The recent decision by the Mogadishu administration to engage the lobbying firm BGR Group at a staggering cost of $50,000 per month epitomizes the ongoing dysfunction of Somalia’s governance. This expenditure, reportedly aimed at countering Somaliland’s legitimate and internationally supported bid for recognition, reflects a fundamental misallocation of resources and priorities by a government grappling with systemic failures.

Somalia remains a fragile state, plagued by recurring humanitarian crises, endemic corruption, and security challenges exacerbated by extremist threats like al-Shabaab. The Mogadishu administration’s decision to divert critical resources toward lobbying efforts in Washington, rather than addressing these urgent domestic issues, is emblematic of a government disconnected from the needs of its people. Foreign aid, intended to alleviate Somalia’s humanitarian suffering and bolster state-building, is instead being funneled into campaigns that serve narrow political interests.

This move starkly contrasts with Somaliland’s steady progress toward democracy, stability, and self-reliance. Congressman Scott Perry’s introduction of a bill supporting Somaliland’s pursuit of independence highlights the growing international recognition of Somaliland’s accomplishments. Unlike Mogadishu, Hargeisa has demonstrated effective governance, holding free and fair elections, maintaining internal security, and fostering economic growth through initiatives like the development of Berbera Port. These achievements are a testament to Somaliland’s resilience and commitment to democratic values, earning it respect on the global stage.

The Mogadishu administration’s fixation on undermining Somaliland not only distracts from its own failures but also further delegitimizes its position. While Somalia’s leaders pour resources into lobbying against Somaliland, their citizens face famine, displacement, and the constant threat of violence. The mismanagement of foreign aid, a critical lifeline for millions of Somalis, exacerbates public mistrust and deepens the state’s instability.

Furthermore, Mogadishu’s opposition to Somaliland’s independence ignores the realities on the ground. Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent state for over three decades, achieving stability and governance outcomes far superior to Somalia’s. Rather than acknowledging these achievements, Somalia continues to cling to outdated narratives that neither reflect the aspirations of Somalilanders nor address the failures of its own governance.

The contrast between Somaliland and Somalia is striking. Where Somaliland has cultivated democratic governance, Somalia remains mired in corruption and factionalism. Where Somaliland invests in infrastructure and public services, Somalia misuses foreign aid on futile lobbying campaigns. These disparities make a compelling case for the international community to reevaluate its engagement with both entities. Somaliland’s successes deserve recognition and support, while Somalia’s continued mismanagement calls for greater accountability and oversight of foreign aid.

Ultimately, the Mogadishu administration’s lobbying efforts reveal a government more interested in sabotaging Somaliland than in addressing the dire needs of its own people. This misplaced focus underscores why Somaliland’s bid for recognition is gaining traction: it offers a stark alternative to the chronic dysfunction that has come to define Somalia. The international community should not only question the priorities of Mogadishu’s leaders but also amplify support for Somaliland’s rightful pursuit of recognition as a sovereign, stable, and democratic state.

President Joe Biden’s reassurance about recent drone sightings along the East Coast reflects an effort to manage public concern amidst heightened scrutiny and speculation. By stating there is “nothing nefarious” about the increased reports, Biden sought to calm fears while acknowledging the attention the matter has drawn from various quarters, including politicians, lawmakers, and conspiracy theorists. His remarks echo a broader response from federal agencies, which have stressed that the sightings are neither unusual nor indicative of a security threat.

Drone activity has risen significantly in recent years due to advancements in technology and widespread availability. The Federal Aviation Administration reports over a million registered drones, used for purposes ranging from hobbyist recreation to commercial applications and law enforcement. However, the visibility and ubiquity of these unmanned aircraft have raised concerns about privacy, security, and airspace management. The sightings, numbering over 5,000 tips in recent weeks, highlight how rapidly drones have become embedded in both civilian and operational contexts.

Behind the reassurances, the federal government is grappling with how to regulate and manage this proliferation. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Department are working to develop frameworks for identifying and mitigating potential drone-related threats while balancing innovation and safety. The provision in the newly proposed funding bill to reauthorize DHS-led counter-drone programs underscores the urgency of updating legal and technological tools to address emerging challenges.

Despite the official assurances, public anxiety over drones is fueled by the lack of transparency and fragmented regulations governing their use. High-profile figures, including President-elect Donald Trump and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have joined calls for more information, illustrating bipartisan concern. Such demands reflect both a desire for greater accountability and recognition of the risks posed by unmanned aircraft, particularly as they gain capabilities like longer range, higher payloads, and enhanced surveillance functions.

Contributing to public skepticism are conspiracy theories that thrive in the absence of detailed explanations. While officials, including National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby and intelligence briefings to lawmakers, have reiterated that these drones do not appear to be associated with malign actors or unlawful purposes, the public’s unease is unlikely to dissipate without more visible regulatory action.

The drone sightings also raise broader questions about U.S. airspace security, technological proliferation, and privacy rights. While Biden and federal agencies have downplayed the current risks, the growing prevalence of drones underscores the need for robust systems to monitor and manage their use. The issue highlights a gap in legislation and enforcement, prompting calls for Congress to pass measures granting federal, state, and local entities clearer authority to address drone-related concerns.

For now, Biden’s assurances and the administration’s coordinated response aim to strike a balance between diffusing public fears and advancing policy reforms to address a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The dismissal of lawyer Christine Lee’s legal case against MI5 underscores the intensifying scrutiny over alleged Chinese interference in British politics and highlights the broader tensions between the United Kingdom and China. The case, rooted in a 2022 security alert issued by MI5, accused Lee of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department to influence U.K. political processes. While Lee’s challenge was based on claims that the alert was political and violated her human rights, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal firmly upheld MI5’s actions as “legitimate,” signaling strong institutional backing for the agency’s findings.

The allegations against Christine Lee reveal how China’s United Front Work Department operates as a soft power arm to exert influence globally, often blurring the lines between legitimate networking and covert political maneuvering. Lee’s financial contributions, amounting to roughly £500,000, primarily to Labour lawmaker Barry Gardiner, and her son’s employment as a diary manager, illustrate the subtle nature of influence-building tactics. While Lee was not accused of any criminal activity, the case raises significant questions about the transparency and vulnerabilities of the U.K.’s political funding systems, especially concerning foreign involvement.

The decision comes at a time when Britain has adopted a more confrontational stance toward suspected Chinese interference, illustrated by the recent allegations against Chinese national Yang Tengbo. Yang, accused of cultivating ties with Prince Andrew and operating covertly on behalf of China, reportedly engaged in activities that authorities described as deceptive and aimed at embedding influence among the British establishment. MI5’s findings surrounding Yang suggest a more deliberate and targeted effort by China to establish connections at high levels of British society, a strategy that has long been a concern for Western intelligence agencies.

China’s strong denials, including the Foreign Ministry’s dismissal of the allegations as “ridiculous,” and its calls for the U.K. to cease “anti-China political manipulations,” reflect Beijing’s sensitivity to these accusations. The Chinese Embassy’s condemnation of what it describes as “smearing” China further highlights the geopolitical friction that accompanies such incidents. For China, these cases contribute to a narrative of Western nations escalating anti-China rhetoric, while for Britain, they underscore the urgency of protecting political institutions and national security from covert foreign influence.

The tribunal’s decision and the Yang case collectively signal a tightening of measures against foreign interference in the U.K., particularly amid heightened concerns over China’s growing global influence. For the British political system, the focus will likely shift toward increased vigilance in monitoring foreign donations, strengthening transparency laws, and safeguarding sensitive networks from external manipulation. The fallout from these incidents also sets the stage for further diplomatic tensions between the U.K. and China, as London takes a firmer stance on national security concerns linked to Beijing.

The reported landing of an Israeli helicopter near Damascus, accompanied by brief troop deployment on the ground, signals a rare and significant escalation in Israel’s operational activity within Syria. According to sources cited by the Russian news agency Sputnik, Israeli forces reportedly entered a military site for approximately 20 minutes before retreating toward southern Syria. This ground maneuver coincided with Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus’s suburbs, specifically the Sitt Zaynab area, underscoring a coordinated military operation.

The incident follows a familiar pattern of Israel’s strategy in Syria: undermining Iranian entrenchment, particularly through its proxy forces like Hezbollah. Damascus and its surrounding areas remain critical due to their proximity to key Syrian military infrastructure and the presence of Iranian-backed militias. Such operations likely target weapons depots, supply lines, or intelligence facilities used to advance Iranian influence in the region.

Of notable concern is the parallel report from Hezbollah-affiliated media outlet Al-Mayadeen, which described Israeli military advances in Syria’s buffer zone, particularly in the town of Hader. Hader, a Druze village in the Quneitra Governorate near the Golan Heights, highlights the shifting dynamics of Israel’s engagement with local Syrian communities. Video evidence and tribal sources suggest that portions of the Druze population have explored temporary Israeli protection as an alternative to falling under the control of extremist groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. However, village leaders reportedly rejected any notion of annexation, reaffirming their allegiance to the Syrian state.

This emerging tension speaks to the complexity of minority politics in Syria’s civil war. The Druze community, long caught between competing powers, is wary of extremist encroachment while remaining unwilling to fully align with Israeli interests. Israel’s actions, meanwhile, suggest an effort to exploit this fragility to secure strategic depth and preempt hostile forces along its border.

The landing of Israeli forces so close to Damascus, combined with precise airstrikes, carries a clear message: Israel is capable and willing to escalate its operations in Syria when necessary. It also highlights Israel’s ability to operate in highly sensitive zones, despite the presence of Syrian air defenses and regional actors like Russia.

These operations likely aim to curb Hezbollah and Iranian activities while testing the limits of both Damascus’s defenses and Russian tolerance for Israeli incursions.

The incident further reveals the fragile state of control within Syria. Israel’s operations underscore its ongoing concern about growing threats from Iranian proxies, while the Druze population’s mixed signals reflect the broader uncertainty faced by Syrian minorities. Whether this was an isolated maneuver or part of a broader campaign remains unclear, but it demonstrates Israel’s increasingly assertive posture in Syria’s conflict zone.

The European Council on 16 December decided to prolong the mandate of the EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA and of the EU’s military training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) until 28 February 2027.

On December 16, the European Council decided to extend the mandates of the EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA and the EU Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) until February 28, 2027. This extension follows the prior decision on December 5 to prolong the EU’s civilian capacity-building mission (EUCAP Somalia) for the same duration, as part of a comprehensive review of the EU’s security strategy in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

Operation ATALANTA’s updated mandate aims to bolster maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and West Indian Ocean, focusing on combating piracy and illicit trafficking. The initiative will enhance cooperation with the maritime Operation ASPIDES and rebrand the Maritime Security Center Horn of Africa to MSC Indian Ocean, reinforcing its role in regional maritime security efforts.

In Somalia, the renewed mandates for EUCAP and EUTM will facilitate the development of sustainable Somali security institutions through training, mentoring, and equipment support under the European Peace Facility, aligning with the Joint EU-Somalia Roadmap. The missions will also assist regional maritime security forces, particularly Djibouti, while upholding core EU values such as international humanitarian law, human rights, and the promotion of women’s security and climate considerations.

France’s political landscape has been shaken by the appointment of François Bayrou as Prime Minister, replacing Michel Barnier after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The 73-year-old centrist leader, founder of the MoDem party and a longtime supporter of President Emmanuel Macron, brings a distinct political style and background to the role. Here are 11 key facts about Bayrou:

He Strong-Armed Macron for the Job

Bayrou wasn’t Macron’s first choice for prime minister. The president had reportedly considered other loyalists but relented after Bayrou threatened to withdraw his support if he wasn’t appointed. This power move underscores Bayrou’s leverage over Macron and signals a shift in the balance of power within the French government.

A Perennial Presidential Candidate

Bayrou ran unsuccessfully for president three times, failing to gain significant traction. However, he abandoned his own ambitions in 2017 to back Macron’s outsider campaign, becoming one of Macron’s earliest and most critical supporters.

Debt Reduction is His Signature Issue

As a longtime advocate for fiscal responsibility, Bayrou has campaigned on addressing France’s public debt and deficits. His premiership begins on shaky ground, with Moody’s recently downgrading France’s credit rating, highlighting the challenges ahead.

Marine Le Pen’s Surprising Ally

Despite their ideological differences, Bayrou and far-right leader Marine Le Pen share a pragmatic relationship. Bayrou has previously supported reforms to help political parties secure funding, which benefited Le Pen in her presidential campaigns. This cooperation could be crucial in navigating France’s fractured parliament.

Sarkozy’s Critic and Rival

Bayrou’s centrist vision has often put him at odds with conservatives, particularly former President Nicolas Sarkozy. Their mutual animosity runs deep, with Sarkozy calling Bayrou’s appointment “appalling.” Bayrou’s strained ties with the right may complicate efforts to build cross-party support for his government.

An Advocate for European Federalism

A staunch pro-European Union advocate, Bayrou has long championed greater integration within the EU. His past campaigns have pushed for a “European federation” while emphasizing cooperative and decentralized governance.

Proportional Representation Proponent

Bayrou has consistently advocated for electoral reform, specifically adopting proportional representation in legislative elections. This proposal has gained support across the political spectrum and could be a unifying initiative under his leadership.

A Controversial Slap and Focus on Children

In 2002, Bayrou slapped a child he accused of pickpocketing. Surprisingly, the incident boosted his popularity with undecided voters. A former education minister, he has also voiced concerns about children’s screen time, warning of its potential impact on their intellectual development.

Overcame a Stutter

Bayrou’s measured speech is the result of overcoming a severe childhood stutter, which he has described as a painful but formative experience.

Critic of Paris-Centric Politics

Bayrou has long criticized the concentration of political power in Paris, advocating for a more inclusive approach that better represents France’s diverse regions. He has openly challenged Macron’s centralization of authority.

Facing Prosecution Again

Bayrou resigned as justice minister in 2017 after being investigated for embezzling European Parliament funds. Though he was acquitted, prosecutors appealed the decision, and he faces a new trial next year.

What Bayrou’s Appointment Means

François Bayrou’s leadership reflects both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Macron’s administration. His independent streak and long political career position him as a leader who can work across ideological divides, but his controversial history and rocky relationships with key political factions could complicate his mission. With a fractured parliament and mounting economic pressures, Bayrou’s ability to navigate France’s turbulent political waters will soon be put to the test.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias of committing war crimes, including rape, sexual slavery, and other acts of sexual violence, in South Kordofan state. The allegations come amid an ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) that erupted in April 2023.

HRW’s report, based on interviews conducted during an October 2024 visit to the region, documents cases involving 79 women and girls, some as young as seven. Survivors, primarily from the Nuba ethnic minority, described being gang-raped, with 51 women and girls reportedly held as sex slaves for months on an RSF military base.

The RSF has not responded to the accusations, while Sudan’s military-led government continues to reject calls for international intervention.

HRW and local organizations say the RSF is using sexual violence to terrorize communities, force displacement, and consolidate control. Hala al-Karib, regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, emphasized that sexual violence is a deliberate strategy to weaken resistance and grab land.

Many displaced families have fled RSF-controlled territories, including Khartoum and Al Gezira, citing widespread fear and abuse.

Calls for justice remain central to victims’ demands. Al-Karib stressed that any political solution to Sudan’s conflict must address accountability. Past failures, including the refusal to hand over former President Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court, have emboldened armed groups and prolonged cycles of violence.

Belkis Wille of HRW urged immediate action, including investigations into RSF abuses and the release of women and girls still held captive. “The U.N. Security Council and the African Union must do more to protect civilians and ensure accountability,” Wille said.

The international community’s limited response to Sudan’s crisis reflects a broader pattern of neglect in addressing atrocities. Sexual violence as a weapon of war remains a critical issue, yet mechanisms for justice are weak or obstructed. Without accountability and international intervention, such crimes will persist, further destabilizing Sudan and compounding civilian suffering.

President-elect Donald Trump expressed concerns Monday about unexplained drone activity along the U.S. East Coast, suggesting that the military may be withholding information about the sightings. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate during his first major news conference since his re-election, Trump also touched on a wide range of topics, including vaccine mandates, the Ukraine war, and U.S. trade policies.

Mysterious Drone Sightings on the East Coast

For weeks, residents in states along the Atlantic Ocean, including New Jersey and others to the north and south, have reported an unusual number of drone sightings. While some estimates claim there have been more than 5,000 sightings, U.S. officials have called that figure exaggerated, concluding that fewer than 100 require further investigation.

Trump hinted at military secrecy on the matter. “Our military knows … something strange is going on,” he told reporters. He added that “for some reason,” information about the drones has not been fully disclosed.

However, the White House and Pentagon offered a more measured response, downplaying the sightings. National Security spokesperson John Kirby dismissed speculation about foreign involvement, saying, “Our assessment at this stage is that the activity represents commercial, hobbyist, law enforcement drones, all operating legally and lawfully, and/or civilian aviation aircraft.”

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder echoed this sentiment, stating that there is “no evidence” the sightings pose a threat to national security. Ryder explained that most drones are likely benign, comparing the situation to unauthorized vehicles occasionally approaching military bases: “99% of the time, those cars are turned away without incident.”

Despite official assurances, bipartisan calls for transparency are growing. Republican Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, who will serve as Trump’s national security adviser, stated Sunday on CBS’ Face the Nation, “We need to get to the bottom of it.”

Foreign Policy and Ukraine

Trump also addressed the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, vowing to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek an end to the conflict. Calling much of Ukraine “a demolition site,” Trump said, “People can’t go back there,” while reaffirming his intention to stop the fighting.

His comments signal a possible shift in U.S. policy as the incoming administration prepares to take office. Trump has long emphasized diplomacy with Russia and criticized extended U.S. military involvement abroad.

Domestic Policies and Vaccine Mandates

On domestic issues, Trump reiterated his opposition to vaccine mandates, particularly those for childhood immunizations. While affirming he would not end polio vaccinations, Trump questioned mandates for other vaccines and controversially asked, “Why is the autism rate so high?”—a claim unsupported by scientific evidence.

“I’m not really a big mandate guy,” Trump said, signaling a potential rollback of public health policies in certain states.

Trump also criticized high drug prices in the U.S., vowing to address disparities between domestic and international costs. “Why are Americans paying so much more than people in other countries?” he asked.

Trade and Economic Policies

The president-elect confirmed his intent to reintroduce tariffs on imports from some of the U.S.’s largest trading partners, claiming, “Tariffs will make our country rich.” Trump did not elaborate on which countries or goods might be targeted, though economists have long argued that tariffs often result in higher prices for consumers.

Defamation Lawsuits and Media Criticism

Trump, who has often clashed with the press, renewed his attacks on U.S. media outlets, calling them “very corrupt.” He highlighted a recent $15 million defamation settlement he won against ABC News, while vowing to pursue additional lawsuits against other news organizations and individual journalists for what he perceives as false reporting.

However, Trump acknowledged past legal defeats in media-related lawsuits. His renewed litigation threats come as he continues to assert his contentious relationship with the press as a key component of his political strategy.

International Reception and Outlook

With just weeks before his inauguration on January 20, Trump described an improved reception from world leaders compared to his first term. “It’s really the opposite of hostile. They’re calling me. I’ve spoken to over 100 countries,” he claimed, emphasizing his strengthened diplomatic standing.

As only the second U.S. president in history to serve non-consecutive terms, Trump used the platform to project confidence and preview his upcoming administration’s priorities. From unresolved questions about drone sightings to contentious domestic policies, Trump’s remarks signal a continuation of his polarizing approach to governance as he prepares to assume office.