National

Recently, the Los Angeles area has been ravaged by wildfires, tragically claiming at least ten lives and leaving nearly 10,000 structures in ruins. As five fires, fueled by unrelenting desert winds, continue raging into a third night, the situation remains dire. The Palisades Fire, located between Santa Monica and Malibu, along with the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, has become infamous for their destruction, marking them as some of the most catastrophic blazes in Los Angeles history. These infernos have already scorched over…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Beledweyne (AX) — In a significant development, a delegation spearheaded by Army Chief General Odawaa Yusuf Raage and the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, has brokered a landmark agreement with the Hawadle clan's leadership. This pact aims to shift the security reins of Beledweyne over to federal authorities. During a Tuesday afternoon gathering with an array of community members—elder leaders, thinkers, young folk, and women—the delegation stressed the vital…

Chapter One: Setting the Scene In federations, deciding the power equilibrium between national and regional entities is crucial. Federalism’s very essence is harmonizing centralized power with regional autonomy, knitting a nation together while catering to local needs. Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution left major power-sharing questions open. Check Article 50: power is doled out to the level of government where it'll do the most good, aiming for fair resource chops and responsibilities between Somalia’s Federal…

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…

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…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's dynamic political sphere, the Himilo Qaran political party, helmed by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has shown its support for Jubbaland State’s recent electoral committee establishment, a decision met with a mix of applause and controversy. Despite the federal government's disapproval, this bold move symbolizes a significant shift in regional governance. On Sunday, Himilo Qaran rolled out a statement that gave a thumbs up to Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the…

A Glimpse of the National Dialogue Commission Gathering in Ethiopia's Somali Region (Photo: public domain) On Sunday, the National Dialogue Commission embarked on a pivotal gathering in Ethiopia's Somali region, as detailed by BBC Amharic. A myriad of issues came under the spotlight during this session—everything from the structural composition of the government and possible constitutional revisions to the symbolism of the country's flag. Language officialdom and the interpretation of Ethiopia’s rich history were also up…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a pivotal Sunday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud threw open the doors to the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting at the grand presidential palace. The gathering aims to delve into pivotal issues: security, the path of nation-building, and the ever-critical subject of elections. As the meeting reconvened, it was against the backdrop of rocky relations between the federal government and regional powers. Leaders from Northeastern State and Jubbaland were noticeably absent, choosing to remain on the…

PM Hamza's Dubiously Formulated National Transformation Plan for Somalia: Heading Toward Disaster Opinion - In the tail end of May, the Office of the Prime Minister sprang forth with a National Transformation Plan (NTP), a grand vision aiming to reshape Somalia’s path toward wealth and resilience. The plan sports an ambitious agenda: invigorating the Private Sector via Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), enhancing government performance, and overhauling the economy. It touts itself as a departure from old-school development…