Gathering

As the curtain lifted on his second term, US President Donald Trump found himself in the spotlight not just as a politician, but as a leader called to exercise compassion. On a chilly day in Washington, leading a diverse congregation at the National Cathedral, one voice rose above the clamor of politics. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, a figure of grace and influence, took the podium with a heartfelt message, beseeching Trump to "have mercy" on a nation fraught with fear and uncertainty. "In the name of our God," she implored,…

In an unexpected yet cordial meeting, President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, who have long been arch-rivals in the political arena, sat down to discuss pressing global issues like Ukraine and the Middle East. Their conversation took place in the iconic Oval Office of the White House, a setting that radiated peace despite the stark differences in their political views. As White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre reported, "They tackled significant national security matters and domestic policies affecting…

In 2018, Qatar and Somalia inked a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a joint supreme committee, marking a pivotal step to enhance collaboration between the two nations. Fast-forward to a recent pivotal meeting, almost four months post the Somali Diaspora Conference in July over in Qatar. This gathering was squarely focused on tackling the array of challenges faced by Somalia. The dialogues spanned from education and entrepreneurship to cultural identity, youth empowerment, and fostering economic investments in Somalia.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold move, the Somali National Army (SNA) on the frontlines took direct aim at a high-ranking assembly of Al-Shabaab insurgents this Tuesday, according to official sources. Senior military sources reported that the army attacked an Al-Shabaab gathering in Caad village, nestled within Mudug. This strike resulted in the immediate demise of three militants and inflicted severe wounds on two others. The agenda of this meeting remains a mystery. Such high-stakes meetings typically delve into the group’s…

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) – Lawmakers affiliated with the SSC-Khatumo administration have flatly declined an invitation to a meeting in Garowe. This gathering, initiated by Northeastern State's key figure, Said Deni, was aimed at convening federal MPs representing the Northeastern State constituency.According to recent reports, representatives from Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn, regions known collectively as the SSC-Khatumo administration, have reiterated their allegiance to the decision made in February 2023 by SSC elders. This decision…

Mogadishu (AX) — The gathering of Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC), which kicked off in Mogadishu on October 2, 2024, hit a snag when attempts to coax Jubbaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, back into the fold fizzled out.Madobe made an exit, insisting that Northeastern State and Khatumo's voices must be heard in the discussions. He claimed their omission would undermine the integrity of the elections across Somalia. With Northeastern State's head honcho, Said Abdullahi Deni, sticking to his guns on a no-show stance…

Mogadishu (AX) – Somali Premier Hamse Abdi Barre reinforced on Tuesday that the discussions by the National Consultative Council (NCC) in Mogadishu are progressing as planned. This is even after Jubbaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, returned to Kismayo amidst tensions over the forthcoming elections. In the heart of Mogadishu, Prime Minister Barre gave his word that both federal and regional dignitaries are deep in dialogue over crucial matters. "Once all topics are hashed out, they’ll make their decisions public," he mentioned.…

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…

Jubaland Leader Creates Buzz by Exiting NCC Gathering in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia – The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in Mogadishu hit a snag as Jubaland's chief, Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, vigorously opposed the act of simply approving term extensions without scrutiny. He urged the leadership to uphold ethical standards and transparency. On the NCC's concluding day, Madobe was spotted at Aden Adde International Airport, making his way to Kismayo after denouncing the controversial extension proposed…