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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 ...

Somalia Makes a Splash: Bans Single-Use Plastics to Protect Land and Sea

Somalia has just joined the wave of change! The East African nation is the latest to ban single-use plastics, effective June 30, 2024. This move aligns with neighboring Kenya and Rwanda and demonstrates a growing commitment to protect the environment from harmful plastic pollution.

Why the ban?

Plastic bags may be convenient, but their impact on the environment is anything but. They litter landscapes, clog waterways, and harm marine life. Somalia, like many coastal nations, recognizes this danger. The ban aims to tackle plastic pollution at its source, protecting both land and sea ecosystems.

Giving businesses time to adjust:

A five-month grace period gives companies involved in producing and using plastic bags time to explore alternatives. The government also pledges to work with stakeholders to identify sustainable options, ensuring a smooth transition.

Joining a growing movement:

This ban isn't an isolated effort. Somalia joins several East African Community (EAC) member states in taking a stand against plastic pollution. This regional collaboration amplifies the impact and sets a positive example for other countries.

Beyond convenience:

The move challenges our dependence on single-use plastics and encourages us to consider reusable alternatives. By making this shift, we safeguard our environment and ensure a healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

What can you do?

Even if you don't live in Somalia, you can be part of the solution! Reduce your plastic footprint by:

Saying no to single-use plastic bags and carrying reusable ones.  
Choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging. 
Participating in beach cleanups or community recycling initiatives. 
Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and create a more sustainable future for our planet.

Share this post and spread the word! Let's all show our support for cleaner oceans, healthier communities, and a greener future.

#Somalia #SingleUsePlasticBan #EAC #BeatPlasticPollution #ProtectOurPlanet

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Maant iyo Soomaaliya

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 ...

Turkish Bank Opens First Foreign Branch in Somalia: A Milestone for Economic Growth

In a significant development for the East African nation, the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) announced on Sunday that Ziraat Katilim Bank of Turkey has established its presence by opening a branch in Mogadishu. This marks a historic occasion as the Turkish financial institution becomes the first international bank to operate in Somalia in over half a century. The establishment of Somalia's first foreign bank branch has the potential to bring about a positive transformation in the country's financial sector. This transformation is expected to result from increased economic opportunities and expanded trade relations between Somalia and its international partners. "The new branch of Ziraat Katilim Bank in Somalia is expected to offer a wide range of corporate banking services to businesses, international institutions, and development partners," stated the Central Bank of Somalia in a press release issued in Mogadishu. The journey to this milestone began in 2022 when the C...

Somalia Joins UN FAO Commission to Combat Desert Locust Infestation

In a significant stride towards combating the persistent threat of desert locusts, Somalia has ascended to a pivotal position as the seventeenth member of the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This milestone membership, marked on Wednesday, solidifies Somalia's commitment to manage and mitigate the devastating impact of locusts on agriculture and food security. According to the FAO's assessments, Somalia has demonstrated remarkable advancements in constructing national institutional and technical capacities for locust management since 2020, with substantial assistance from the FAO and other partners. Shoki AlDobai, the team leader for FAO's Locusts and other Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases, emphasized Somalia's significance as a critical breeding ground for locusts. AlDobai highlighted that Somalia's inclusion in the Commission would not only benefit the country...

Somalia's Prime Minister Calls for Unity in Countering Extremism

In a significant move to address the ongoing security challenges in Somalia, Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has taken the initiative to engage clerics and religious leaders in the fight against extremist ideologies. The Prime Minister inaugurated a conference in Mogadishu, emphasizing the critical role of clerics in promoting peace, reconciliation, and countering extremist ideologies within the nation. During the conference, Prime Minister Barre stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, intellectuals, clerics, and the people to address the various challenges facing Somalia. He highlighted the pivotal role that clerics and Imams play in raising public awareness and countering the extremist narratives propagated by groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS in the region. "I urge you to engage in reconciliation, stabilization, state-building, and the finalization of the constitution," Prime Minister Barre stated, highlighting the government's achievements in co...

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