commitment

Fifth Quadrennial Congress of FESTU Concludes with Resolve to Defend Workers' Rights How does one begin to measure the pulse of a movement? The air was thick with determination as the Fifth Quadrennial Congress of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) reached its conclusion in Mogadishu on February 12, 2025. It was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Somali labour movement. With 328 delegates—53% men and 47% women—hailing from both the bustling regions of the five…

Mogadishu (AX) – Under the gentle gaze of a sunlit Mogadishu sky, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre sat opposite the freshly minted Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Rowaid Adil Mohamed. Their meeting, held within the ornate confines of the Prime Minister's office, was more than a mere formality; it whispered of history, a narrative stretching beyond the horizon of the present moment. Is there a bond thicker than one forged in shared struggles and aspirations? Such is the connection between Somalia and Palestine.…

Marco Rubio, the newly appointed chief diplomat of the United States, has reiterated the country’s steadfast commitment to Israel amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and escalating military operations in the West Bank. As the Israeli forces intensified their lethal campaign in Jenin, Rubio ensured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America's support remains unwavering. In a late-night conversation from Washington, Rubio made it crystal clear that bolstering this alliance is a paramount concern for President Trump.…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia has once again taken center stage, highlighting its resolve for international diplomacy. At the helm of this diplomatic journey is Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, who praised the newfound ceasefire orchestrated by an unlikely coalition—Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. During an impassioned speech given at UN Headquarters, there's more than just routine platitudes; there's a nation standing firm on its principles. At the Security Council’s 9841st…

Pope Francis, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday, has opened up about his health and his future in a new autobiography, and his words are a breath of fresh air. “I am well,” he asserts confidently in a book now available in over 100 countries. Yet, he adds with a hint of humility, “The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.” Despite the challenges he faces daily—often relying on a wheelchair to navigate the Vatican halls due to persistent knee and back pain—the pope insists that age doesn't diminish the vigor of…

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

Mogadishu (AX) – Nations involved in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have pledged their continued support for peacekeeping efforts as ATMIS concludes in December 2024.During last week's African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, defense chiefs from these countries confirmed their backing for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), starting January 2025.They highlighted financial hurdles challenging both ATMIS and AUSSOM. Emphasizing the importance of…

"The Egyptian Presidential Spokesman threw a post onto the official social media scene, sprinkling news hot off the press about the recent gabfest between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and PM, Mohammed bin Salman, and Egypt's big cheese." President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi played the welcoming committee at Cairo's bustling airport for the Crown Prince, treating him like royalty as he stepped onto familiar soil in Egypt. Taking the princely guest by the arm, El-Sisi led him over to the Ittihadiya Palace, where they rolled out the…

Beledweyne (AX) - On Friday, officials from the Hiiraan region of the Hirshabelle administration voiced strong disapproval of the violent altercation in Beledweyne. This clash, involving forces from both the Hiiraan State and Hirshabelle State administrations, tragically resulted in a civilian's death and further unsettled the already fragile stability.In their official response, the administration pledged to implement essential actions to uphold law and order, ensuring the safety of locals. "The leadership of the Hiiraan…

**Analysis: The Financial Burden of Israel's Ongoing Conflict in Gaza and Rising Tensions in the Middle East** As the year mark approaches in the conflict in Gaza, Israel finds itself grappling with unprecedented economic strain. The surge in military expenditure and soaring government debt has cast a shadow over the nation’s financial landscape. With potential escalations into surrounding territories, a crucial question arises: can Israel sustain this level of financial commitment, and from where will the necessary funds…