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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 ...

Libya Partners with UAE to Deliver Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients


 In a groundbreaking move, Libya's Department of Support and Development of Medical Services (DSDMS) has announced a pivotal partnership with the UAE to provide advanced gene therapy treatment for children suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This initiative represents a significant milestone in Libya’s healthcare system, reflecting its commitment to improving the quality of life for patients with rare and debilitating diseases.

Details of the Agreement

Ahmed Mlitan, head of the DSDMS, signed a contract with the UAE’s Jalila Children’s Hospital, renowned for its expertise in pediatric care and cutting-edge medical treatments. The agreement focuses on delivering gene therapy injections to 17 Libyan children diagnosed with SMA, a genetic condition that affects muscle strength and movement.

The initiative is a direct result of Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba’s decision No. 649 of 2024 and is being closely monitored by Libya’s Attorney General’s Office. According to the DSDMS, the move adheres to recommendations made by specialized scientific committees tasked with evaluating SMA treatments.

A Lifeline for SMA Patients

Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and atrophy. Without treatment, the disease can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Gene therapy offers a revolutionary solution by addressing the underlying genetic cause of SMA, potentially halting disease progression and improving patient outcomes.

By providing access to this treatment, Libya is ensuring that affected children receive world-class medical care, setting a precedent for tackling rare diseases within the country.

Collaboration Beyond Borders

This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing healthcare, particularly for nations striving to enhance their medical infrastructure. The UAE’s support through its Jalila Children’s Hospital demonstrates a shared commitment to humanitarian initiatives and the pursuit of innovative solutions for global health challenges.

A Hopeful Future

The provision of gene therapy marks a hopeful turning point for SMA patients and their families in Libya. It signifies not just a commitment to better healthcare but also an acknowledgment of the right to a healthier and more dignified life for those battling rare diseases.

As the initiative unfolds, it will likely inspire further advancements in Libya’s healthcare sector, paving the way for more partnerships and improved treatment accessibility.

This collaboration highlights how shared efforts can transform lives and serves as a testament to the power of science and compassion in addressing even the most complex medical challenges.

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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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