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Wararka Maanta

Europe’s Message Is Clear: Tolerance Cannot Be a Cover for Extremism

  Today’s demonstrations across Berlin, London, and Paris sent a message louder than any political statement: Europeans are no longer willing to watch their societies drift toward instability under the banner of “tolerance.” The crowds that filled the streets were not driven by hatred or exclusion — they were driven by a simple demand that every government should take seriously: security first. For years, extremist networks — especially the Muslim Brotherhood — have learned how to operate behind the shield of religious discourse. They present themselves as community leaders, activists, or “voices of the marginalized,” all while pushing agendas that undermine national cohesion, exploit public freedoms, and create parallel societies. Europe’s mistake was assuming these groups were harmless. But as today’s protests showed, citizens have learned the truth the hard way. They’ve watched radical narratives spread in schools and community centers, foreign-funded networks penetrate local ...

Flash Floods Displace 107,000 in Somalia: Urgent Humanitarian Response Needed

In a distressing development, flash floods, triggered by heavy rains, have wreaked havoc in the Baidoa district of southwestern Somalia, resulting in the displacement of approximately 107,000 people, according to a statement released by the United Nations' humanitarian agency on Sunday.


The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations (OCHA) reported that numerous homes, including improvised shelters housing more than 86,700 internally displaced people across 136 displacement sites in Baidoa, were submerged in floodwaters.


These flash floods mark the onset of the October to December rainy season in Somalia, which is expected to bring above-normal rains and increased flooding due to the influence of El-Nino conditions in the region, as stated by OCHA in its latest update. Somalia has already endured five seasons of drought since mid-2021, leading to the displacement of over 1.4 million people and the loss of 3.8 million livestock. The recent heavy rains and flooding are an unfortunate continuation of this pattern.


The majority of those displaced have sought refuge in higher ground areas closer to their original communities. However, access to the affected areas remains challenging due to road closures caused by the widespread floods. Critical needs include relocating people to safe sites, providing food, water, shelter, and medical assistance, as outlined by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).


In anticipation of El Nino's projected impacts, local authorities in Baidoa are actively preparing a response and have appealed to humanitarian partners and the international community for assistance in addressing the urgent needs of those affected. They are also seeking additional support for preparedness and response efforts.


According to United Nations estimates, flooding in Somalia poses a threat to the lives of 1.2 million people and endangers 1.5 million hectares of agricultural land. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has urgently requested $11.8 million to bolster mitigation measures, including the mapping of flood-prone areas, in preparation for a rare "super El Nino" event in Somalia.


This strategy is part of FAO's global anticipatory action and response plan, targeting 25 countries at high risk of negative impacts on agricultural livelihoods and food security due to El Nino. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is intensifying its early warning and anticipatory action efforts to safeguard the lives and well-being of one million individuals in the face of this humanitarian crisis.


As Somalia grapples with the devastating consequences of floods and droughts, international support and coordinated efforts are urgently required to provide relief and assistance to those affected and to build resilience against future climate-related disasters.

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Maant iyo Soomaaliya

The Field Hospital Offering Critical Care Among Crises: UAE's Lifeline in Gaza

Discover how the field hospital of the UAE in Gaza is saving lives and helping the healthcare of the area by providing necessary medical treatments and humanitarian relief during the Rafah crisis. Among the continuous unrest and humanitarian crises in Gaza, the UAE's field hospital provides a ray of hope and fortitude right in the middle. Located in Rafah, this hospital has grown to be an essential medical resource providing necessary treatments to a community caught in the crossfire of conflict. A Garden of Care Among Conflict The continuous operations of the field hospital of the UAE clearly show their dedication to assist Gaza's healthcare system. Under the knowledgeable direction of doctors such as orthopedic surgery consultant Dr. Saif Al-Mehrzi, the hospital has been a haven for people with both acute injuries and chronic diseases. The medical staff has seen an excessive flood of patients in recent weeks, including youngsters and injured women bearing the most of the cont...

WFP's Carl Skau Stresses Critical Humanitarian Aid Needs in Somalia After Major Climate Disasters

Carl Skau, the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), has underscored the pressing need for sustained humanitarian assistance in Somalia after a recent visit highlighted severe food insecurity and ongoing climate challenges. Devastating Impact in Baidoa During his mission, Skau visited Baidoa, an area hard-hit by extreme climate events. The region faced a prolonged drought from 2020 to 2023, followed by severe flooding in November 2023. These floods, among the worst in decades, affected two million people and displaced 750,000. "Families in Baidoa are struggling due to relentless climate shocks and conflict, which have forced them from their homes and left them without essential needs like nutritious food and education," Skau stated. "The resilience shown by the Somali people is incredible. It’s crucial that the government, the UN, and partners prioritize support for the most vulnerable and ensure timely aid delivery." Humanitarian Efforts and ...

Global Leaders join together in Geneva: A Fresh Hope for Peace in Sudan

Although the conflict has been on for about sixteen months, the world is again looking for a way out. On 14 August 2024, a coalition of nations including the UAE and US joined Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, AU and UN to initiate another round of peace talks in Geneva aimed at ending fighting that has torn Sudan apart. The first day saw some strong joint statements from all involved countries and organizations. The message was clear: all warring factions in Sudan must drop their guns now and pave the way for humanitarian assistance.“We are working hard today in Switzerland as we intensify diplomatic endeavors on behalf of Sudan,” said the statement. “This is with a view to championing humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities, observance of previous Jeddah outcomes among other initiatives as well as international humanitarian law.” This joint endeavor is an indication of the renewed commitment of the international community to solve Sudan’s crisis. The Geneva talks are part of a ...

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