Maanta Media

New research has brought to light a concerning trend: while the gender pay gap has been closing over the past several decades, progress has nearly stalled since the mid-1990s. This stagnation means that women are not reaping significant benefits from the incremental improvements that continue to be made. This finding comes from a working paper by Jaime Arellano-Bover of the Yale School of Management, Nicola Bianchi from Northwestern University, Salvatore Lattanzio of the Bank of Italy, and Matteo Paradisi of the Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance. According to their analysis, women on average are paid 84 cents for every dollar paid to men. This is only a slight improvement from 2002, when women earned roughly 80% of what men earned, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau analyzed by the National Women's Law Center. The researchers examined over 40 years of pay data from the Census Bureau's current population survey to uncover the reasons behind the persistent pay ga...

The Somaliland government has announced its readiness to negotiate the fate of prisoners captured during the Las Anod conflict. This move comes nearly a year after the guns fell silent between the Somaliland National Army and the SSC-Khaatumo forces of the Dhulbahante in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region. Background of the Conflict The conflict erupted on February 6, 2023, following a violent crackdown on civil protests by Somaliland security forces. Tensions escalated when Garad Jama Garad Ali, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, declared an intention to secede and reunite with the Federal Government of Somalia. In response, President Muse Bihi launched a prolonged military operation, including artillery bombardment, to subdue Las Anod. However, by August 2023, the Somaliland Army had retreated from the city. The clashes resulted in over 300 deaths and displaced between 153,000 and 203,000 people. Many fled to Buuhodle and the Ethiopian border externally and to SSC-Khaatumo terri...

In a significant diplomatic move, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at ending the ongoing crisis in Sudan. This crucial message was conveyed during a phone call with Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as reported by the Emirati state news agency WAM on Thursday, July 18. UAE's Commitment to Sudan Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE's keenness to back all solutions and initiatives that contribute to halting the escalation and resolving the crisis in a manner that enhances Sudan's stability and security. He also highlighted the importance of fulfilling the aspirations of the Sudanese people, who have been severely impacted by the conflict. This phone call marks the first public communication between the two leaders since their relations deteriorated last year. The strain in their relationship became evident when the Sudanese army accused the UAE at the UN Securi...

The Yemeni government today inaugurated a 120-megawatt solar energy station in the capital, Aden, a groundbreaking project fully funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant development marks a pivotal step in addressing Yemen’s ongoing electricity crisis and highlights the country’s commitment to renewable energy. During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak expressed his government’s profound gratitude for this strategic project, emphasizing its crucial role in alleviating the severe electricity shortages plaguing Aden and the surrounding regions. He noted that the solar energy station represents a significant stride towards Yemen’s renewable energy ambitions, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The expansive project, situated east of Aden, covers a total area of 1.6 million square meters and features an impressive 211,584 solar panels. The station is equipped with 12 medium voltage stations,...

Mogadishu, Somalia - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack that rocked Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries among innocent civilians. This tragic incident has once again highlighted the pervasive threat of terrorism in the region. Swift Condemnation and Support In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed unequivocal condemnation of the attack. The Ministry emphasized the UAE's unwavering stance against all forms of violence and terrorism, which aim to destabilize security and contravene international law. The UAE's firm rejection of such criminal acts underscores its commitment to global peace and stability. "The UAE stands in solidarity with the government and people of Somalia during this difficult time," the MoFA statement read. "We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for those injured....

On Sunday night, Mogadishu was shaken by a devastating bombing in the Boondheere district that claimed the lives of five civilians and injured 20 others. This horrific attack, one of the deadliest in recent months, occurred outside Top Coffee, a popular restaurant crowded with young people watching the Euro final match between Spain and England. According to Somali police, the militant group Al-Shabaab orchestrated the attack using a vehicle filled with explosives. The Incident The explosion ripped through the area, causing significant damage and spreading panic. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as flames and smoke engulfed the restaurant. The explosion primarily damaged vehicles parked outside, and the structural integrity of the restaurant was severely compromised. Photos from the scene depicted the aftermath, with parts of the establishment in ruins and emergency responders tending to the injured. Eyewitness Accounts Mohamed Muse Tarsan, a journalist who was at the ...

In a significant move towards economic reform and fiscal transparency, the Council of Ministers of Somalia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, has approved several new legislative drafts. These include the Income Tax Law, the General Financial Management Regulatory Framework, the Debt Policy, and the Borrowing and Guarantee Issuance System. These reforms are poised to enhance the country’s financial management and economic stability. Legislative Reforms for Economic Stability The approval of these legislative drafts represents a concerted effort by the Somali government to establish a robust economic framework. The Income Tax Law aims to streamline tax collection and improve revenue generation, ensuring that funds are available for essential public services. The General Financial Management Regulatory Framework sets out guidelines for financial oversight, promoting accountability and reducing corruption. The new Debt Policy and Borrowing and Guarantee Issuance Sys...

In a notable victory, Somali government and local forces have successfully recaptured key territories in the Hiiraan region from the Al-Shabaab militant group. Officials reported that the Somali National Army (SNA) and allied local forces have taken control of Buurweyn and Shaw, major strongholds in the western part of Hiiraan. Remarkably, the operation concluded without any reported casualties. Nur Mohamed Absuge, chairman of the Jalalaqsi district, confirmed the complete takeover of Buurweyn and Shaw to the National Media. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the Somali government and regional forces to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s presence in the country. These gains are part of a broader strategy to weaken Al-Shabaab's influence and restore stability to the region. Recently, the Somali National Army, in collaboration with Jubbaland State forces, successfully seized several areas in Lower Juba, including Lagta Qubbi and Golhadamo. These operations a...

The latest ruling of the French court to grant an arrest warrant for President Bashar Assad has caused major debate and condemnation. Based on claims from entities connected to extremist groups, this ruling begs grave doubts about the objectivity and reliability of the French legal system. Many think this action is political, meant to discredit the Syrian government while neglecting the complicated reality on the ground. Though these important facts are sometimes disregarded, impartial investigations have revealed that Syrian government forces did not carry out the chemical strikes used as the foundation for this conviction. Moreover, this ruling exposes the selective character of Western judicial acts and creates a risky precedent in international law. Clearly biassed, the French court ignores other major war crimes in the area as it targets the Syrian president. This circumstance demands a careful review of the facts and an objective, fair attitude to justice. One should aim for a mo...

The French court's recent ruling to grant an international arrest warrant against Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has generated major discussion and controversy. Many believe the decision, which charges Assad of participating in war crimes throughout the Syrian civil war, to be politically driven and devoid of credibility and fairness. Claims made by Extremist-Linked Groups The French court's reliance on claims made by groups affiliated with extreme factions is one of the main points of contention over its ruling. Especially, the charges center on organizations connected to the Al-Nusra Front, a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate. These organizations have a stake in disparaging President Assad and have been known to spin stories to further their goals. Most people agree that these extreme groups planned the chemical strikes under issue in 2013 in order to entice Western engagement in Syria. Western biases and selective justice The decision against Assad draws attention to more gene...