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Wararka Maanta

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

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  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 ...
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UAE's Increasing Investments in Africa: A Strategic Move Toward Economic Expansion

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In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a significant investor in the African continent, pledging billions of dollars to foster economic development across various sectors. According to Bloomberg reports, between 2022 and 2023 alone, the UAE committed a staggering $97.3 billion in investment pledges to Africa, showcasing its growing interest in the region's burgeoning economies.

The UAE's investment trajectory reflects a strategic approach aimed at deepening trade ties and securing future economic growth opportunities, particularly in light of its 2021 plan to strengthen relations with countries in Africa and Asia. Notably, the country's pledge of $35 billion to Egypt underscores its commitment to bolstering partnerships within the continent.

Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Emirati Minister of State for Trade, emphasized the UAE's intent to aggressively open markets with numerous countries, signaling a proactive stance towards expanding its global footprint. Al Zeyoudi's remarks also alluded to the competitive landscape, acknowledging the potential for increased competition as a means to enlarge the economic "pie" and subsequently enhance the UAE's share within it.

Comparatively, the UAE's investment pledges have surpassed those of other major players, including China, France, the UK, and the US. Despite China's substantial investments amounting to $28.7 billion and France's commitments totaling $31.9 billion during the same period, the UAE has emerged as a formidable contender in Africa's investment landscape.

A closer look at some of the UAE's investment initiatives reveals a focus on diverse sectors and partnerships with key African economies. Companies from the UAE have predominantly directed their attention towards more developed African nations such as Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya. Notable examples include AMEA Power's $15 billion commitment to green hydrogen production and renewable projects across Africa, as well as the International Holding Company's acquisition of a majority stake in Zambia's Mopani Copper Mines for $1.1 billion.

Furthermore, initiatives such as Masdar's $4.5 billion climate financing for Africa and AMEA Power's $1 billion equity investment underscore the UAE's commitment to sustainable development and environmental initiatives on the continent.

While investment pledges do not directly translate to actual expenditure, there is growing optimism regarding the UAE's role as a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa over the next five years. Rassem Zok, CEO of Standard Bank Group Limited, Middle East and North Africa, anticipates a return to robust growth in FDI, with projections suggesting a surge in investments from the UAE in the coming years.

In Nigeria, the UAE has solidified its position as a key contributor to foreign investment, with inflows totaling $375.01 million between Q4 2022 and Q3 2023. However, despite its economic significance, diplomatic tensions stemming from Nigeria's visa ban on Emirati citizens in October 2022 highlight the complexities of bilateral relations.

In conclusion, the UAE's increasing investments in Africa represent a strategic endeavor to diversify its economic interests and capitalize on the continent's growth potential. As the UAE continues to forge partnerships and expand its presence in key African markets, its role as a major driver of economic development in the region is poised to strengthen in the years ahead.

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Maant iyo Soomaaliya

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

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

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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 ...
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Egypt opens an embassy in Mogadishu, so strengthening ties to Somalia.

By Abubakar Hussein
Egypt formally reopened its recently built embassy in Mogadishu on Tuesday in a major stride towards strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties. Reflecting a fresh will to promote cooperation across many spheres, this action marks a significant turning point in the strengthening ties between Egypt and Somalia. Closely trailing on the heels of the recent direct flight launches between Cairo, Djibouti City, and Mogadishu is the embassy reopening. Initiated by EgyptAir in July 2024, these flights represent the increasing connectivity between the two countries, hence improving prospects for trade, tourism, and investment. Announcing the opening of the new diplomatic headquarters, Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates showed its commitment to enhancing its fraternal connection with Somalia. "The new headquarters of the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu was opened today in view of the political leadership and the Egyptian state's desire in improving cooperation and f...
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Through strategic partnerships, the UAE enhances global economic ties with Eurasia, East Africa, and South America.

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Targeting approximately $1 billion in trade, the UAE's economic diplomacy drive diversifies commercial connections through extensive transactions with nations in South America, East Africa, and Eurasia, therefore strengthening global partnerships. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is developing strong alliances and diversifying commercial ties across South America, East Africa, and Eurasia, thereby making amazing progress in its efforts at global economic diplomacy. By means of a sequence of historic agreements and joint ventures, the UAE seeks to surpass $1 billion in two-way commerce, promoting cooperation in sectors including energy, infrastructure, high-tech, and renewable technologies. These projects highlight the UAE's will to improve economic ties and investigate fresh prospects all around. East Africa: With an eye toward development and expansion East Africa is the primary focus of the UAE's economic diplomacy efforts. The UAE has signed a major contract with Uganda...
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