Council

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…

Kismayo (AX) – In an unexpected twist, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, rolled back into Kismayo Monday. This move came after hitting a stalemate at the happening National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering in Mogadishu.Word on the street is that Madobe bounced from the talks because he put his foot down about not wanting to move forward without roping in Northeastern State and Khatumo. His stance? Their no-show would basically toss credibility for future nationwide elections right out the…

In the capital city of Mogadishu, leaders from Somalia's federal and regional bodies gathered for the National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow. This session zeroed in on critical issues like security, governance, and the hustle and bustle of economic growth. Meanwhile, Hargeisa (AX) — The provisional authority of SSC Khaatumo stepped up on the podium, formally seeking a voice at the ongoing NCC meetings. They argued their corner, saying that as a legitimate federal entity under the Somali government, they’ve got a right…

Mogadishu (AX) – Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, head of Jubaland, touched down in Mogadishu on Wednesday to join the imminent National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow. The onlookers at Aden Adde International Airport brought the heat, greeting federal lawmakers, ministers, and other bigwig politicos, making it the second such welcome of the day for a regional honcho. Earlier, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen from Southwest arrived in the bustling city for the eagerly awaited NCC gathering. In just a few days, the NCC…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud kicked off the National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering in Mogadishu, aiming squarely at tackling key political and security concerns. Over the course of two days, this meeting pulls together heavyweights from four regional states - Jubaland, Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmudug. The mayor of Mogadishu, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and his deputy are also in attendance. Per the federal government's insights, the agenda is crammed with…

Mogadishu (AX) – Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, leader of Southwest regional state, landed in Mogadishu on Wednesday, ready for the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting.On arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, a welcoming committee featuring federal lawmakers, ministers, and notable political figures greeted the delegation with warm reception as they made their way to their accommodations in the bustling capital.Social media pictures highlighted the heavy military support accompanying the group,…