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Cuba recently faced a widespread blackout, a consequence of a failure in its national electricity grid, marking the fourth significant power outage in just five months. This alarming trend highlights ongoing challenges within the nation's energy infrastructure. "At around 8:15 PM tonight, a breakdown occurred that led to a substantial loss of power in western Cuba, resulting in the collapse of the national electricity system," stated the Ministry of Energy and Mines. In a message shared on the social media platform X,…

Mogadishu: A Step Towards Universal Suffrage In a decisive announcement during an interview with VOA Somali, the Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, made a firm commitment: the Somali federal government is poised to hold universal suffrage elections by the year 2026. This promise marks an ambitious step to encompass all regions, including the often-contentious territories of Northeastern State and Jubbaland. Why is this noteworthy? Let's rewind a bit. Post-1969, Somali elections have hinged on indirect voting…

Mogadishu (AX) — As the sun lazily dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Mogadishu, a gathering unlike any other took place. Survivors, heartened activists, and earnest government officials came together to honor the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Their voices joined in an impassioned plea urging the swift establishment of a national ban in Somalia. Orchestrated by the Ifrah Foundation, this pivotal event was held in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Family,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a dramatic showdown that has taken the nation by storm, a gaggle of irate airlines has hit the brakes on both local and international flights on a day that will linger in the annals of aviation history — Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The core reason? An itchy battle over swelling fees slapped on carriers by Somalia’s federal administrators, an action akin to a sudden 'turkey dump' right before dessert. What’s the buzz all about? Let’s go for a nosedive into this unfolding aerial saga. The usually stoic…

Mogadishu (AX) — Get ready, folks! The Banadir region’s two-decade-long dream of conducting one-person, one-vote elections is finally taking shape, with the spotlight set on 2026. Deputy Commissioner of Security and Politics, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye Yabooh, dished out some timely info. In a buzzing address from Mogadishu on Thursday, Yabooh shared that the wheels are in motion for a transformative election. From pinpointing where those ballot boxes will stand to amping up the capital's security, actions speak louder than…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his commitment to reform the country's electoral system, aiming for universal suffrage by 2026. During a celebration of King Charles III's birthday in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stressed the significance of democratic elections in bolstering government effectiveness and fueling national growth. Quoting the President, "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, built on the Somali people's will. Our government is committed to ensuring Somalis take an…

In a notable response to potential unrest, authorities in Nigeria are bolstering police presence in several key states ahead of an anticipated national protest, driven by concerns over soaring living costs and dissatisfaction with current governance. Organized by the Take It Back movement, demonstrators have slated their gathering for October 1, coinciding with the nation’s 64th anniversary of independence. Protesters claim that the government has neglected the issues raised during their August rally. The Nigerian…

Dr. Ubah Farah, a fervent advocate for UNICEF Somalia, underscored the profound impact of this national endeavor to eliminate polio. "This initiative is a lifeline for vaccinating children against polio," Farah expressed. She emphasized that such initiatives are pivotal in public health, aiming to wipe out the poliovirus and stymie its spread. The campaign kicked off in central and southern Somalia, with plans to gradually include the semiautonomous state of Northeastern State and the self-declared region of Somaliland.…

Libya's fighters signed an settlement on "a everlasting ceasefire in all areas of Libya," the United Nations Assist Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated in a Fb submit on Friday. Following mediation led by UN envoy Stephanie Turco Williams this week, the Joint Army Fee reached 5 + 5, what the UN referred to as an "essential turning…