreement targets. Despite some progress, global emissions rose 2.3% in 2024. China's new 2035 goals mark its first specific emissions reduction target but fall short of what's needed. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement threatens to negate recent gains ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
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Recent attacks off Somalia's coast include the first in a year by suspected pirates. A dhow was used as a 'mother ship' to seize the tanker Hellas Aphrodite, but EU naval forces disrupted the pirates and secured the crew. Piracy has resurged amid regional instability.
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The New Orleans police department's decade-long federal oversight ends after a court proceeding in Loyola Law School. The consent decree, initiated in 2012 due to unconstitutional practices, including racial bias, was approved in 2013. Both DOJ and city officials agree the department has made sufficient progress to exit federal oversight, despite ongoing concerns about racial disparities and delays in investigations.
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On November 3, 2025, a rubber boat carrying 49 migrants from Libya capsized six hours after departure due to engine failure amid high waves. After drifting for six days, seven survivors were rescued near Libya’s Al Buri oil field; 42 remain missing and presumed dead. This tragedy adds to over 1,000 migrant deaths in the central Mediterranean this year, highlighting urgent needs for safer migration routes and improved rescue efforts.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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Harare reports 501 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, while cholera cases surpass 300,000 across Africa. Ethiopia and Rwanda investigate Marburg virus, with ongoing support from WHO and Africa CDC. No deaths reported yet, but health authorities remain vigilant.
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As of early December 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of 19 countries previously designated as high-risk under a 2025 travel ban. This follows a November attack in Washington by an Afghan national granted asylum. USCIS will conduct comprehensive reviews and interviews for immigrants from these countries who entered since January 2021, with no set date to lift the pause.
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Somalia faces a worsening health care crisis due to US aid cuts, affecting thousands of health workers and facilities. Despite recent gains against militants, public health services are collapsing, with hospitals relying heavily on international aid. The situation highlights ongoing instability and donor fatigue.
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Recent articles highlight worsening climate impacts and conflict-driven crises across Africa. A new UN-backed initiative aims to improve data on climate-health links, while ongoing droughts, food shortages, and conflict in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia threaten millions. Humanitarian efforts are increasing but face significant challenges.
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President Trump announced a new travel pause affecting 19 countries, including Afghanistan and Somalia, citing national security concerns after recent attacks. The move expands previous restrictions, halting processing of immigration applications and reviewing existing approvals amid heightened security fears.
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Since December 10, 2025, former President Trump has intensified racist comments targeting Somali immigrants and their representatives, including Ilhan Omar, amid ongoing immigration policies and political tensions. His remarks have sparked widespread condemnation and concern over rising xenophobia in the US and globally.
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In early December 2025, President Donald Trump launched a harsh verbal attack on Somali immigrants in Minnesota, calling them "garbage" and claiming they contribute nothing to the US. He also criticized Somali-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. These remarks coincided with federal plans for immigration enforcement operations targeting Somali residents, sparking local political backlash and highlighting ongoing tensions over immigration policy.
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Recent reports indicate that former President Trump made inflammatory comments about Somali immigrants, calling them "trash" and suggesting they should "go back" to their countries. The remarks, made during a cabinet meeting, have sparked outrage among Somali-American communities and critics, highlighting ongoing racial tensions and Trump's controversial rhetoric.
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On December 7, mutinous soldiers in Benin briefly seized state TV, declared a coup removing President Patrice Talon, and suspended the constitution. Loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian airstrikes and ECOWAS troops, swiftly regained control. Fourteen arrests were made; the coup leader remains at large. The incident highlights regional instability amid rising military takeovers in West Africa.
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Recent weeks have seen increased hostility towards Somali Americans in Minnesota, driven by inflammatory remarks from President Trump, immigration enforcement actions, and a major welfare fraud scandal. Community members report rising racism, arrests, and fear, amid political and social upheaval.
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Nigeria intervened militarily in Benin after a coup attempt led by soldiers. President Tinubu ordered fighter jets and ground forces to support Benin's government, which quickly regained control. The intervention was coordinated with regional bodies and followed requests from Benin's authorities. The coup was foiled within hours, amid regional insecurity concerns.
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Malawi is experiencing a food emergency with over four million people at risk of malnutrition due to drought, flooding, and economic hardship. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces a worsening hunger crisis with over 17 million people food insecure amid aid cuts and natural disasters. Both countries' crises are driven by climate, economic, and political factors.
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Nigeria's House of Representatives is set to vote on 44 prioritized constitutional amendment bills, focusing on local government autonomy, electoral reforms, and gender inclusion. The review process involved extensive stakeholder engagement, with debates on reserved seats for women and judicial independence. The outcome will shape Nigeria's governance structure in 2025.
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The US State Department has notified at least 29 ambassadors, mostly appointed during Biden's administration, that their postings will end in January. The move affects key countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as part of a broader effort to align diplomacy with the current administration's priorities.
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Kuwait has awarded a $4.16 billion contract for Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, linking to China's Belt and Road. Saudi Arabia signed agreements to boost exports and logistics, while Egypt announced a $200 million factory for sustainable jet fuel, strengthening regional economic ties.
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Somalia conducted local council elections in Mogadishu, marking a step toward direct voting after decades of indirect elections. The vote, seen as a test for national elections, faces opposition over security concerns and electoral process legitimacy. Security was heightened, and around 1,605 candidates competed for 390 posts.
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Somalia's Mogadishu held its first direct local elections in over 57 years, with voting occurring peacefully across 523 polling stations. The process marks a significant step in Somalia's democratic development, amid security concerns and political tensions. Results are expected soon, with international observers present.
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On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent country, signing a joint declaration with Somaliland's president. The move, framed as part of the Abraham Accords, has sparked widespread condemnation from Somalia, the African Union, and regional powers, who view it as a threat to Somalia's sovereignty and regional stability. Somaliland hailed the recognition as historic and a step toward strategic partnership.
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Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, marking a historic shift that has intensified regional tensions. The move aims to strengthen Israel's strategic position near key shipping lanes and counter Iran-backed threats, but it faces strong opposition from Somalia and regional actors. The story is unfolding today, Jan 10, 2026.
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The US at the UN defended Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland, comparing it to the recognition of Palestine by some countries. The move drew criticism from Somalia, the African Union, and the EU, who emphasize Somalia's sovereignty. The US maintains its policy remains unchanged amid regional tensions.
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Israel's recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, has sparked protests in Somalia and condemnation from regional powers. Somaliland's president predicts more countries will follow, while Somalia and its allies warn of regional instability. The move challenges existing diplomatic norms and regional stability.
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Turkey has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it unlawful and a threat to regional stability. Somali President Mohamud warned of potential destabilization in the Horn of Africa, while Turkey reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty amid regional tensions over the move.
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On December 31, 2025, a boat carrying over 200 migrants capsized near Jinack Village in Gambia's North Bank region. Rescue efforts have saved 102 survivors and recovered seven bodies. The vessel was found grounded on a sandbank. The tragedy highlights the deadly Atlantic migration route from West Africa to Europe, with ongoing government investigations and intensified rescue operations.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that the Rafah crossing will remain closed until the body of Israeli captive Ran Gvili is recovered, citing security and political reasons. This decision follows ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and regional diplomatic efforts to implement a ceasefire, with regional and international actors urging full compliance.
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Israel is the only country to formally recognize Somaliland's independence from Somalia, prompting Somalia's rejection and international criticism. The recognition follows Somaliland's declaration of independence in 1991 and recent diplomatic efforts, including a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Hargeisa, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
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Yemen's southern conflict escalates as UAE-backed separatists, led by Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, seize territory and threaten independence, prompting Saudi Arabia to counter with military force. The disappearance of Yemen's STC leader, Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, after a delayed flight adds to regional tensions amid ongoing fighting and political instability.
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Protests erupted in Mogadishu over Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, viewed as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty. Demonstrators condemned foreign interference, while Somalia's president rejected the move, urging dialogue and warning of potential destabilization. The recognition has sparked regional diplomatic tensions and international criticism.
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The US has halted aid to Somalia after allegations that Somali officials seized 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid and destroyed a warehouse. The suspension reflects ongoing US criticism of Somali governance and increased scrutiny of Somali migrants in the US. The aid freeze may impact future assistance programs.
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The US has suspended aid to Somalia after Somali officials destroyed a US-funded WFP warehouse and seized food aid. Somalia's government disputes the theft claim, stating aid remains in custody. The incident has prompted US investigations and aid suspension, highlighting tensions over aid management and accountability.