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Somalia militia backed by government kills 45 al-Shabaab militants in fierce battle

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A Somali militia group backed by the central government has reportedly killed 45 Islamist militant rebels, al-Shabaab, in a fierce battle in the Hiran region of Hirshabelle State, state-run media reports on Sunday.

The report noted that the killing of the militant fighters is part of sustained efforts by the military and various militias supported by the government to take the fight to the al-Qaeda affiliated group and reduce their influence.

In the last two months, many government-backed militia groups have engaged the dreaded al-Shabaab group in battles in different regions of the beleaguered countries in line with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s inauguration speech where he promised that the federal government will give support to groups willing to confront the rebels.

For over 10 years, the al–Shabaab jihadists have waged a war in the Horn of African country as it seeks to force a strict implementation of Sharia Law in the nation with different governments not able to dislodge them.

The group has accounted to over 500,000 deaths, according to the United Nations and has continued to cause havoc across the country despite efforts by both local and regional forces deployed to eliminate it.

President Mohamud, in a statement while addressing the Somali diaspora community in the Washington D.C.
on Friday, had said the country was seeing gains in the fight against al-Shabaab.

“We see a strong momentum against al-Shabaab and want to sustain it to defeat a group that has proven to be remorseless and like the mafia, which has attained economic autonomy through intimidation and the murder of innocent people.”

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Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Metro

Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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