opposition

Somalia: Opposition Forum in Mogadishu Seeks Electoral Clarity Ahead of 2026 Vote MOGADISHU, Somalia – Light wind brushing through the streets of Mogadishu marked a crucial day as Somali opposition leaders gathered to chart a course for the nation’s upcoming elections. The timing? Just ahead of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term conclusion in May 2026. Talk about pressing issues coming down the line. This isn't just any gathering. It's a formidable congregation of Somalia's political luminaries—former presidents,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the ever-evolving landscape of Somali politics, a noteworthy development has emerged. After enduring weeks of intense scrutiny from opposition factions, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with opposition leaders next month. What has spurred this decision? Accusations have been leveled against him, ranging from altering the constitution to accusations of oppressive governance. The international community's voice is neither quiet…

Somalia: Soldiers to Face Disciplinary Action for Guarding Opposition Leaders MOGADISHU, Somalia - A recent development in Mogadishu has prompted the Somali government to take a firm stand against what they consider a breach of protocol. Soldiers who were filmed providing escort services to opposition leaders over the weekend now face disciplinary measures. In the eyes of the authorities, such actions transcend mere disobedience—they strike at the very heart of military conduct. The soldiers in question…

Somalia’s President to Engage With Opposition Leaders Amid Political Strains MOGADISHU, May 2025 – In a move that highlights the intricate dance of diplomacy, Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, has announced President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's intention to convene a crucial meeting next month. This gathering will bring together former national leaders now in opposition, setting the stage for an important dialogue. As…

Mogadishu: A Tense Standoff Between Government and Opposition Mogadishu (AX) – On Friday, the Somali government articulated a fierce rebuttal to opposition leaders who have critiqued the Council of Ministers for what they perceive as a failure to uphold security in the capital. This unfolding narrative speaks volumes about the intricate dance of power, accountability, and national sentiment in a city that has long wrestled with its stability. State Minister of Defense Omar Abdi Ali took center stage, vehemently…

Somalia's Opposition Leaders Begin Talks in Mogadishu – What’s on the Horizon? MOGADISHU — In a city teeming with historical nuances and contemporary challenges, a cohort of Somali opposition politicians has initiated a pivotal political meeting. Sources confirmed this with Axadle Times, highlighting the significance of these closed-door discussions that commenced on Friday. Slated to unfold over three intensive days, the primary focus is a critical examination of the nation’s electoral process and the larger,…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a warm Thursday afternoon, the bustling atmosphere of Adden Adde International Airport was tinged with anticipation as two prominent figures in Somali politics, former Prime Ministers Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and Hassan Ali Khaire, touched down in Mogadishu. Their arrival is not just a mere homecoming; it's a signal of increasing political activity within the capital, as they prepare for an important opposition conference set to unfold in the coming days. The reception was marked by the presence of…

The Complex Political Dynamics in Somalia: Allegations, Aspirations, and the Role of Youth MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the ever-turbulent landscape of Somali politics, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has recently stirred the pot, accusing the opposition of being puppets of foreign powers. Fascinatingly, though, these claims lack the backing of concrete evidence. The political scene remains charged as opposition factions vehemently criticize President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of autocracy and…

Brexit Reset Deal: A New Chapter for UK-EU Relations Brussels and London can breathe a sigh of relief with the recent Brexit reset deal showcased at Lancaster House. The trajectory toward a closer partnership has been firmly established, marking a significant shift in negotiations. The advent of a Labour government heralds the end of the controversial Boris Johnson era, yet the emerging influence of Reform UK could still limit Keir Starmer's strategic flexibility. As the political landscape evolves, one thing is clear:…

Political Tensions in Somalia: A Closer Look In the complex landscape of Somali politics, recent events have sparked intense debates and stirred emotions among citizens and leaders alike. Comments from Barre appear to be a direct response to a swell of coordinated criticism emerging from diverse quarters of Somalia’s political sphere. In the past few days, a coalition of 103 members of parliament and sixteen former leaders—including ex-presidents and prime ministers—have collectively accused President Hassan Sheikh…