dispute

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia finds itself entangled in a thorny political conundrum, with rising tensions between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over contentious electoral reforms. This firestorm has forced Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to call for an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday, aiming to tackle what has become a seriously divisive cause. Jubbaland's leadership is vehemently opposing federal election plans and champions regional self-governance instead. At the crux of this simmering discord…

Ethiopia Expresses No Desire for War, Pursues Peaceful Maritime Access ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - In a bid to ease growing tensions, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the country's disinclination towards any military engagement with Somalia. This statement comes amid friction over a recent deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent region, as he explained to the parliament. Back in January, Ethiopia, eager for sea access due to its landlocked status, made significant strides by signing…

A multitude of lawmakers aiming to unseat House Speaker Fonatii Koffa remain resolute in their intentions, disregarding a directive from the Supreme Court that called for a suspension of their activities. This order springs from a formal appeal made by Speaker Koffa himself, intended to halt any proceedings concerning his potential ousting until a scheduled meeting between both factions on November 4. The faction opposing the Speaker, which boasts more than 40 representatives from the House, identifies itself as the…

When Sofia Patel, the head of operations for the Labour Party, shared an update on her LinkedIn about campaign opportunities with U.S. presidential aspirant Kamala Harris, she likely didn't foresee the uproar it would provoke. The now-removed post stated: "I have nearly 100 Labour Party staff members (both past and present) set to head to the U.S. shortly, targeting North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Virginia." She continued, "I have ten spots open for anyone willing to travel to the critical battleground state of…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia has underscored its plan to maintain its soldiers in Somalia as a part of the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). But there’s a hefty roadblock: Somalia demands the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops unless Ethiopia cancels its controversial sea access deal with North Western State of Somalia, hinged on mutual recognition. This agreement strives to offer Ethiopia a path to the Red Sea if it acknowledges North Western State of Somalia’s autonomy,…

Bishop Samuel J. Quire, the prominent leader of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, has recently expressed deep concerns regarding reports of several congregations pondering a split from the denomination. Their contemplation of such a move stems from the heated discussions surrounding the acceptance of same-sex marriage within the church. Quire firmly emphasized that no congregation under the Methodist banner is entitled to sever ties, highlighting that those contemplating such a decision are straying from the…

Egypt's Al-Sisi Stands Firm on Nile Water Dispute With Ethiopia CAIRO, Egypt - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has pledged to safeguard the waters of the Nile River amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam constructed on the Blue Nile. Egypt has long contended that Ethiopia’s damming efforts have curtailed the water flow downstream, severely affecting countless lives across the nation. In response, Egypt proposed a measured approach to filling the dam, an idea swiftly nixed by the…

Somalia's Political Roadblock: Leadership Gridlocked Over Term Extension During Key Election Reform Deliberations MOGADISHU, Somalia - A hush-hush conclave involving Somalia's President and Prime Minister, alongside Ahmed Madobe from Jubaland, concluded in a standoff on Friday, as noted by Axadle's unimpeachable sources. This stalemate is a serious setback for the Federal Administration's electoral reform strategy, which faces considerable pushback. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud advocates for a sweeping change to the…

Why Egypt is involved in Ethiopia-Somalia conflict CAIRO, Egypt – The Egyptian government finds itself tangled in the row between Somalia and Ethiopia, stirring unease in the Horn of Africa. This region is currently grappling with a brewing crisis and its potential fallout, desperately seeking viable resolutions. Northward Over the Weekend: Egypt decided to send more military aid to Somalia. Officials claimed this was in line with a defense pact between both nations. This transfers and the country's looming presence in the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – On the International Day of Universal Access to Information, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) sounded the alarm about the new Official Information Bill, cautioning that it undermines Somalia's strides towards democracy. This Bill, criticized for possibly curbing information under the guise of national security and confidentiality, stands in stark opposition to UNESCO's 2024 theme, "Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector." NUSOJ Secretary General Omar…