leader

Hargeisa (AX) — The news of former North Western State of Somalia President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo’s death on Friday has left a significant mark. A major player in the political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, Silanyo was 86 years old when he passed away, as reported by his family. Having led the Somali National Movement (SNM) and founded the influential Kulmiye party, Silanyo's political career peaked when he became President of North Western State of Somalia, serving from 2010 until 2017. Born in…

KHARTOUM - The United States Treasury Department recently slapped sanctions on a Sudanese paramilitary leader for allegedly perpetrating egregious human rights violations in West Darfur. Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is pointed out in a Treasury statement for spearheading activities rooted in ethnic violence, reportedly involving civilian targeting and conflict-related sexual assault. Just days prior, the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Barkalla amid the…

HARGEISA, Somalia - Voters turned out in droves across the self-governing region of North Western State of Somalia, with over a million residents eager to choose their leader, in what could be a nail-biting race due to its competitive nature. The ruling Kulmiye party's candidate, Muse Bihi, alongside his main opponent, Abdirahman Irro, made their way to the polls on Wednesday morning, each radiating hope that they would emerge victorious when the electoral officials announce the final tallies. Bihi, who's been at the helm…

Somalia shook things up this Saturday, swapping out their top military brass in a dramatic reshuffle. The cabinet decided to retire Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow from his position as the chief of the armed forces, handing the reins over to Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh. The mood in Mogadishu was tense during the emergency meeting when this decision was made, reflecting the swirling political unrest in the Horn of Africa. It’s a big callback for Rageh, who’s no stranger to the role, having previously served as the army chief…

In a compelling demonstration of solidarity, the Federal Republic of Somalia's head honcho, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, threw his weight behind the Palestinian cause, making an impassioned plea for an immediate halt to hostilities. "The bloodshed must stop," he declared, emphasizing the necessity of freeing all captives and prisoners. "This is not just about peace, it's about preserving lives and easing suffering." Speaking at the high-stakes Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, President Mohamud laid bare…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has brought General Odowaa Yusuf Rage back to the fore, a youthful officer molded in Turkey. Rage had previously made headlines by cracking down on opposition figures in Mogadishu during the tumultuous 2021-22 elections. This reappointment unfolds against the backdrop of a political storm swirling around Villa Somalia's attempts to tweak certain constitutional passages for timing extensions—moves that might derail the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab. Rage steps into the…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a hotspot of brewing strategies, the Somali Council of Ministers recently convened in a swift and decisive meeting held on Sunday night, a meeting that led to reshuffling some top military brass. Their resolution? Welcome back General Odowa Yusuf Raage as the head honcho of the Somali Armed Forces, sending General Ibrahim Muhyiddin to the sidelines. Straight from the chambers of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's office came the announcement, stamping the ministry's approval for General Raage's…

In the bustling city of Riyadh, an urgent summit has convened under the auspices of Saudi Arabia, bringing together voices from across the Arab and Islamic sphere. Among the distinguished attendees is Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has traveled to Saudi Arabia to address the rising turmoil in Gaza and Lebanon. CREDIT/ Villa Somalia RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AX) — With a backdrop of heightened tension, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from Somalia touched down in Riyadh this Monday. He joins an assembly of prominent…

General Fayyad al-Ruwaili, the chief of staff for Saudi Arabia's armed forces, is set to make a significant trip to Tehran. His mission? To engage in discussions about defense partnerships with his Iranian counterpart. This information was confirmed by the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, according to reports in local media. This diplomatic outreach comes on the heels of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, as he prepares to begin his second term as President of the United States in January. Trump has expressed his…

Somalia's Presidential Decision on Deportation Accord Faces Criticism MOGADISHU, Somalia - Among the cacophony of political discourse, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire does not mince words when challenging President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s deportation pact with Germany, labeling the memorandum of understanding 'reckless.' Khaire insists that any such international agreements must resonate deeply with Somalia's current scenario. The persistent turmoil that pushes Somalis to seek asylum abroad cannot be ignored. He…