mediation

Kenya’s mediation frays as passports withdrawal exposes fragile balance in Somalia Nairobi’s attempt to broker a truce between Mogadishu and Jubaland has produced not a ceasefire but a fresh crisis — one that underlines how external actors, local strongmen and fragile federal institutions are reshaping Somalia’s political future. Hours after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud flew to Kismayo for high-stakes talks with Jubaland leader Ahmed “Madobe” Mohamed, Kenyan authorities reportedly revoked the travel documents of two…

Kenya’s quiet diplomacy in Kismayo underscores fragile balance between Mogadishu and Jubaland KISMAYO — When a federal delegation led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud traveled to Kismayo this month for talks with Jubaland’s leaders, the public language that followed was notably measured. Jubaland’s presidency thanked Kenya for its “constructive efforts” in facilitating the discussions, and Jubaland president Ahmed Mohamed Islam — better known as Ahmed Madobe — spoke of dialogue, compromise and unity. But the absence of an…

Somalia: Escalating Tensions in Jubaland's Electoral Dispute with FGS KISMAYO, Somalia - The frosty rapport between Jubaland and Mogadishu shows no signs of thawing anytime soon, as the road to reconciliation stretches on. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre throws a stern reminder against deploying regional forces to tilt election outcomes. Jubaland officials, now acting without a handshake deal with Mogadishu, have tossed their hat in the ring, opting for indirect elections over the one-person, one-vote approach championed…

Mogadishu (AX) — In Tuesday's bustling corridors of Mogadishu, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre sat down with a notable Kenyan delegation, opening the gateway to diplomatic interventions aimed at untangling the political snafu between Somalia's federal government and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, regarding the looming electoral festivities.The Kenyan synergy was spearheaded by heavyweights like former IGAD Secretary General Mahbub Moalim, the erstwhile IGAD Special Envoy for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed Abdi…

In an intriguing turn of events, the ECOWAS Parliament has decided to send a delegation to Monrovia. Their mission? To tackle the ongoing political gridlock surrounding attempts by certain lawmakers to unseat Fonati Koffa, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Now, it's worth noting that while those aiming to displace the Speaker haven't managed to muster the necessary 49 votes as mandated by law, their actions have nonetheless halted legislative activities. They've effectively disrupted the usual proceedings by…

In a significant turn of events, Qatar has hit the pause button on its mediating efforts to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The announcement, made on Saturday, comes as talks between the two sides run into a brick wall, with both reluctant to compromise."A heads-up was given 10 days prior, warning both parties that Qatar would pump the brakes if an agreement wasn't in sight," remarked Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in his Saturday statement.The detailed disclosure marked the end of…

Somalia's Leadership Looks Beyond Borders for Resolution Kenya Hosts Jubaland Leader Amid Political Crosswinds NAIROBI, Oct 27 (Axadle) – On a brisk Friday morning, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam—more affectionately dubbed Ahmed Madobe—touched down in Nairobi. He was whisked away courtesy of a plane dispatched by good neighbor Kenya, Axadle confirmed through trusted grapevine. Madobe's agenda was an exclusive,…

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shared that Türkiye is planning to hold individual discussions with Ethiopia and Somalia. The aim is to pave the way for new negotiations tackling the contentious deal where Ethiopia agreed to lease North Western State of Somalia's coastline. Türkiye, striving for peace in the region, has already facilitated two rounds of these crucial meetings between the East African neighbors. However, a third round, originally scheduled for Tuesday in Ankara, got derailed and didn't happen.…

A Ukrainian captivated soldier rejoices over the swap. (AFP: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)The United Arab Emirates has brokered a trade involving 206 prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, as reported by Emirati state news agency WAM on Saturday.President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russia's defense ministry both acknowledged that each nation retrieved 103 POWs in this exchange.“Our people are home,” Mr. Zelenskyy conveyed on the Telegram messaging platform. “We successfully liberated another 103…

For several years, Qatar has sought to become an important mediator not only in the Middle East but also internationally. Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, then between Washington and Tehran, but also between Washington and Kabul ... The small gas emirate in the Gulf…