Legislators

Political Turmoil in South West State: Calls for Reform Amidst Allegations of Repression Mogadishu (AX) — On a brisk Monday evening, the atmosphere in Mogadishu was thick with determination as lawmakers and political leaders from South West State converged to voice their mounting concerns. The issues at hand have been simmering for some time now: a combination of governance failures, accusations of political suppression, and claims of electoral deceit are casting a long shadow over President Abdiaziz…

Lawmaking is never a straightforward affair, and this reality couldn't be more evident than in Ghana's recent legislative tussle. The air is thick with tension as three sponsors of the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill reveal to Reuters that despite previous setbacks from legal challenges, the bill is making a comeback. The path of legislation resembles a winding road with unexpected turns. What sparked this renewed fervor? Escalating Measures As the law stands, those convicted of same-sex…

The controversial bill aims to escalate the prison sentences associated with same-sex relationships while also instituting penalties for those found to be promoting or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities. It is worth noting that former President Akufo-Addo ultimately opted against signing this legislation into law, despite its initial passage by parliament in 2024. In a recent statement, former President John Mahama articulated a pragmatic approach regarding the proposed bill. He expressed a desire for a national consensus,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the heart of the Doolow district in the Gedo region, a resonant outcry has emerged from the corridors of the Jubbaland regional parliament. The lawmakers’ ire is directed toward a recent incident they describe as an unprovoked and provocative assault by Somali federal forces on the very core of the local government machinery in Bardhere. One dramatic event in the ongoing tale of Somalia's political complexities? Or a tipping point in an already strained relationship? Amidst the fervor of a press…

Report By Axadle Mogadishu (AX) – Imagine waking up one morning in bustling Mogadishu, where the scent of freshly brewed Somali tea mingles with the sound of city life. It's here in this vibrant tapestry of culture and history that a serious brouhaha has brewed. Ninety-seven members—a mini-army if you ask me—of Somalia's federal parliament have come together with a bold message, one that sounds a lot like the famous Sherlock, “Stop thief!” only in this case, the alleged culprits live in the corridors of power, not on Baker…

Lawmakers Challenge Exclusive Livestock Export Deal In a bold stand, about one hundred members from both chambers of Somalia's Federal Parliament openly criticized a recent government decision favoring Abu-Yasir, a foreign entrepreneur, with exclusive rights to export the country's livestock. In clear-cut words on Monday, the parliamentarians pointed fingers at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of putting a foreigner's interest over those of local Somali traders. These traders have long been pillars in the…

In Kismayo, a new chapter of political drama unfolds as the Jubbaland legislative body votes to retain Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe as their regional leader for a third stint. Though controversy brews around this decision, opposition factions are not backing down, opting to host their own election and stirring the pot of dissent. By collecting 55 ballots in his favor, Madobe secured his position against rivals. His nearest competitor, Faisal Mohamed Mataan, managed to secure just 16, while Abubakar Abdi Hassan lagged behind…

A faction of lawmakers determined to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa has stirred up some serious debate by electing a new Speaker, all while a legal battle unfolds at the Supreme Court of Liberia. On November 21, 2024, this group declared Koffa’s position as Speaker vacant and subsequently selected Richard Koon from the ruling Unity Party as his replacement. Facing this upheaval, Speaker Koffa stands firm, arguing that this breakaway faction is not constitutionally empowered to remove him. “Nothing has happened,” he asserted on…

In Kismayo, voices of discord rang out as lawmakers from Jubaland took center stage, hurling stark criticism at Somalia's federal government on a Saturday. The heart of this fiery clash lies in accusations: actions that amplify political chasms and threaten the fragile unity of Somalia as a nation. As they gathered for strategic talks, these representatives aired grievances, warning that federal maneuvers are not merely steps but leaps toward deepening divisions and halting conversations essential for healing the rift…

Kismayo (AX) — A cohort of more than 30 Somali lawmakers recently convened in Kismayo for a pivotal meeting orchestrated by Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe. The agenda? To chew over the fascinating nuances of Somalia's political landscape and its various storms. Originally penciled in for Friday, the shindig got rescheduled. Why the delay, you ask? They needed some extra MPs, who were currently chilling outside Somalia, to join the discussions. Clock's ticking, but better late than never, right?In a show of strong…