advocates

On a day marked by celebration and camaraderie, tens of thousands of Australians took to the streets to voice their grievances regarding the treatment of Indigenous peoples. This outpouring of emotion coincided with Australia Day, a national holiday that commemorates the arrival of British colonizers in 1788. In bustling cities like Sydney and Melbourne, demonstrators rallied, shining a spotlight on the alarming incarceration rates, dismal health outcomes, and historical injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians—whose…

In a bold move aimed at tackling Spain's escalating housing crisis, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has put forth a proposal to tighten the reins on who can buy property in the country. This initiative stems from pressing concerns about affordability, as countless individuals and families are increasingly being priced out of the housing market. Just a week earlier, Sanchez stirred the pot by suggesting a hefty tax—potentially reaching 100%—on property transactions. This recommendation comes amid a backdrop of rampant demand…

Political Dissonance and Repression in North Western State of Somalia Hargeisa (AX) — In the dusty echoes of North Western State of Somalia’s political landscape, a storm is brewing. The newly-minted administration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, perhaps not as squeaky clean as a new pin, has already directed its gaze upon activists and journalists who dare to question or challenge the status quo. This recent crackdown has reignited worries about political oppression, even with new faces steering the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the labyrinth of African geopolitics, where the sands of strategy shift almost as swiftly as the dunes of the Sahara, Somalia finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The nation, energetically charting the course for the African Union's next phase in peacekeeping — dubbed the African Union's Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) — eagerly gestures towards its long-time neighbor, Ethiopia, hoping to draw them into this unfolding tapestry of collaboration. Yet, the path to inclusion is anything but a…

MOGADISHU – In a bid that feels somewhat like pulling rabbits out of a hat, Somalia is striving to open doors for Ethiopia in the troop lineup for the newly envisioned African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, affectionately coined AUSSOM. Diving deep into these waters, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, steps into the limelight with the declaration. It’s possible you’ve already guessed: he has quite a task ahead of him. Minister Balcad, speaking with an air of resolve, pointed out that the meticulous…

The ministers of justice and Islamic affairs in Morocco are pushing for significant reforms to the nation's family law. For years, advocates for women’s rights have been calling for an overhaul of the legal framework designed to safeguard women and children within familial structures. They seek not just modifications but a fundamental shift towards equality, particularly regarding inheritance rights, custody of children, and a complete ban on child marriages. This bold initiative proposes more than 100 amendments to the…

At the 12th World Urban Forum held in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt, an important step towards a fairer transportation future was unveiled. During this event, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). In crafting this action plan, over 1,300 diverse stakeholders from across Africa provided invaluable insights. This strategic framework emphasizes the urgent need to invest in alternatives to…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his administration's dedication to engaging in dialogue with the leaders of Northeastern State and Jubbaland to mend ongoing political rifts.In a 25-minute discourse on Tuesday evening to lawmakers and regional heads, President Mohamud underscored the significance of harmony and collaboration as the National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings press on in Mogadishu."We intend to converse with our brethren holding dissenting views. Should they extend an…

Mogadishu (AX) — Underneath the bright Mogadishu skies, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warmly welcomed German Ambassador Sebastian Groth to the Presidential Palace on a Thursday that promised progress as they delved into dialogues on enhancing their bilateral ties.President Mohamud ardently called for amplifying Germany’s backing for Somalia’s quest to rebuild and progress, with a clear spotlight on revitalizing vocational training schemes. The President passionately expressed how these moves are crucial for fostering…

At the recent BRICS summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin advocated for the idea of a new "multipolar world order." This gathering of global leaders, he hopes, will demonstrate that Western efforts to exclude Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine have ultimately failed. Taking place in Kazan, this summit represents the most significant diplomatic event in Russia since Mr. Putin initiated military action in Ukraine in 2022, an act that resulted in extensive Western sanctions and widespread international rebuke.…