challenges

Somalia’s Struggle with Federalism: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's Journey to Galmudug DHUSAMAREB, Somalia - The sun glinted off the new parliamentary building in Dhusamareb as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived, a symbol of his latest efforts to court regional states and mend fragmented ties. The streets were lined with onlookers, a reminder of the hopes and discord that define Somalia’s federal journey. It’s a path riddled with challenges, especially under the scrutiny of federalism’s contentious ideology. The day marked…

In the crisp fall of 2022, Waris Mohamed was brimming with joy. She had just signed her three children up for what seemed to be a complimentary after-school tutoring program. Living in Savage, the 44-year-old had been nudged into enrolling by a considerate teacher at her children's weekend school, known as dugsi, where they honed their grasp on Islamic teachings. Assured her eligibility for free tutoring due to her household's income under $35,000, Waris took the plunge. Waris quipped, "What mom isn't gonna jump at the…

North Western State of Somalia's Upcoming Election: Muse Bihi Grapples with Defections and Sovereignty Struggle HARGEISA, Somalia - Muse Bihi Abdi, the leader of North Western State of Somalia, faces considerable challenges in the upcoming election as over a million voters prepare to choose their new leader. This vote is poised to be a pivotal moment for the self-declared autonomous region, which is pushing hard for global recognition. Bihi, who once piloted jets in the Air Force, now witnesses the departure of his deputy,…

Even with a rising tide of awareness regarding children’s rights, the latest findings from UNICEF unveil some serious educational hurdles faced by kids in Eastern and Southern Africa. The figures are eye-opening and provoke serious thought. Research has shown that a staggering 87% of children recognize their rights. Yet, awareness doesn’t equate to adequate support or access. Take Tanzania, for instance, where youngsters are vocal about their need for better digital literacy and vocational training opportunities. They see…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's dynamic political sphere, the Himilo Qaran political party, helmed by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has shown its support for Jubbaland State’s recent electoral committee establishment, a decision met with a mix of applause and controversy. Despite the federal government's disapproval, this bold move symbolizes a significant shift in regional governance. On Sunday, Himilo Qaran rolled out a statement that gave a thumbs up to Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the…

Leaders from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are being called upon to engage in crucial conversations aimed at halting the violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also exploring strategies to safeguard civilians caught in the turmoil in Sudan. These discussions are set to unfold at the forthcoming summit in Burundi. "This summit presents a vital platform for African leaders to confront the ongoing crises in Congo and Sudan, among others. They must create tangible,…

Clash Over Voting Reforms Intensifies in Somalia Against Evolving Al-Shabaab Danger MOGADISHU, Somalia — With al-Shabaab continuing its menacing activities, the conversation around voting reforms in Somalia is turning into quite the wildfire. The heart of the matter? Whether the country should stick to indirect elections or make a bold shift to letting every citizen cast their vote in the 2026 elections. The political bigwigs gathered again at the presidential palace, their heads bent over talks on national security and…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a rapid move to counter Ethiopia’s grand naval dreams and territorial aspirations, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are stepping up their military armor like they mean business.These three nations shook hands on this alliance during an October 10 summit in Asmara, quickly transforming diplomatic chitchat into robust military maneuvers. Egypt's already tossing military hardware Somalia's way, and whispers are swirling about Egyptian boots on the ground—up to 10,000 soldiers by the dawn of 2025 under a…

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 (Xinhua)** -- In an update shared Thursday, a UN relief group noted a drop in humanitarian access issues, falling by 18.6% from the second to the third quarter, landing at 57 compared to the previous count of 70. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added that three aid workers lost their lives during this timeframe. Interestingly, while these unfortunate deaths coincided with their humanitarian roles, they were not directly tied to their work but were rather outcomes of broader…