government

The busy streets of Mogadishu were eerily silent on Thursday night as a tragic event unfolded under the watchful gaze of the city's crumbling infrastructure. Abdullahi Sheikh Ahmed, a figure deeply embedded in the community and an instrumental leader within the Halane branch of Wadajir district, was unexpectedly taken from this world. Somali officials have confirmed the details of his untimely death, adding yet another page to Mogadishu's sorrowful narrative. The air was heavy with disbelief and a quiet rage as the…

Exploring the Burden of Debt in African Economies Albert Einstein once quipped, "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it." This quote rings particularly true for several African nations today. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), numerous African economies find themselves grappling with alarming levels of government debt. This raises a multitude of questions about fiscal sustainability…

Today, the Australian government has unveiled a series of new tax cuts and additional cost-of-living assistance, aiming to reconnect with dissatisfied voters while taking a bold step that will shift the budget back into deficit. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's administration is gearing up for a crucial May election, currently finding itself in a tightly contested race against the conservative Coalition opposition. The stakes are high, and according to Albanese, “We must address the immediate concerns of everyday…

In a bold move that sends ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich Rivers State. The declaration comes hand-in-hand with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected representatives of the State House of Assembly. This decision stems from a burgeoning political crisis and alarming acts of vandalism against vital pipeline infrastructure. As the sun began to set over the lush landscapes of…

The Irish Government is poised to contribute an additional €315 million to the European Union's enhanced military package for Ukraine, as confirmed by reliable sources. This contribution will augment the €100 million already pledged in recent weeks. The newly proposed €315 million will focus specifically on non-lethal support, reinforcing Ireland's commitment to assisting Ukraine during these challenging times. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris, currently speaking from the United States, reached out to…

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a passionate appeal to the heart of Somalia's legislative body, a federal lawmaker, Abdullahi Farah Mire, has turned the spotlight on what he describes as a troubling diversion of national security funds. At the core of his concern is a claim directed at officials within the orbit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The essence of Mire’s charge is both critical and evocative: he alleges that money intended for the national fight against the pervasive threat of Islamic State militants is being…

Mogadishu (AX) – An air of resoluteness enveloped the Somali capital this Monday as Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre articulated a bold, challenging vision for the nation. With steadfast determination, he announced an impending, extraordinary military initiative aimed squarely at dismantling the stronghold of Al-Shabaab, that roguish insurgency plaguing the heart of Somalia. What makes this operation particularly significant is its timing—it is slated to unfold during the revered month of Ramadan, adding a layer of profound…

Critical Reflections on Somalia's Current Challenges Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Life often asks us tough questions, doesn’t it? Recently, in the realm of Somali politics, a significant debate has erupted centering on the leadership—or perceived lack thereof—of the Hirshabelle state. A senior adviser to Somalia's president, Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim Qoone, has fired pointed accusations at key officials in Hirshabelle. His critique cuts deep: they allegedly failed to step up…