Council

Riot police officers have found themselves at the center of controversy, detaining protesters on the Aga Khan Walk in downtown Nairobi, Kenya. These demonstrators are raising alarm bells over an unsettling trend: the unexplained abductions of government critics. As these events unfolded on December 30, 2024, one can't help but ponder the implications of such actions on the very fabric of democracy. Adding urgency to the situation, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is set to scrutinize Kenya’s human rights…

Today, voters across England are participating in a series of local and mayoral elections that could shape the political landscape. In addition to the local elections, a by-election is taking place in north-west England following the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury. Amesbury stepped down after serving time for an incident involving a constituent, bringing attention to the importance of accountability in governance. Some opinion polls reveal a shift in public sentiment, indicating that the Reform UK party, under the…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Tuesday, the atmosphere at Villa Somalia was more than just pleasant; it buzzed with the excitement of possibility. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Souleiman Hassan Waberi, a notable figure in the football world who wears many hats—President of the Djibouti Football Federation, Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and member of the FIFA Council. Their meeting wasn't just a standard diplomatic affair; it was a conversation brimming with potential for the…

The Official Welcome of SSC-Khaatumo into Somalia's Federal Community: A New Chapter In the heart of Las Anod, an ordinary Sunday quickly turned into a historic occasion, as the federal government of Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal administration. This pivotal announcement, made by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, brings SSC-Khaatumo into the fold along with the current Somali member states. The significance of this event resonated throughout the town, marking a crucial step toward…

In a significant development for European defense initiatives, Poland's Finance Minister Andrzej Domański has announced that the European Commission's ReArm Europe defense plan is now a top priority for Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Domański emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the Polish presidency aims to "finalise work on the package urgently." This week, EU finance ministers convened in Warsaw for the second day of discussions, focusing on how member states can effectively…

Somalia's election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) offers unparalleled insights into peacebuilding and global challenges There's an air of transformation hanging over Somalia, a land once drowning in the murk of conflict and now finding its place on the global stage. Elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the UNSC as of January 1, 2025, Somalia takes its seat among nations like Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama. This isn't just a diplomatic rite of passage; it's a chance for Somalia to…

The Unfolding Drama at the UN: A Show of Solidarity for Ukraine In a striking demonstration of unity, a notable assembly of dignitaries recently made a powerful statement by walking out of a session at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Their departure coincided with the somber anniversary of three years since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This act was not merely symbolic; it underscored a commitment to stand firmly with those facing oppression and invasion.…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant leap forward, Somalia has wiped clean a slate of debts stretching back 35 years with the United Nations, as announced by the government on a noteworthy Monday. The air in Mogadishu hummed with a sense of triumph, and rightly so. Foremost in delivering this groundbreaking news was Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. In conversation with the Somali National News Agency, Fiqi couldn't hide his pride, reflecting the sentiment of a nation that has long awaited such a moment. "This…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

Mogadishu (AX) — Like characters in the dynamic theater of geopolitics, nations vie for influence on the African stage, painting the canvas of history with choices and alliances. Recently, Ethiopia emerged as a pivotal protagonist by securing a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for a three-year tenure. But how did this happen? And what significance does this hold for the continent? Ethiopia's triumph at the 46th Executive Council meeting, held under the imposing shadows of Addis Ababa's…