Foreign
AU Condemns Israel’s Recognition Of Somaliland, Reaffirms Unity
The African Union has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, reaffirming its long-standing position that the breakaway region remains part of Somalia.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, an autonomous region in north-western Somalia that declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali state. The move has drawn condemnation from the AU and several countries in the region.
In a statement on Friday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, stated that the bloc had taken note with deep concern of recent developments relating to Somaliland and rejected any attempt to recognize it as an independent state.
“In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organization of African Unity,” the statement read.
Youssouf said he firmly rejected any initiative “aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”
He added that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” a position the AU says is shared by its 55 member states.
Somaliland, which has governed most of the territory it claims for over decades, has enjoyed relative peace and stability compared to much of Somalia. However, it has not received international recognition, despite sustained lobbying by its leaders. President Abdirahman Abdullahi has made international recognition a top priority since taking office last year.
Somalia’s federal government condemned Israel’s decision, describing it as an “unlawful step,” and insisted that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of Somalia.
The move also drew criticism from neighboring countries. Egypt said its foreign minister had spoken with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, and that “they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
The AU warned that Israel’s decision risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” noting that many African countries are grappling with their own secessionist movements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the agreement, describing it as part of Israel’s broader diplomatic outreach.
He said the agreement with Somaliland “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” adding: “The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.”
Netanyahu also invited Abdullahi to visit his office.
Reacting to Israel’s decision, Somaliland’s president hailed it as a major breakthrough. Calling it a “historic moment,” Abdullahi said in a post on X that the agreement marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership.”
Meanwhile, the AFP reported that United States President Donald Trump said Washington had no plans to recognise Somaliland. “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” Mr Trump said.
Foreign
BREAKING: Ambassador to US Sacked
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday dismissed his ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, in a move that had been expected following a government reshuffle last month.
The sacking, announced by decree, happened, however, as Kyiv was lobbying Washington hard to obtain more Patriot air defence missiles to block Russian strikes.
In a Facebook post in which she also posted a letter asking to be relieved of her duties, Stefanishyna said the decision was her own and “dictated by personal circumstances”.
She called her posting to Washington “the greatest honour” of her life.
“We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support precisely when the political climate in Washington was shifting against us,” she added.
Stefanishyna, a former deputy prime minister and justice minister, was nominated as ambassador in July last year.
The role is crucial for Ukraine, which depends on US arms deliveries and intelligence-sharing in the conflict against Russia.
Relations between Zelensky and his US counterpart Donald Trump have been strained and, at times, stormy.
But the billionaire Republican former real estate mogul has recently been more encouraging towards the Ukrainian leader.
According to Ukrainian media, Stefanishyna is under investigation by the country’s anti-corruption agency on suspicion of wrongdoing, although she has not been formally accused.
Zelensky, who made a controversial government reshuffle in July, has not yet announced who will replace Stefanishyna as ambassador in Washington.
Business
UK Lists 10 Requirements Nigerians Need To Secure Work Visa
The UK Home Office has set out detailed requirements that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must satisfy before they can qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements, published on the UK government’s official website, apply to overseas professionals seeking to work in eligible jobs with approved employers across the United Kingdom.
According to the Home Office, applicants must meet employment, salary, language and documentation requirements before a visa can be granted. Additional evidence may also be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances.
1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: Applicants must first secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details of the job being offered.
2. Work in an eligible occupation: The job must appear on the UK’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Applicants must know the correct occupation code assigned to their role before applying.
3. Meet the minimum salary requirement: Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher.
Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher. Lower salary thresholds may apply for some healthcare workers, graduates, younger applicants and certain PhD holders.
4. Prove English language ability: Applicants must show they can speak, read, write and understand English. This can be done through approved English language tests or recognised educational qualifications taught in English.
5. Hold a valid passport: Applicants must provide a valid passport or another accepted document proving their identity and nationality as part of the visa application.
6. Show proof of financial support: Most applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves after arriving in the UK unless their employer confirms it will cover those costs.
7. Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their stay, and meet any other required charges before their application can be processed.
Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may apply as dependants. Supporting a partner requires showing at least £285 in available funds, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child
8. Submit supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documents, including their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, salary details, occupation code and employer information. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may also be required.
9. Provide extra certificates where required: Some applicants may need to submit additional documents such as tuberculosis (TB) test results, criminal record certificates, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates or proof of overseas qualifications.
10. Apply within the required timeframe: Applicants must submit their Skilled Worker visa application within three months of receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.
The Home Office also advises applicants to complete identity verification and provide all required documents before a decision can be made.
Additional documents may be requested
The UK government stressed that meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Immigration officials may request further documents or information to verify an applicant’s eligibility before making a final decision.
For Nigerians and other foreign professionals hoping to work in the UK, understanding these 10 requirements can help them prepare a stronger Skilled Worker visa application.
Full breakdown of the rules can be downloaded here.
Business
Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily
Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.
On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada
According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.
Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.
A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.
1. Job Bank
The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.
2. Jobs GC
Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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