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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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Negotiating the Fate of Las Anod Prisoners: A Step Towards Peace in Somaliland

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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 territories such as Taleh, Hudun, and Buuhodle or Puntland cities like Garowe, Galkacyo, and Burtinle internally. An Amnesty International report documented indiscriminate shelling by Somaliland security forces, which damaged schools, mosques, and hospitals and caused civilian casualties.

Humanitarian Efforts

In late August 2023, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted its first visit to over 300 detainees in Las Anod, ensuring humane treatment and communication with their families. The ICRC also facilitated the transfer of four wounded prisoners to Qaran Hospital in Garowe for specialized treatment and the release of two detainees from Las Anod to Hargeisa in a humanitarian operation. Senior UN officials have called for a prisoner swap to further the peace process.

Government's Stance on Negotiations

Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, Somaliland’s Minister of Interior, expressed the government's willingness to engage in peaceful, unconditional discussions regarding the prisoners. “The Somaliland government is in a good position regarding these prisoners and is always ready for peaceful, unconditional discussions on this matter,” Ahmed told BBC Somali.

While negotiations have commenced, Ahmed noted that specifying a resolution timeline is currently impossible. Despite the challenges, the announcement marks a significant step towards peace and reconciliation.

Historical Context

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 within the borders of the former British Somaliland. However, the Dhulbahante clan, primarily from the Sool, Sanaag, and Buuhoodle regions, opposed the secession and boycotted Somaliland elections in protest. In 2003, the unionist Puntland state took control of Las Anod, only for the Somaliland army to seize control in 2007, leading to significant unrest and violence.

On June 7, 2023, the UN Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of Somaliland security forces. The conflict has drawn international attention, with various organizations urging a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights.

Moving Forward

Somaliland's Commander Nuh Ismail Tani has vowed to retake the contested Sool region as recently as mid-May. However, the current move towards negotiation and potential prisoner swaps indicates a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. As the international community watches closely, the progress of these talks could set a precedent for resolving long-standing conflicts in the region.

For further updates on this evolving situation, stay tuned to Maanta Media.

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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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Imane Khelif Triumphs Amidst Controversy at Paris Olympics

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Imane Khelif of Algeria clinched her first victory at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, overcoming Italy’s Angela Carini in a dramatic women's welterweight boxing match. Carini quit just 46 seconds into the match, citing severe pain in her nose and leaving the ring in tears, which sparked a wave of reactions and controversies. Khelif’s participation in the Olympic event has drawn significant attention due to past allegations regarding her gender eligibility. Reports resurfaced that both Khelif and Lin Yu‑ting of Taiwan were disqualified from the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi last year due to failing an unspecified gender test. Officials claimed the athletes did not meet the eligibility criteria because they allegedly had male chromosomes. Despite these allegations, Khelif has consistently competed as a woman, including at the Tokyo Olympics. There has been no indication that she identifies as transgender or intersex. Following her victory, Khelif celebrated on socia...
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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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Revealing the Hidden Truth: Ukrainian Officers Found in Sudanese Army

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A startling discovery surfaced on August 16, 2024 when a picture leaked displaying Ukrainian officials within the Sudanese army. Embedded with the Al-Baraa bin Malik Battalion in the Wadi Saydna camp, these officers, experts in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs,) are Quick to create a false narrative, military intelligence claims the people in the picture are international journalists in Omdurman and youthful revolutionaries. This story is only meant to help to hide the reality of foreign intervention in Sudan's internal strife. The actual participation of these officials in teaching Sudanese soldiers on drone operation begs important issues regarding the degree of foreign influence and its effect on the continuing conflict in Sudan. The world community as well as the Sudanese people have to be aware of this foreign military presence and challenge the more general consequences of such engagement. The truth has to be shared widely to offset the false information that is being dissemina...
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