lawmakers

Somalia’s Northeastern lawmakers head into decisive vote in Las Anod amid allegations of federal interference LAS ANOD, Somalia — Lawmakers in Somalia’s newly formed Northeastern state are set to choose a president and vice president on Saturday, a pivotal test for a region still finding its feet after a violent, bruising year and a political moment that could ripple far beyond the dusty streets of Las Anod. The vote, expected to unfold in rounds through the day, features ten contenders — five for president and five for…

High-ranking Russian officials are expressing outrage over claims that President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the green light to utilize long-range missiles, specifically provided by the U.S., to target locations deep within Russian territory. This marks a potential pivot in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, although no official confirmation of such a decision has been made. Maria Butina, a member of the Russian parliament, warned that this move could catapult us toward World War III. "I genuinely…

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have taken a decisive step to impose targeted sanctions on what’s often referred to as Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers. This fleet has enabled Moscow to continue exporting significant volumes of crude oil and petroleum products, effectively sidestepping the sanctions imposed by the EU, G7, and various international bodies. A growing chorus of concern has emerged regarding these aging, uninsured tankers, with fears that they could trigger ecological disasters, particularly…

Somali Lawmakers Convene in Kismayo to Challenge Central Government's Voting Proposals KISMAYO, Somalia — Over 30 legislators from across Somalia have assembled in Kismayo, Jubbaland's current administrative hub, to express discontent with the national government's approach. Initially slated for Friday, the meeting was rescheduled, aiming to enhance participation, as per local broadcasts. Organized by Jubbaland's President, Ahmed Madobe, the convening sought to tackle growing differences between regional leaders and…

The Supreme Court of Liberia has made it clear that lawmakers attempting to oust House Speaker Fonati Koffa must respect the legal procedures in place. This ruling came in response to a petition urging the court to intervene and stop the various factions of legislators who have been conducting their own sessions aimed at unseating the Speaker. In the midst of this political frenzy, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast, declaring that he has no intention of stepping down, despite calls for his resignation. Instead, he has called…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The usual pandemonium ensued in Somalia's parliament as contentious debates over electoral reforms took center stage. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested lawmakers postpone their break to focus on the upcoming electoral process. Hassan Sheikh, returning for a second term, wants to adjust key electoral guidelines for a long-term shift. He aims to introduce universal suffrage, allowing every citizen to vote. Recognizing the pressing need for these reforms, Hassan Sheikh urged legislators to work…

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…

Somalia: MPs Still Battling Travel Bans at Mogadishu Airport En Route to Baidoa MOGADISHU, Somalia — Federal parliamentarians from the Southwest State of Somalia continue to face hurdles at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport, particularly when trying to fly to Baidoa. Today, MP Mohamed Sheikh Abdullahi Osman (known as Iiro) was the latest to be blocked from boarding his plane. These travel impediments have ignited a firestorm of anger and criticism from regional leaders and MPs. They argue that these actions…

Dozens of Tunisian artists and intellectuals have signed a petition calling on the country's judiciary to prosecute a lawmaker who justified the gruesome killing of a French teacher Samuel Paty by an Islamist radical. Signatories to the petition accused Tunisian lawmaker Rached Khiari of "condensing terrorism" in a social media…