Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In a startling move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) took a dramatic step on Thursday, issuing arrest warrants against three prominent figures: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif. The charges? War crimes and crimes against humanity during the intense Gaza conflict.ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I has articulated that there's "reasonable cause" to think Netanyahu and Gallant orchestrated policies that deprived Gaza civilians…

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, Somalia - A heated row has erupted between two prominent Somali ministers, spotlighting corruption allegations swirling around Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's administration. The conflict hinges on which official should serve as the nation's representative at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi opted for Mohamud Moalim, the current head of Somalia's disaster management agency, to take on WMO envoy duties. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Khadija Makhzoumi backed Guled…

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, Somalia – In a landmark effort to uplift displaced populations, Somalia's government has teamed up with the Hormuud Salaam Foundation to roll out a new initiative aimed at 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Announced by the Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, this endeavor is a leap forward under the National Solutions Pathways Action Plan. The collaboration was officially introduced during the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Geneva, an event backed by the…

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…

Somalia: Global Allies Urge Calm in Government-Jubaland Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia - The ongoing skirmish between Somalia's central government and Jubaland's authorities has caught the eye of global allies. These international partners plead for peace and urgent dialogue to curtail the growing discord. Reflecting on the contentious atmosphere at the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners expressed concern over the escalating drama between these governmental layers, noting, "This spells trouble for the mission…

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…