commission

Summit Highlights: Strengthening Peace in Somalia When Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni convened the Extraordinary Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), it was more than just a meeting of leaders; it was an urgent call to action. Hosted at the serene State House in Entebbe on a significant day in April, the summit drew attention to the pressing challenges and vital opportunities in the ongoing peace efforts in Somalia. The TCCs…

Pressure Mounts on AU Commission to Fund Somalia Peace Mission KAMPALA, Uganda – In a world increasingly driven by individual national interests, the subtle art of collaboration stands as a beacon. Recently, this very spirit of cooperation was spotlighted in Uganda, where nations contributing troops to peace efforts in Somalia unequivocally voiced their expectations. The African Union Commission, together with its partners, faces mounting pressure to rally resources for the mission. The tranquil setting of the State House…

Mogadishu (AX) — As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a vital moment in Somalia's democratic evolution is at hand. The National Independent Electoral Commission has announced a crucial extension of the political association registration deadline, adding an extra nine days for parties to ready themselves for a monumental occasion—the first one-person, one-vote local elections in over fifty years, scheduled for late June. Commission Chairperson Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan articulated this development, stating…

Mogadishu's Voter Registration: A New Era or More of the Same? MOGADISHU, Somalia - Amidst the sandy winds and bustling streets of Mogadishu, a transformative yet contentious journey begins. As the capital of Somalia strides toward its first local elections in over half a century, the air is thick with anticipation and lingering questions. The call for voter registration has been sounded, sparking a mixture of hope and skepticism among its citizens and politicians alike. The electoral body at the helm, an entity tangled…

On an ordinary Saturday, right amidst the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, an unassuming revolutionary shift occurred. Selma Haddadi was appointed as the next deputy chairperson of the AU Commission—an appointment that resonates across the continent like an unexpected melody echoing through familiar chords, signaling a fresh symphony for Africa. Hailing from Algeria, Haddadi holds the esteemed position of ambassador to Ethiopia. Her election marks the beginning…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's a sunny Saturday, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has a reason to beam with pride. This afternoon, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who recently achieved the notable milestone of being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. An occasion worth celebrating, no doubt. Imagine, for a moment, the intricate dance of diplomacy that played out at the bustling AU summit in Addis Ababa. Underneath the grandeur of the…

ADDIS ABABA - In a riveting turn of events, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious in the race for the prestigious African Union Commission Chairperson position, besting Kenya's erstwhile Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. The conclusion came only after a rigorous seven rounds of voting by the continent's Heads of State and Governments, marking the end of a campaign that was as intense as it was unpredictable. As the electoral process got underway, Raila Odinga seemed the indomitable…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Mogadishu (AX) — Jubbaland's leadership, alongside its representatives in Somalia's federal Parliament, have declared their opposition to a newly sanctioned law that establishes the Independent National Electoral Commission. They argue it breaches constitutional principles and excludes them from pivotal discussions.On Saturday, a statement emerged from the corridors of power in Jubbaland, decrying the parliamentary proceedings as "unlawful" due to the absence of their own lawmakers and those from Northeastern State during…

Ay up, ever read a headline and thought, "Well, what’s the craic here?" Let me fill you in on the insider juice. Over in Mogadishu, it's not just the Somali tea brewing hot; their parliament's just given the green light to a law that’s set to shake up the election scene. They're gearing up for a voting system that'll finally hand over the ballot keys to every dude and dudette in the country. Now that’s what we call democracy getting its groove back! Gather 'round for espresso shots of democracy—173 lawmakers, snug in their…