Somalia Observes as the U.A.E. Deepens Its Military Ties with Somaliland
As the Gulf state increases its power in the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates -UAE – and Somaliland are strengthening their military and security collaboration. This development may further exacerbate tensions between Abu Dhabi and the federal government of Somalia. Continue reading “Somalia Observes as the UAE Deepens Its Military Ties with Somaliland”
Camel Milk Prevents Developing Heart Disease and Microbial Infection
Camel milk may be a better alternative to traditional dairy from cows due to its antimicrobial and antiallergenic properties, a new study says.
Researchers at the Edith Cowan University in Australia say camel milk has more naturally occurring active short protein molecules compared to cow milk.
Although scientists have known that camel milk can be less allergenic compared to bovine milk, the new study, published in Food Chemistry, confirms that it also has a higher potential to yield molecules with antimicrobial and anti-hypertensive properties.
These active compounds can selectively inhibit certain pathogens, researchers say.
As a result, camel milk creates a healthy gut environment and likely helps decrease the risk of developing heart disease in future.
The individual potency of these active molecules in camel milk needs further testing, however.
The study also confirms previous findings that camel milk lacks the major cow milk allergen β-lactoglobulin and, thus, provides dairy users who have a β-Lg allergy a viable alternative to cow milk. “The unique study of allergenic protein characterization in camel and cow milk suggested camel milk’s potential to be less allergenic due to the absence of β-Lg,” the study notes.
The level of lactose in camel milk is also lower than in cow milk
Cow milk generally contains around 85-87 per cent water, 3.8-5.5 per cent fat, 2.9-3.5 per cent protein, and 4.6 per cent lactose. Camel milk has slightly more water at 87-90 per cent, a protein content that varies from 2.15 to 4.90 per cent, 1.2 to 4.5 per cent fat, and 3.5-4.5 per cent lactose.
The researchers say the latest findings could lead to the development of “nutrient-enriched” dairy products.
Currently, 81 per cent of the milk consumed worldwide comes from cows. Camels are the fifth largest source behind buffaloes, goats and sheep. Camels account for only about 0.4 per cent of the global milk production, concentrated mostly in arid parts of the world like the Middle East.
However, some semiarid regions such as Australia, which have an existing camel population, can increase production as well as consumption. These areas, which can be challenging for traditional cattle farming, are “perfect for camels”, researchers say.
President Irro’s Response to Somaliland Women’s Concerns Regarding the Composition of His Cabinet
President Abdirahman Abdullahi Cirro, speaking to the media in Hargeisa yesterday, noted that when it comes to the criticisms raised by some women, he will take them into consideration.The President, when asked what he was doing about the concerns of women, stressed that he would review them.
Baahi-koob: A Refuge for Somaliland’s Victims of Violence
In Somaliland, cultural and societal stigmas have long posed significant barriers to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in accessing justice and healing services. In 2008, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) supported the establishment of the first Sexual Assault Referral Center, locally known as the Baahi-koob Center, at Hargeisa Group Hospital. The success of this model led to its expansion to other regions in Somaliland in Burao and Borama, where similar centers were established under regional hospitals jurisdiction. These efforts supported through various phases of the Rule of Law Program. Under the current EU funded UN Joint Rule of Law Program, Baahi-koob Centers remain strategic partners, playing a critical role in addressing SGBV and supporting survivors across Somaliland. Continue reading “Baahi-koob: A Refuge for Somaliland’s Victims of Violence”
Berbera: A Strategic Gateway for India’s Trade and Security in the Horn of Africa
The Port of Berbera, situated in Somaliland along the Gulf of Aden, is fast emerging as a vital hub in the Horn of Africa, offering strategic and economic opportunities for countries seeking to secure their trade routes and expand geopolitical influence. With its 500-mile coastline and proximity to key global shipping lanes, Berbera provides a stable and secure alternative to the high-risk zones near Yemen. For India, Berbera represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen its trade ties with Africa, enhance maritime security, and counter destabilizing forces in the region, particularly as the global trade environment grows increasingly volatile. Continue reading “Berbera: A Strategic Gateway for India’s Trade and Security in the Horn of Africa”
Somaliland Promotes Protection of Freedom of Expression
According to the Somaliland administration, the right to freedom of expression will be strengthened, and journalists and citizens will not face jail time for voicing opinions that the government finds objectionable.
The Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sh. Ali Ayaanle, has emphasized that they will defend freedom of expression in response to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro’s recent promise to the media and civil society organizations.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one is imprisoned for their opinions, as long as they do not violate the law, or report unpopular facts, then we will become a nation governed by the law and free,” added the minister.
According to American Freedom House’s annual surveys, Somaliland ranks first in East Africa and frequently outperforms Kenya in terms of civil and political rights protection.
In the past administrations, the widespread incarceration of the media and others who voice opinions that differ from those of the government in power, however, hinders Somaliland’s advancement in political and civil freedoms.
During the election campaign, the current president – Cirro – and his Waddani party promised to improve the defense of these essential rights.
Tuke, the Perpetrator of Gabiley Genocide, Permanently Deported from the US to Somalia
Enforcement and Removal Operations Office in Washington, D.C. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Yusuf Abdi Ali, 71, a citizen of Somalia, from the United States to Somalia Dec. 20. Continue reading “Tuke, the Perpetrator of Gabiley Genocide, Permanently Deported from the US to Somalia”
Irro Chose Respiratory Therapist Posing as Physician to Head the Somaliland Ministry of Health
Breaking investigative report: When did the health portfolio appointee start practicing medicine as a medical doctor? The answer will surprise you. Continue reading “Irro Chose Respiratory Therapist Posing as Physician to Head the Somaliland Ministry of Health”
Is the MoU Between Ethiopia and Somaliland Still in Effect?
Dr. Isse Kayd Mohamud, the departing Foreign Affairs Minister of Somaliland, told the BBC about the memorandum of understanding that President Bihi’s administration signed with Ethiopia and whether it came to an end when the Somali president and the Ethiopian prime minister agreed on the issue. Continue reading “Is the MoU Between Ethiopia and Somaliland Still in Effect?”
President-elect: Trump Election Campaign Blueprint Aims to Recognize Somaliland
A lengthy document reportedly crafted by members and supporters of the US Republican Party ahead of the upcoming elections hints that if Donald Trump wins, Washington will grant official recognition to the Somaliland Republic
Dubbed “Project 2025: Presidential Transition Project,” the over 900-page document sets out a list of objectives to be accomplished over the presidential nominee’s first 100 days in the Oval Office.
The document states the importance of “the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the U.S.’s deteriorating position in Djibouti.”
The presence of a dozen military bases belonging to foreign powers in the tiny nation has been an additional factor in increasingly complicated geopolitics in the Horn of Africa.
During the inaugural Red Sea Security Conference held in Addis Ababa a few months ago, Djiboutian representatives stated that hosting both Chinese and American military bases has posed difficulties as the two powers seek the expulsion of the other.
However, following the recent circulation of the “Project 2025” document on social media, Donald Trump, former president while running for the upcoming election, distanced himself from the document.
In a comment posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated “I know nothing about Project2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they are saying and some of the things they are saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”
Trump reportedly distanced himself from the document following strong backlash from American scholars and politicians. Some of the policies included in the Project 2025 agenda have been advocated for by Republicans for years or backed by Trump himself. These include slashing the education budget and introducing alternative schooling choices, tougher immigration and border laws, as well as cuts to social security programs and advocacy for mass deportation and the construction of a border wall, among others.
Project 2025 was prepared by the Heritage Foundation and other Republican affiliated groups. Various media outlets report the document is the fruit of Trump’s allies and political affiliates.
CNN discovered that at least 140 people who worked under the Trump administration were involved in the crafting of Project 2025. This includes “more than half of the people listed as authors, editors and contributors to “Mandate for Leadership,” the project’s extensive manifesto for overhauling the executive branch,” CNN reported this week.
The list of people with ties to Trump and Project 2025 includes close to 240 individuals ranging from ordinary White House staff members to senior US government officials.
The number is likely higher because many individuals’ online resumes were not available, according to CNN.
“In addition to people who worked directly for Trump, others who participated in Project 2025 were appointed by the former president to independent positions. The extensive overlap between Project 2025 and Trump’s universe of allies, advisers and former staff complicates his efforts to distance himself from the work. Trump’s campaign has sought for months to make clear that Project 2025 doesn’t speak for them amid an intensifying push by President Joe Biden and Democrats to tie the Republican standard bearer to the playbook’s more controversial policies,” reported CNN.
Project 2025 is spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, but includes an advisory board consisting of more than 100 conservative groups.
The document’s first pillar, an overhaul of the federal government, has drawn the fiercest criticism thus far.
“Called “Mandate for Leadership 2025: The Conservative Promise,” the book builds on a “Mandate for Leadership” first published in January 1981, which sought to serve as a roadmap for Ronald Reagan’s incoming administration,” reports CNN.
The changes outlined in the plan touch on virtually every federal office and agency in the US government.
During his presidency in office, Trump was often part of rows with African leaders. His outright rejection of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was particularly notable.
Analysts observe that even if Trump were to win the election and recognize Somaliland, the decision would be from the US point of interest, which is focused on combating China’s growing influence in Africa