Council

In a kaleidoscope of global diplomacy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty navigated the corridors of power as he conferred with European Council President Antonio Costa in the cosmopolitan heart of Europe, Brussels. They engaged in a tête-à-tête underscoring the instrumental role President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi has played in sculpting the Gaza ceasefire while orchestrating the symphony of peace and stability across the Middle East. Adams' son was quick to recognize Egypt as an indispensable confidant in…

As the curtain drew on the last quarter of the year, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) found itself in the spotlight—quite literally. The organization capped off its busy season with an extraordinary invitation from the White House, asking CCA to join President Biden's official delegation to Angola, his final international sojourn as President. Florie Liser, the President and CEO of CCA, couldn't hide her enthusiasm as she shared this momentous update with members. "I was thrilled to see both Presidents dive into…

Somalia has announced its candidacy for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) for the 2025–2028 terms. In a press release issued over the weekend, Somalia outlined key reasons for its candidacy, emphasising its ”leadership in regional and continental priorities.” Somalia stressed the need for “fair representation,” noting its absence from the AU PSC since its creation in 2004. The country argued that its “inclusion is vital for ensuring equitable representation within the organisation.…

Horn of Africa's own Mogadishu—Somalia just tossed its hat into the ring for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), hoping to snag a spot for the 2025–2028 term. It's an ambitious endeavor to up its game in the arena of peace and stability across the continent.The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement this past Thursday, pointed out that since the inception of the AU PSC back in 2004, Somalia hasn't had the chance to represent. The ministry emphasized their candidacy isn't just a matter…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — As we gear up for the November 5 election, the political scene in St. Cloud is ready for a transformation. A total of six candidates are vying for three at-large seats on the city council. Notably, Hudda Ibrahim and Omar Podi are two Somali-American leaders determined to confront the city’s most pressing challenges while amplifying the voices of its varied residents.Hudda Ibrahim has been a key player in St. Cloud's civic engagements for quite some time. Recognized for her contributions to…

PORTLAND, Oregon (AX) — Ahlam Osman, a 22-year-old entrepreneur and passionate community champion, is on the brink of making history as Portland’s inaugural Somali-American city councilor. Hailing from Southeast Portland, Osman feels ready to become an impactful presence in the city's political scene as she campaigns for the City Council seat in District 3. Her candidacy embodies a crucial chance for the younger, often overlooked voices in the area, particularly those from the Somali community. As the founder of Above…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a pivotal Sunday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud threw open the doors to the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting at the grand presidential palace. The gathering aims to delve into pivotal issues: security, the path of nation-building, and the ever-critical subject of elections. As the meeting reconvened, it was against the backdrop of rocky relations between the federal government and regional powers. Leaders from Northeastern State and Jubbaland were noticeably absent, choosing to remain on the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Sarah Mohamed Khalif, a Belgian with Somali roots, has once again secured a spot on Leuven's city council. Her election marks a continued path-breaking journey in the European political scene. Notably, she remains the first Somali, Muslim, and immigrant woman to achieve this milestone, winning a second term after a tenacious campaign. During her inaugural term, Sarah allied with the Vooruit party, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive Leuven. Her focus centered on enhancing social services for the…

In a significant gathering at the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 26, 2024, in Geneva, delegates from various nations convened to deliberate on pressing global human rights dilemmas. Amidst this backdrop, Kenya's election to the council for the 2025–2027 tenure stirred the pot, faced with heavy criticisms from civil society groups due to alleged human rights transgressions. Photo by Janine Schmitz/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Kenya's leap onto the United Nations Human Rights Council…