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Somalia's Foreign Minister and AU Mission Head: A Tense Dynamic MOGADISHU – In the vibrant heart of Mogadishu, a city where historical echoes intertwine with the bustle of daily life, an unexpected declaration has stirred the political waters. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s charismatic Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently addressed the nation with a tone sharp enough to cut tension itself. During a candid interview, his words painted Sivuyile Bam, the Acting Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia…

April 12, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal day at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya, Turkiye, when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took the stage at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), offering a compelling narrative of hope and resilience. Under the bright lights of the forum, President Mohamud spoke with sincerity and determination, charting Somalia’s progress in counterterrorism and acknowledging Türkiye as a staunch ally. “Türkiye and Somalia are real partners based on mutual interests,” he…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a significant moment in Somali politics is unfolding. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended a formal invitation to Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, commonly known as Firdhiye, the esteemed leader of the interim SSC-Khaatumo administration. Firdhiye has been asked to engage in the pivotal National Consultative Council meeting set to occur in early May. This meeting is gaining considerable attention, as it promises to be a confluence of ideas and a catalyst for political change in the region.…

The Official Welcome of SSC-Khaatumo into Somalia's Federal Community: A New Chapter In the heart of Las Anod, an ordinary Sunday quickly turned into a historic occasion, as the federal government of Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal administration. This pivotal announcement, made by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, brings SSC-Khaatumo into the fold along with the current Somali member states. The significance of this event resonated throughout the town, marking a crucial step toward…

In a striking turn of events, Gabon's military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has claimed victory in the presidential election, reportedly securing an astonishing 90% of the votes cast, as indicated by provisional results. This remarkable outcome undeniably marks a significant moment in Gabonese history. The backdrop to this election is steeped in complexity. Just last year, Oligui Nguema led a coup that ousted the Bongo family, a dynasty that had held power for nearly six decades. The political landscape has…

Meetings of international significance often carry an air of gravitas, yet they are underlined by the profoundly human quest to build bridges. On a Thursday afternoon in Paris, an intriguing convergence of perspectives unfolded as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria sat down with Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor for Africa to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Their conversation, intricately woven with aspirations of fortifying economic and security alliances, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's engagement with the United…

Somalia President Calls for a Meeting, Leaving Many Anticipatory Yet Cautious MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a move that echoes both determination and necessity, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has opened his doors at the Presidential Palace, inviting regional leaders to a National Consultative Forum. Slated to unfold on the first and second days of May, this event prides itself on ambition amidst shadows of past disappointment; the last debate, held in October 2024, ended in fruitless negotiation and unrelieved…

Ethiopia's Decision: Strategic Move or a Recipe for Discord? By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Amid the intricate labyrinth of political maneuvers, Ethiopia has embarked on a significant and somewhat controversial step. On a recent Friday, the government appointed Getachew Reda—former rebel and erstwhile leader of the Tigray region—as a ministerial advisor. This move arrives with its set of complexities, leaving analysts pondering over the potential consequences for the already volatile…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has firmly rejected Israel's latest proposal aimed at controlling aid deliveries in Gaza. He expressed concerns that this approach could "further control and callously limit aid down to the last calorie and grain of flour." “Let me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality,” Mr. Guterres emphasized to reporters, highlighting the critical importance of…

Somalia: The Price of Valor and the Struggle for Peace ABOOREY, Somalia – In the sun-drenched yet tumultuous lands of the Hiiraan region, the echoes of conflict reverberated once more. On a day that the locals will not soon forget, a renewed clash between Somalia’s government forces and the notorious Al-Shabaab militants erupted, culminating in a significant loss for the nation's security forces. Colonel Asad Osman Afrah, an esteemed leader of the Danab Special Forces’ 164th unit, paid the ultimate…