West Africa

HELSINKI, Finland (AX) — In a recent move, Finland has decided to hit pause on its development cooperation with Somalia. The primary reason? A lack of progress in settling agreements about sending back Somali folks who don’t have legal residency in Finland. Minister Ville Tavio, who handles Foreign Trade and Development, made the announcement on a Wednesday. “The suspension means no fresh funds will be approved,” Tavio stated plainly during a media briefing. He emphasized that this hold will last until Somalia makes…

Mogadishu paints a picture of extreme contrasts, where its ever-evolving skyline stands as both a mark of advancement and a glaring sign of widening inequality. This piece dives into the economic drivers and societal effects of the housing struggle remolding Somalia’s capital. / Credit Redit/r/Somalia Mogadishu, once famed for its vibrant culture and historical allure, now finds itself grappling with an ordeal that threatens to unravel its very economic and social fabric. The gap between the haves and have-nots is growing…

Chapter One: Setting the Scene In federations, deciding the power equilibrium between national and regional entities is crucial. Federalism’s very essence is harmonizing centralized power with regional autonomy, knitting a nation together while catering to local needs. Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution left major power-sharing questions open. Check Article 50: power is doled out to the level of government where it'll do the most good, aiming for fair resource chops and responsibilities between Somalia’s Federal…

Discovering the Somali Connection with Nature: A Story of Poetry, Culture, and Environmental Insight In today's world, where climate concerns resonate across continents and environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, it's a common misconception that the Somali community is out of touch with these global discussions. "Somalis lack environmental consciousness," claim some skeptics from afar. Yet, this belief misses the essence of a rich cultural tapestry that weaves Somalis deeply into their natural…

"This groundbreaking legislation lays the groundwork for a transparent political process guided by the constitution," Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh declared with enthusiasm, commending lawmakers for their unanimous thumbs-up. "This is a whopping milestone for fortifying our democratic institutions." With this new law, a robust framework is set for political parties, ensuring they conduct themselves with transparency and responsibility while staying in step with Somalia’s Constitution. It’s a crucial move in the…

For over 17 years, the PSMN has diligently tracked the ebb and flow of internal displacement. October's tally revealed around 66,000 displacements, with conflict and insecurity uprooting 50,000 people, while climate calamities like droughts and floods displaced 3,000, according to UNHCR’s update from Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia. When new homes and communities are torn apart, the foremost needs of displaced families become crystal clear: food, shelter, water, viable livelihoods, and essential healthcare. These…

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, "This election isn't about win or lose for the contenders. It's an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward." Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian…

The anguish experienced by the families of those held hostage has been relentless ever since the pirates seized the MV Albedo off the Somali coast in November 2010, taking Pakistani sailors captive. Sadly, the trauma of those left behind shows no signs of waning. To begin with, the Somali pirates set the ransom for the release at a whopping $8 million. Thanks to continuous negotiations, that staggering amount was eventually reduced to about $2.85 million. The head honcho at Pakistan's Citizens-Police Liaison Committee…

In a compelling address at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto reassured Kenyans about the Kenyan government's collective vision for driving the nation forward. Donning an air of unwavering confidence, he emphasized, "We are here to prove the skeptics wrong. Kenya will not falter; it will thrive. The adversaries doubting our potential will find defeat in our triumph." His words echo a promise and a firm commitment to navigate the country toward prosperity, as he spoke under the luminescent glow of the State House…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Mogadishu, Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale Madaale held an important gathering with the interim parliamentary committee focused on electoral laws. Their agenda? To bolster the electoral proceedings and ensure transparency in upcoming elections for Somalia’s capital. Central to their conversations was the idea of implementing elections based directly on citizens' voting rights. This idea received backing and insightful suggestions from the Banadir regional administration. These talks are a…