leader

Recently, while seated in a sun-dappled room in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia spoke with a quiet intensity that comes from years spent grappling with the formidable al-Shabab insurgency. At 69, Mohamud stands at the helm during a turbulent period, his tenure marked by a relentless fight against one of the world's most dangerous terror groups. The question on everyone's mind: how can the United States, a distant though powerful ally, continue to play a crucial role in this struggle? Mohamud's…

MOGADISHU, Feb 1 - This week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh extended warm felicitations to Syria's newly-appointed leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, as he embarked on his leadership during an evocative phase of transition. Announcements from the Somali presidential office on Friday captured this significant exchange. In his formal communique, President Hassan Sheikh conveyed sincere hopes for Al-Sharaa's successful tenure, underscoring his desire for guidance that transcends mere political agility. "Leadership in turbulent…

Somali President on U.S. Commitment in Fight Against al-Shabab Why should the United States maintain its involvement in the complex struggle against al-Shabab? To answer this question requires an understanding of Somalia's geopolitical realities, economic imperatives, and, perhaps, a dose of human empathy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, a stalwart leader with unmistakable resolve, finds himself at the helm of a nation riddled with challenges. Al-Shabab, an insidious al-Qaeda affiliate, lurks…

Mogadishu (AX) – The city thrummed with its usual chaotic charm as former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed convened with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, on a Thursday that seemed like any other—yet was anything but. Their dialogue, set against the backdrop of a sunlit Somali sky, ventured into the intricate political topography of a nation still finding its footing amidst shifting sands. What does one discuss when the very tapestry of a country's democracy hangs in…

Mogadishu - Forging Stronger Bonds: Somalia Engages with Tajikistan In the heart of Dushanbe, beneath the grand chandeliers of a stately official chamber, Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed placed his credentials before Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. This ceremonious act was not merely a formality—it signified a burgeoning diplomatic relationship between Somalia and Tajikistan, one that aims to pave new avenues of collaboration. While the air buzzed quietly with the reverent tones typical…

Hargeisa (Axadle Times) – North Western State of Somalia’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, stepped off the plane in Hargeisa on a crisp Thursday morning, concluding a whirlwind three-day official journey to the United Arab Emirates. His mission? To cultivate investment opportunities that promise to breathe life into North Western State of Somalia’s natural resources, invigorate agriculture, and most crucially, carve out promising new pathways for its burgeoning youth. It begs the question: Can this small,…

Jowhar (AX) – On an ordinary Tuesday, the heart of Jowhar buzzed with unusual activity, as if aware that history was quietly being scripted within its folds. A delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries descended upon the city's worn, dusty streets, with an unmistakable sense of urgency that seemed to echo through the air. Their mission? A straightforward, yet monumental task—to meet with Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe. The gathering was a mere two days post a similar visit…

Mogadishu (AX) – Gazing futureward with resolute optimism, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscored Somalia's unwavering dedication to amplifying its energy capabilities. This strategic tenet is pivotal for ushering in a new era of modernization and economic prosperity, he declared during his invigorating address at the Africa Energy Summit on Tuesday. As President Mohamud stood before a diverse gathering of African leaders and stakeholders, he painted an evocative picture of the Horn of Africa's abundant…

The M23, an armed group notorious for its tumultuous past, takes a somber stroll with the locals down Keshero neighborhood’s bustling streets in Goma. These scenes unfolded on a striking winter's day — Jan. 27, 2025. GOMA, CONGO — Amidst whispered rumors and tense anticipation, a seismic diplomatic discussion looms on the horizon. Kenyan President, William Ruto, voiced a pivotal announcement on Monday, heralding a consequential meeting on Wednesday. Both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of…

For nearly three decades, Alexander Lukashenko has stared defiantly from the presidential palace in Belarus, and recently, he secured his seventh consecutive term in what many are calling a farcical election. The results, according to an official exit poll, claim that a whopping 87.6 percent of voters cast their ballots for the 70-year-old incumbent. This election has been widely criticized by both exiles and the European Union, branding it a travesty of democracy. With major opposition figures either languishing in jail or…