opposition

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the midst of Somalia's tumultuous journey towards stability, accusations have once again surfaced against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, suggesting he has taken liberties with the nation’s constitutional framework. But what does this mean for a country already grappling with political unrest? The criticism comes from a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups, claiming the president has stretched the constitutional boundaries too thin. "Somalia is on a precipice," they warn,…

Mogadishu: A Prelude to Political Discord? In the midst of Mogadishu's bustling environment, an air of apprehension seems to linger. Imagine the scene: a dimly lit conference room, the hum of whispered conversations punctuating the tension in the air. Here, at the convergence of deliberate political dialogues, a somewhat unsettling proclamation was made. Allegations Against the President At the Himilo Qaran political party's recent gathering, a spirited opposition figure, Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan,…

In an unequivocal declaration, Somalia's opposition coalition has castigated President Mohamud's government, accusing it of forsaking the nation's federal architecture and diminishing vital constitutional checks and balances. To those familiar with Somalia's intricate political landscape, might this be the rubicon we had hoped to avoid? "The president has reduced the constitutional framework to mere window dressing," the coalition’s statement proclaimed. It continues, "Such actions flagrantly breach…

On December 29, 2024, the air in Chad buzzed with anticipation, but the results have unleashed a whirlwind of controversy. The Constitutional Council has officially endorsed the parliamentary election outcome, declaring the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby, the victors. Yet, as celebrations erupt in government circles, the opposition cries foul, alleging that this democratic exercise was less of a contest and more of a calculated maneuver. Clement Sianka, a…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture this: A sprawling, vibrant city buzzing with the latest political drama. Set the scene: the Union for Peace and Development (UPD) party, led by the charismatic and sometimes controversial Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is stepping boldly into the ring to back a fresh and promising registration process for new political organizations. Their endorsement comes quicker than a cat on a caffeine boost, sparking a heated debate and ruffling feathers, particularly in the rocky terrains of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is on the brink of a momentous shift towards a more democratic future, but not everyone seems to be on the same page. On a sunlit Tuesday in Mogadishu, three prominent figures from Somalia's political opposition gathered to voice their concerns. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, and Senator Prof. Abdi Ismail Samatar were up in arms over what they perceive as a bungled electoral process. Enter Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who approached their criticism like a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Once again, the political cauldron of Somalia is simmering as tensions escalate between former heavyweight, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and the man currently in the presidential seat, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The political drama unfolding in Mogadishu reads like the plot of a high-stakes political thriller, replete with accusations of authoritarianism and backroom maneuvering. But let’s dive in and peel back the intricate layers of this unfolding saga. In a dramatic press briefing earlier this week,…

On Thursday, the political landscape of the country saw a dramatic turn as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane made his homecoming. This return comes just before the much-anticipated inauguration of Danial Chapo, the candidate from the ruling party who was proclaimed the winner of the presidential elections held on October 9, 2024. The atmosphere, however, was anything but celebratory. Reports by allAfrica’s Boakai Fofana reveal that tensions flared as police clashed with Mondlane’s supporters. Their attempts to gather at…

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, "This election isn't about win or lose for the contenders. It's an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward." Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian…

In a stirring moment of political grace, President of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, lauded Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, the newly elected leader, following his emphatic victory. He promised a calm and orderly handover of authority to his successor. This pledge, made at the heart of Hargeisa’s Presidential Palace, felt as much a call to unity as it was an acknowledgment of political reality. President Bihi seized the moment to express gratitude towards his supporters within the Kulmiye Party,…