West Africa

Kismayo (AX) — In a dramatic turn of events, Jubaland's parliament proceeded with its leadership election on Thursday in Kismayo. This move came despite clear disapproval from the federal government, which has rejected the current electoral process in the region. Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman clinched the Speaker's position for a third term, securing a decisive 65 votes. His rival, Ismail Abdi Keerow, managed to gather only seven votes, according to the Interim Speaker Sheikh Abdi Yusuf Ali. This victory strengthens…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his commitment to reform the country's electoral system, aiming for universal suffrage by 2026. During a celebration of King Charles III's birthday in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stressed the significance of democratic elections in bolstering government effectiveness and fueling national growth. Quoting the President, "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, built on the Somali people's will. Our government is committed to ensuring Somalis take an…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy move, the Somali Council of Ministers has appointed Dr. Abdisalam Abdirahman Mohamed as the Director General of the Somali National Bureau of Statistics. The decision was made during their regular weekly rendezvous in Mogadishu last Thursday. At this meeting, the Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development threw their weight behind Dr. Abdisalam’s nomination, aiming to supercharge the nation's prowess in number-crunching and data analysis. Minister of Planning Mahmoud…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a revelation that can ruffle some feathers, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) brought to light that a hefty $950 million of airline moolah is stuck in African nations. This chunk represents a whopping 57% of the world’s aviation money that’s caught in a web due to scarce foreign exchanges. During a pow-wow at the African Airlines Association's big annual shindig in Cairo, IATA's head honcho, Willie Walsh, sounded the alarm, pleading for someone to get a move on and fix this jam!—astating…

Jubaland's Political Dilemmas: Independent Elections and the Pushback from Mogadishu Kismayo (AX)— Thursday was a pivotal day for Jubaland's parliament as it undertook the task of electing its new leaders, including a parliamentary speaker and two deputy speakers. This process involves candidates detailing their visions, followed by a vote, and concluding with swearing in the new victors. These elections are a significant milestone leading up to the presidential election scheduled for November 25, marking a meticulous…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a momentous election hailed for its openness, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro emerged victorious to take up the mantle as North Western State of Somalia’s president, winning a landslide 64% of the vote. As Irro steps up to the plate, he inherits a politically tense landscape marked by fraught relations with Somalia and scrutiny surrounding a debatable pact with Ethiopia for access to the coastline. Leader of the opposition, the Waddani Party, Irro ousted the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, who…

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…