advocates

Somalia’s Electoral Shift: A Nation’s Leap Toward Democracy By Ali MusaAxadle Times International – Monitoring Mogadishu – The vibrant and bustling heart of Somalia, where you can feel the pulse of a nation yearning for change, has witnessed a compelling narrative unfold. On an eventful Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a poignant address, whose echoes are likely to be felt far beyond the borders of this storied land. In an impassioned plea, he underscored how Somalia's reliance on indirect…

During the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa made a compelling case for a more inclusive and cooperative global community. This moment is particularly momentous as South Africa steps into the G20 Presidency for the first time, a milestone that amplifies the nation's voice on the world stage. In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the profound significance of convening the G20 Leaders' Summit in Africa, emphasizing that the continent is not just a place rich in cultural diversity…

In recent developments, Lebanese leaders have reached out to both the United States and France, urging them to compel Israel to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Their characterization of Israel's presence in several key areas as an "occupation" underscores the gravity of the situation following the expiration of a ceasefire deadline. The United Nations has labeled the incomplete withdrawal as a breach of a Security Council resolution. While many displaced individuals are slowly returning to their homes in the…

As South Africa navigates its complex socio-political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent address during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate struck a resonant chord focused on unity and collaborative nation-building. In a world fraught with challenges, he urged the nation to stand resilient against what he described as a “harsh global wind.” One might wonder—how does a country, rich in diversity and potential, find common ground amid such pressing issues? Ramaphosa emphasized the pivotal role of the…

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…