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Mystical Beliefs Drive Illegal Trade of Big Cat Parts in Senegal

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Senegal’s illegal big cat trade grows, fueled by the belief in gris-gris talismans crafted from lion and leopard parts.

In Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park, the morning’s tranquility is interrupted by the tracks of lions, whose population is critically endangered in West Africa. Despite heightened protections, the park’s lions face ongoing threats from poaching, driven largely by mystical beliefs surrounding gris-gris, talismans made from animal parts believed to possess magical powers.

A recent investigation by Panthera, a wild cat conservation group, revealed that lion and leopard parts are sold in 80% of markets surveyed, with demand increasing in recent years. While Niokolo-Koba’s lion population has doubled since 2017, an average of two lions are still lost to poaching each year.

The gris-gris, crafted from animal skins and inscribed with Quranic verses, are highly sought after for spiritual protection, health, and success. For many in Senegal, lion parts, as symbols of power and strength, are particularly valued. Police officers, wrestlers, and politicians often use these talismans for protection or influence, while everyday citizens wear them to guard against curses.

The trade of lion and leopard parts has created a complex smuggling network that spans the continent, with skins likely sourced from East and Southern Africa, making their way into Senegal through clandestine routes. Despite law enforcement’s best efforts, the smuggling network remains tough to dismantle, and authorities have only confiscated a small fraction of the illegal trade.

At the heart of the issue are the marabouts, influential religious leaders who prescribe gris-gris to their followers. Many marabouts, such as Cheikh Camara, see no contradiction between prescribing gris-gris for protection and the poaching of lions, further fueling the demand for lion parts.

The consequences for lions are grave. As few as 250 lions remain in West Africa, and while the Niokolo-Koba park has made strides in boosting lion populations, the illegal trade threatens their survival. With outdated wildlife laws and minimal penalties for offenders, the challenge of protecting Senegal’s lions and leopards remains monumental.

To address the issue, experts suggest that cultural change must go hand-in-hand with stronger enforcement. Dr. Cheikh Babou, a historian and expert in West African Islam, emphasizes that convincing people to shift away from gris-gris and towards other means of protection will be key to ensuring the survival of Senegal’s big cats.

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Former Somali PM Rooble Accuses Foreign Ministry of Blocking Diplomatic Passport

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Mohamed Hussein Rooble claims the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delayed his diplomatic passport, affecting his trip to South Africa.

Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble has raised allegations against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for delaying the clearance of his diplomatic passport, preventing his timely travel to South Africa. Speaking to the Somali community in South Africa on Saturday, Rooble shared that he and his delegation submitted a passport application to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, which faced a 20-day delay, causing some members of his delegation to miss the trip.

Rooble vowed to address the issue upon his return to Somalia, stating that he would hold the responsible authorities accountable. “I will be accountable to the head of state when I return to Somalia, and I will take action on the problem we encountered with the Ministry,” he said.

In response, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi denied any interference from the government, explaining that the Ministry had sent a letter to Rooble and his delegation on February 1. “We have the letter we sent him and his delegation, and we do not know where his request was rejected. We only heard about it on social media,” Fiqi commented.

Despite the controversy, Rooble was able to travel to South Africa on Thursday using his Swedish passport, as he is a naturalized Swedish citizen. He was accompanied by a delegation that included former Minister of Education Abdullahi Arab, former State Minister for Planning Gaani, and former Banadir regional secretary-general Xiireey, all of whom reportedly traveled on European passports.

The disagreement over the diplomatic passport has sparked discussions on the diplomatic relations and internal political dynamics within Somalia.

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Somali Military Chiefs Brief Gen. Muhoozi on Security in Mogadishu

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Somali military officials meet with Gen. Muhoozi to discuss Mogadishu security ahead of East African Defence Chiefs meeting.

This week, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, held a meeting with senior Somali military officials in Nairobi to discuss the ongoing security situation in Mogadishu. The Somali delegation, led by Brig. Gen. Madey Nurey Sheikh, Deputy Chief of Defence, updated Gen. Muhoozi on developments in the Somali capital.

The meeting, which took place before the East African Community (EAC) Chiefs of Defence Forces meeting in Kenya, highlighted Uganda’s continued support for peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. Brig. Gen. Madey praised the role of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), who have been integral to stabilizing Somalia since 2007 under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Gen. Muhoozi acknowledged the briefing and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to regional security, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration. Maj. Gen. James Birungi, Uganda’s Chief of Intelligence and Security, also attended the meeting, stressing the value of intelligence-sharing to counter security threats in the region.

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Russia-Ukraine War

Zelenskyy Open to Resigning for Peace, Rejects U.S. Minerals Deal

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expresses willingness to step down for peace but firmly rejects proposed U.S. minerals deal.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shocked many on Sunday by stating he was willing to step down if it meant peace for his war-torn country, even offering to exchange his resignation for Ukraine’s NATO membership. During a press conference, he emphasized his commitment to peace while asserting that his decision would be conditional on the benefit to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy responded to a question about leaving his post, saying, “If (it means) peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready.” His readiness to step aside was framed within a potential deal for NATO membership. The announcement comes amid growing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pushed for elections in Ukraine and questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, despite Ukrainian laws banning elections during martial law.

While Trump criticized Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” Ukraine’s president defended his popularity, noting a 63% approval rating and calling Trump’s claims of a 4% approval rating “dangerous misinformation.”

Zelenskyy also rejected a U.S. proposal that would see Ukraine hand over 50% of its critical minerals, including uranium, lithium, and graphite, in exchange for military aid. He firmly opposed any arrangement that would put future generations of Ukrainians in debt, stating, “I will not sign what 10 generations of Ukrainians will be repaying.” The proposal, which would have required Ukraine to pay $500 billion in raw materials, has sparked a fierce debate over fairness and future financial obligations.

Despite rejecting the U.S. offer, Zelenskyy confirmed ongoing discussions about a deal that would secure Ukraine’s security. His team, led by chief of staff Andriy Yermak, is in talks with U.S. officials to develop Ukrainian mineral resources under more favorable terms.

This clash over resources highlights the ongoing tensions between the two leaders, with Zelenskyy prioritizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and future economic stability while navigating complex international negotiations during the ongoing war with Russia.

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Chaos Ensues as Musk Orders 2.3 Million Federal Workers to Justify Their Work

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Musk’s Email Demands for Federal Employees Spark Confusion, Defiance, and Legal Concerns

Elon Musk’s recent email to 2.3 million federal workers, demanding a list of accomplishments for the past week, has ignited a wave of confusion, rebellion, and legal uncertainty. Musk’s directive is being seen as an overreach, as many agencies, especially sensitive ones like the FBI and Department of Defense, instructed employees to ignore the request. The threat of resignation for non-compliance raised alarm bells, with many questioning the legality of such a demand, as it contradicts existing employee rights and union agreements.

The biggest concern? National security. Agencies such as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned that sharing even non-classified information in response could compromise security. Aggregating employees’ accomplishments across sensitive agencies poses a risk of exposing classified material unintentionally, escalating the tension between Musk’s corporate demands and national security protocols.

Musk’s stance of treating non-respondents as resigned employees clashes with legal protections and is drawing criticism from both sides of the aisle. Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and GOP figures like Sen. Lisa Murkowski have called Musk’s actions “absurd,” with some employees flat-out refusing to comply. Many are wary that Musk is using the email to feed AI systems, possibly violating legal and privacy standards.

Musk’s push to audit the efficiency of federal workers through a mass email seems to backfire. While some view it as a method to root out inefficiency, it’s quickly becoming a political and legal headache, exposing deep divides over corporate influence in government affairs. With the email triggering chaos across multiple agencies, it’s clear this isn’t just about accountability—it’s about power, control, and a future where the boundaries between private sector oversight and public service may be blurred beyond recognition.

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ICE’s Somali Deportation Nightmare: Bureaucracy, Brutality, and Pure Political Theater

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The U.S. government is wasting thousands trying to deport a Somali asylum seeker it knows it cannot remove. Red tape, incompetence, or deliberate cruelty?

27-year-old Roble Ahmed Salad has no criminal record—yet he’s been shackled, flown across the country, and locked up like a felon in an Alaskan jail. His crime? Trusting the system.

After fleeing Somalia’s chaos in 2022, Salad sought asylum, complied with every order, and even paid his own way to meet ICE demands. But after a paperwork screw-up, he was branded a fugitive—despite literally flying 4,000 miles just to check in as instructed.

ICE knows Somalia is too dangerous for deportations. They even released him once, acknowledging removal was “impossible.” But in Trump’s America, optics matter more than facts. So ICE threw him back in detention, burning taxpayer cash on pointless flights and incarceration.

This isn’t law enforcement—it’s political theater. A crackdown for show, targeting easy prey instead of actual threats. Salad’s case is just one of many in a system that spends millions chasing ghosts while real criminals walk free.

How much more will America waste hunting an asylum seeker it cannot deport? How long before this bureaucratic farce collapses under its own stupidity?

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Somali Speaker Lifts MP Suspensions Amid Political Allegations

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Controversy Erupts After Somali MPs Reinstated, Accused of Political Motives Behind Initial Suspensions

Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe) announced the reinstatement of 15 lawmakers suspended for nearly three months. The suspensions, which followed a disruptive incident in Parliament on November 27, 2024, were initially framed as disciplinary measures. However, critics argue the penalties were politically motivated, aimed at silencing opposition to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Among the suspended MPs was Hassan Abdi Ismail, “Xildhibaan Firimbi,” accused of assaulting a parliamentary security officer. Others faced penalties for allegedly obstructing quorum and breaching parliamentary rules. Yet, some of the reinstated MPs, including Mohamed Ali Omar (“Caana Nuug”), have dismissed these actions as a targeted effort to stifle opposition voices.

Political Motives Behind Suspensions?

Caana Nuug, one of the reinstated MPs, boldly claimed that the suspensions had nothing to do with parliamentary procedure and everything to do with silencing dissent. He accused Speaker Madoobe and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of carrying out a political agenda designed to protect the president from scrutiny, particularly after Mohamud’s recent address to Parliament.

The timing of the reinstatement—just days after the president’s speech—has fueled speculation that it was intended to prevent potential disruptions or public challenges during the session. “They didn’t want anyone heckling him,” Caana Nuug added, further stoking tensions within the House.

Concerns Over Legislative Integrity

Critics argue that the initial suspensions violated Somalia’s parliamentary rules, as the Speaker lacked the authority to impose them unilaterally. By lifting the suspensions, Speaker Madoobe has walked back a decision that many saw as politically driven. The controversy has highlighted ongoing concerns over the political influence exerted over Somalia’s legislative process, with opposition lawmakers vowing to continue resisting what they perceive as efforts to curtail dissent.

This episode underscores the ongoing political divisions within Somalia’s Parliament, suggesting that the battle for political control is far from over. With the reinstated MPs now back in action, the tension between the government and opposition is likely to intensify as they continue to navigate a volatile political landscape.

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Chaos at Kenya’s Main Airport – Fire Erupts, Panic Spreads

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A fire erupts inside Kenya’s largest airport, sparking fears of disruption and chaos. Emergency teams scramble to contain the flames—are flights safe?

Kenya’s busiest airport turned into a scene of panic after a fire broke out inside its compound, sending emergency teams scrambling. The flames erupted in a northern section of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, raising fears of flight disruptions and security threats.

Kenya Airways rushed to reassure the public, insisting the fire was not near the runway. But with smoke visible in parts of the airport, uncertainty spread fast. Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, moved in to contain the inferno, battling flames in a desperate bid to keep the situation under control.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Given JKIA’s past fire-related incidents, concerns of deeper vulnerabilities are mounting. Is this just an accident, or does it signal something far worse? As global tensions rise, no major transport hub can afford to take risks.

For now, flights continue, but the fear lingers. Authorities are on high alert, and the question remains—was this just a fire, or a warning?

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UK Appoints Charles Nicholas King as New Ambassador to Somalia

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The UK’s appointment of Charles Nicholas King as its new ambassador to Somalia signals a strategic move in its diplomatic approach to the Horn of Africa. With a background deeply rooted in conflict resolution, counterterrorism, and regional stability, King’s tenure will likely focus on supporting Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab, strengthening Somali governance reforms, and enhancing UK-Somalia diplomatic and economic ties.

His previous experience leading the Gaza Taskforce, shaping British policy in Syria, Iraq, and Libya, and engaging in Levant and North African affairs positions him as a seasoned crisis diplomat—one who understands fragile states and counterterrorism strategies. This expertise will be crucial as Somalia continues its military campaign against al-Shabaab, expands state-building efforts, and seeks stronger international partnerships to stabilize the region.

As Somalia deepens its ties with Western allies, King’s leadership in Mogadishu could mark a pivotal shift in UK-Somalia relations, particularly in security cooperation, counter-extremism, and political development. His track record suggests a strong emphasis on diplomatic engagement, possibly with an increased role for the UK in Somalia’s security sector and regional stabilization initiatives.

The months ahead will reveal whether his appointment translates into tangible policy shifts—or whether British engagement remains largely advisory in Somalia’s fight for security and sovereignty.

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