address

In just a few days, President Cyril Ramaphosa will take center stage to deliver his eagerly awaited State of the Nation Address (SONA). This occasion holds added significance, as it will be the inaugural SONA since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa. Anticipation runs high as the nation looks to Ramaphosa to illuminate his administration's roadmap for the coming year. The tone of his address is expected to revolve around pivotal themes such as economic rejuvenation, job generation,…

Mogadishu (AX) – The city thrummed with its usual chaotic charm as former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed convened with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, on a Thursday that seemed like any other—yet was anything but. Their dialogue, set against the backdrop of a sunlit Somali sky, ventured into the intricate political topography of a nation still finding its footing amidst shifting sands. What does one discuss when the very tapestry of a country's democracy hangs in…

On Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court of Liberia found itself noticeably absent from a pivotal moment in the political arena: President Joseph Boakai's constitutionally mandated annual address. As he spoke, the seats reserved for the five justices sat barren, a striking tableau that raised eyebrows and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. Did they choose to stay away to avoid giving a nod of legitimacy to the executive branch's recognition of Richard Nagbe Koon, the ruling Unity Party's pick for Speaker of the House of…

In the theater of football, where legendary stories are crafted from precision and chance, Mikel Arteta stands famously diligent, a meticulous tactician who scrutinizes every margin. Yet, in a twist that would pique the interest of even the most casual supporter, Arsenal's season teeters on the brink. The very essence of football's lifeblood—the undeniable power of scoring—was left hanging in the balance, and the dice that rolled weren't in Arteta's favor. Take Arsenal's recent journey through the FA Cup—a familiar…

In an intriguing turn of events, the ECOWAS Parliament has decided to send a delegation to Monrovia. Their mission? To tackle the ongoing political gridlock surrounding attempts by certain lawmakers to unseat Fonati Koffa, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Now, it's worth noting that while those aiming to displace the Speaker haven't managed to muster the necessary 49 votes as mandated by law, their actions have nonetheless halted legislative activities. They've effectively disrupted the usual proceedings by…

The European Union's chief diplomat recently expressed concerns over the United States' decision to grant Israel a month to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing that far too many lives could be lost in that timeframe. "The US has urged Israel to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza; however, a one-month extension feels inadequate. Given the current rate of casualties, far too many will die," remarked Josep Borrell to reporters just prior to an upcoming summit of EU leaders. US officials indicated that…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…

In Asmara, Eritrea, on October 9, 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki held bilateral meetings to discuss enhancing military cooperation and strengthening their relationship amidst regional shifts. Credit: Villa Somalia Somalia's leader, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, touched down in Asmara, Eritrea, this past Wednesday for a formal visit. Since taking the helm in 2022, this marks his fourth voyage. It's likely geared toward boosting a developing alliance among Somalia,…

On September 27, 2024, Somalian Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre spoke at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Barre accused Ethiopia of actions that "flagrantly violate" Somalia's territorial integrity. WASHINGTON — Bomb explosions rocked Mogadishu and a town in the Middle Shabelle region on Saturday, resulting in at least six deaths and 10 injuries, according to local police and eyewitness accounts to VOA. “An explosives-laden vehicle parked near a bustling restaurant in the Hamar Weyne…