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Welcome to New Beginnings: A New Chapter for Somali Journalists In a city like Mogadishu, where the cacophony of life intermingles with the echoes of history, the workday unfolds with its own unique temperament. This week, a pivotal yet intimate meeting took place at the AU Mission headquarters—a gathering that may shape the future of journalism in Somalia. Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, freshly appointed as the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African Union…

A New Dawn for Democracy in Somalia: Voter Registration Takes Center Stage In a historic moment brimming with hope and potential, Somalia stands at the cusp of a transformative era in its democratic journey. This past Monday, amid a blend of anticipation and determination, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took a pivotal step by registering at a voter registration center in the Warta-Nabadda District. As he called upon his fellow citizens to engage in this democratic exercise, a collective aspiration resonated throughout the…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia’s United Front Against Al-Shabaab When Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, Somalia’s Defense Minister, met with Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage, the head of the Somali National Army, and Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene of AUSSOM in Mogadishu, the room was filled with an urgent sense of purpose. The threat posed by al-Shabaab has long cast a shadow over Somalia, intertwining fears and hopes within its communities. Now, these leaders face the daunting task of transforming that narrative. A Partnership with…

Northeastern State's Bold Steps: Reforming for a Resilient Future In the bustling city of Garowe, there's a palpable air of change. The sun casts long shadows as crowds gather to witness a monumental event—the graduation ceremony of 500 university students, now transformed into the backbone of Northeastern State’s new police force. Among the attendees is Said Abdullahi Deni, the charismatic leader of the Northeastern State regional state, whose vision for a secure and resilient future has gripped the hearts of many. The…

Human Rights Watch has vocally criticized the two-decade prison sentence imposed on opposition leader Succes Masra, labeling the charges against him as nothing more than a tool of political oppression. In Ndjamena, a court convicted Masra for allegedly "disseminating racist and xenophobic propaganda" and for his supposed role in the tragic deaths of many during violent clashes between communities. According to the respected rights organization, Masra’s harsh sentence conveys a “chilling message” to those who dare to voice…

Mogadishu (AX) - Abdirashid Janan, the intelligence head for Somalia's Gedo region, has leveled some serious claims against Jubbaland’s leader, Ahmed Madobe. He asserts that Madobe is a roadblock to the area’s progress, and the Somali government is all in to wrest control from his grip. In the past, Janan played a significant role in Jubbaland’s security arena. Now, he accuses Madobe of transforming the region into his personal fiefdom, where differing opinions are quashed under pressure. Madobe,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his commitment to reform the country's electoral system, aiming for universal suffrage by 2026. During a celebration of King Charles III's birthday in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stressed the significance of democratic elections in bolstering government effectiveness and fueling national growth. Quoting the President, "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, built on the Somali people's will. Our government is committed to ensuring Somalis take an…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a momentous election hailed for its openness, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro emerged victorious to take up the mantle as North Western State of Somalia’s president, winning a landslide 64% of the vote. As Irro steps up to the plate, he inherits a politically tense landscape marked by fraught relations with Somalia and scrutiny surrounding a debatable pact with Ethiopia for access to the coastline. Leader of the opposition, the Waddani Party, Irro ousted the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, who…

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, "This election isn't about win or lose for the contenders. It's an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward." Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian…

PORTLAND, Oregon (AX) — In a historic turn of events, Senator Kayse Jama has ascended to the role of Majority Leader in the Oregon State Senate. This remarkable achievement marks the first time a Somali-American and Black Muslim has held such a position in the state. Representing the 24th District and chosen by fellow Democrats who dominate the legislative body, Jama’s appointment is a landmark in the ongoing push for inclusive representation for both immigrant communities and communities of color.Jama secured this…