Council

UN Security Council backs U.S.-led Gaza peace plan The United Nations Security Council voted 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining, to endorse a U.S.-authored Gaza peace plan that creates a transitional authority for the territory and calls for an international stabilisation presence. The resolution marks a rare Council alignment behind a U.S. blueprint after intensive diplomacy and textual changes that reference a "credible path" to Palestinian statehood. The vote authorises a Board of Peace and an International…

Mogadishu begins voter card rollout for local council elections Somalia’s electoral commission on Saturday began issuing voter cards in Mogadishu, a step the capital has seldom seen after years marked by conflict, displacement and political uncertainty. The process opened across multiple districts with steady turnout and orderly lines as residents prepared to participate in upcoming local council polls. Distribution started in Hamarjajab, Waberi, Shangani, Hamarweyne, Boondheere, Abdiaziz and Shibis districts. Officials…

Somalia’s New Opposition Bloc Warns of ‘Red Lines’ as Federalism Wobbles NAIROBI — In a city that often hosts Somali politics in exile, a newly formed alliance of regional leaders and opposition figures gathered Wednesday and issued the sort of warning that lands with a thud in Mogadishu: Do not bend the country’s fragile constitutional order. Do not change the rules without consensus. Do not extend your mandate. And do not squeeze Somalia’s federal system until it breaks. Calling itself the Somali Future Council, the bloc…

Somalia’s fragile human-rights transition meets a test on press freedom GENEVA — In a packed room at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Somali and British officials yesterday set out an upbeat case that Somalia is inching toward stronger national institutions. But the event’s most urgent testimony came from civil society: a warning that progress on paper is being undermined by a resurgent and more sophisticated campaign to silence journalists. The UK and Somalia jointly hosted the side event during the council’s 60th…

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…