debate

Mogadishu (AX) – A recent proposal to deduct $500 monthly from the salaries of members of the Somali Federal Parliament has ignited considerable debate and opposition. This initiative, intended to bolster the Ma’awisley clan militia engaged in combat against Al-Shabaab in the Hiiraan region, was the central topic during a parliamentary session on Saturday. The motion, presented by the parliamentary leadership, aimed to channel financial resources directly to Ma’awisley fighters. These fighters are currently collaborating…

Refugee Policy and Faith Leaders' Responses Earlier this year, a significant policy emerged through an executive order that aims to prioritize Afrikaner descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa for refugee status in the United States. This move has stirred various reactions across the globe, as it raises vital questions about the moral fabric of humanitarianism today. According to the U.S. State Department, the intent behind this initiative is to protect “communities at risk of race-based expropriation…

Op-Ed: Speaker Aden Madobe Must Embrace Transparency or Step Down The Federal Parliament of Somalia finds itself in another gripping crisis, with Speaker Aden Mohamed Nur (commonly known as Madobe) at the core of a contentious dispute. Just last night, Madobe took an unprecedented step by suspending 20 opposition MPs from attending sessions—an action many interpret as an attempt to stifle a brewing no-confidence motion against him. One can't help but wonder: Is this a tactical maneuver or a delay of…

In an impassioned address in parliament last week, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds did not shy away from expressing his concerns regarding Chinese company Jingye's dealings. He stressed that their actions have not reflected "good faith." "Despite our substantial offer to Jingye, their demands escalated to what I can only characterize as excessive," he asserted in the House of Commons. Back in 2020, Jingye acquired British Steel out of insolvency with a promise of ushering in a "new chapter" for steel production in…

The decisions surrounding the U.S. presence in Somalia are as complex as the country itself. With the recent escalation of conflict in Somalia, some officials from the U.S. State Department are advocating for the closure of the embassy in Mogadishu. This suggestion stems from the growing strength of Al Shabab militants, but it's a move not without its risks. Reflecting on the turbulent successes and failures in foreign policy, one must ponder—what does withdrawing mean for Somalia’s stability? Echoing the traumatizing…

This Week's Dispatch: Navigating the News Landscape In the realm of perpetual change that is today’s business environment, it seems that each headline adds to a whirlwind of intricate narratives. One story striding through this noise is the saga of reemployment policies at major tech companies. Have you ever wondered about the complexities behind rehiring processes, especially at firms like Meta? Meta's Hiring Maze Recent insights reveal intriguing practices at Meta, where internal block lists supposedly bar certain…

In a striking move, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding aid to South Africa, asserting that he might halt all assistance due to concerns over the nation’s land expropriation policies. He characterized these measures as “unfair,” claiming they enable the government to seize land indiscriminately while treating certain individuals and communities “very badly.” This bold declaration follows a significant political shift in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa recently advanced the…

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his bold ventures and controversial antics, recently found himself at the epicenter of a media storm. At an event celebrating the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Musk made a gesture that many observers hastily condemned as reminiscent of a "Nazi" or "fascist" salute. Talk about a Friday night frenzy! Though the web exploded with allegations, a well-respected monitor of anti-Semitism suggested that what transpired was more about unfiltered enthusiasm than…

Political Dissonance and Repression in North Western State of Somalia Hargeisa (AX) — In the dusty echoes of North Western State of Somalia’s political landscape, a storm is brewing. The newly-minted administration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, perhaps not as squeaky clean as a new pin, has already directed its gaze upon activists and journalists who dare to question or challenge the status quo. This recent crackdown has reignited worries about political oppression, even with new faces steering the…

UNITED NATIONS, NYC (AX) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre engaged in pivotal dialogues with global dignitaries at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. On Wednesday, Barre conversed with Molly Phee, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Their discussions gravitated around bolstering Somalia's counterterrorism initiatives and navigating the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) wind-down. Commitment to regional stability was reaffirmed, and avenues for…