Maanta Media

In a resurgence of maritime piracy, Somali pirates have once again struck, seizing the MV Abdullah off the coast of Somalia last week. This incident marks the latest in a string of more than 20 attacks since November, signaling a troubling resurgence after nearly a decade of relative dormancy. The MV Abdullah joins the ranks of targeted vessels, raising alarms among international authorities and maritime security forces. In a swift response to this latest hijacking, Somali police, alongside international navies, are gearing up for a coordinated assault to free the hijacked vessel. Just days prior, the Indian navy executed a daring rescue operation, liberating the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen, which had fallen into the hands of pirates back in December. This successful operation not only freed 17 crew members but also resulted in the capture of 35 pirates, underscoring the escalating threat posed by maritime piracy in the region. The Puntland region's police force, a crucial player in co...

Somalia takes a significant stride forward in disaster management with the launch of the National Emergency Telecom Plan (NETP). The recent workshop in Mogadishu, focusing on the Common Alert Protocol (CAP), marked a pivotal moment in enhancing the country's disaster response capabilities. Building Resilience Through Technology: The NETP, a cornerstone initiative discussed extensively at the workshop, aims to revolutionize disaster communications. Representatives from key entities like the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), telecom firms, ministries, and civic organizations united to forge a coordinated approach to emergency communications. ITU's Crucial Role and Commitment: Dr. Mustafa Almahdi, representing the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighted the pivotal role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in disaster management. The ITU's commitment to assisting nations in developing emergency communications policies, offering CAP ...

In a landmark move towards bolstering economic ties between the UAE and Kenya, ADQ, a state-controlled fund from the UAE, has announced a substantial investment commitment of $500 million in Kenya's priority sectors. This strategic partnership, forged through a finance and investment framework with Kenya's National Treasury and Economic Planning Ministry, marks a significant milestone in the economic cooperation between the two nations. Fostering Growth and Development The agreement aims to explore and leverage investment opportunities in Kenya to promote the growth and development of its national economy. With Kenya's economy being the largest in the East Africa region and projected to achieve growth between 5 and 6% in 2024, the infusion of investment from ADQ is poised to accelerate this growth trajectory. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and CEO of ADQ, expressed confidence in the investment's potential to unlock tangible value and contribute to the econo...

The United Nations Security Council is convening today for a vital private discussion to handle the escalating conflict in Sudan, which has shockingly high degrees of bloodshed and humanitarian suffering. Initiated by Mozambique, the President of the Council for May, this conference results from protracted negotiations with Council members and the parties engaged in the conflict. Key briefings are planned from Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths. A Year of Destruction Particularly in the city of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, the strife in Sudan, which broke out on April 15, 2023, has seriously harmed the country. Between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, this city has been a focal point of great bloodshed. As of May 17, the Armed figh...