lawmakers

Democrats condemn Trump’s remarks about Somali Americans as ‘xenophobic,’ warn rhetoric aids extremists Senior Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday condemned President Donald Trump’s strongly derogatory comments about Somali Americans and Somalia, calling the remarks “xenophobic and unacceptable” and warning they could endanger U.S. interests. In a joint statement, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Cory Booker said Trump’s rhetoric targeted Somali Americans, including immigrants and refugees,…

Puntland State lawmakers demand answers over unpaid salaries despite $300M-plus 2026 budget GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State state lawmakers on Friday pressed the government to explain why civil servants have received only three months of pay this year, even as parliament approved a 2026 budget topping $300 million. During a contentious session in Garowe, members of the Puntland State State of Somalia Parliament called it unacceptable that budgets are passed annually but not fully executed. Lawmakers demanded a transparent…

Lawmakers Warn of Risks to Draft 2026 National Budget Targets Lawmakers are raising alarms about the ambitious US$1.2 billion target of the Draft 2026 National Budget, insisting that without key reforms, these goals remain at risk of being unmet. This budget, the largest proposed under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration, signifies a bold expansion in government spending. It emphasizes funding for social projects, civil service restructuring, infrastructure investment, and governance reforms. However, lawmakers…

Kebbi Officials Dispute Claims of Religious Context in Schoolgirls' Abduction Local officials in the northwestern Nigerian state of Kebbi are vehemently contesting statements made by U.S. lawmaker Miley Moore regarding the recent abductions of schoolgirls in the region. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Moore claimed that the attack occurred in a "Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria," calling for prayers for the twenty-five schoolgirls kidnapped in this incident. He also urged the Nigerian government to take more…

Somalia elects nine EALA lawmakers, taking its full seat in East Africa’s regional house Somalia’s parliament has elected nine lawmakers to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), a procedural step with outsized symbolism. Less than a year after joining the East African Community (EAC), Mogadishu now has a voice in the bloc’s lawmaking chamber in Arusha, Tanzania — where rules on trade, movement, and regional cooperation are hammered out. The joint sitting of both Houses at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu capped months…

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…