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Bloodbath as two Al-Shabaab factions clash in Somali mountains

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Dozens of Al-Shabaab militants were on Sunday, killed when two factions of the group engaged in a fierce battle in the mountains of Somalia in what what the Somali government say was a fight for territorial supremacy.

In a statement by a government spokesperson, the bloody battle took place in the disputed Puntland state which is being claimed by breakaway Somaliland.

Officials said the clashes in the region nestled in eastern Somalia between the group with one affiliated to the Al-Qaeda terror group and those affiliated to the against Islamic State (IS), began on Saturday night and continued till early Sunday.

“The confrontations occurred at wadi (dry river beds) known as Dadamale and Qura’da in location known as Ja’ayl in Bari region in the Puntland State of Somalia, over 1500 km northeast of Mogadishu,” the government spokesman said.

He added that both the Al-Qaeda faction of Al-Shabaab and the ISIS faction operate in the wider sub-region known as Balli Dhidin with Qandala district in Bari region, particularly between Qandala and Bosaso, the main port town and commercial capital of Puntland.

“The areas where the bulk of the confrontation had taken place is characterised by dry river beds, torrents with water streams and mountainous territories where the militants of both extremist groups have coexisted,” he added.

The District Commissioner for Qandala, Ahmed Yusuf, who confirmed the clashes to the media, on Monday, said:

“The two extremist groups have coexisted in the area, but it seems they are fighting for territorial control.”

“We have received reports from local dwellers of the mountainous areas who noticed the fighting,” Yusuf said.

According to local media, loyalists of Al-Shabaab founder, Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, split from the group in 2015, declaring loyalty to IS than led by Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and since then, the two groups have constantly clashed and have separately challenged the Puntland administration and any presence of forces from the Somali National Army.

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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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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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