parliament

The Brewing Storm in Somalia’s Political Landscape As the dust settles after the abrupt halt of what could have been a critical parliamentary session, reflections turn to the simmering tensions that grip Somalia's political stage. In a peculiar twist of events, opposition MPs were poised to challenge Barre’s government with a no-confidence motion. An air of suspense lingers as the motion, though not officially presented, casts a long shadow over the current political climate. Quorum failure—what does it say about the…

In the heart of Mogadishu, amid the orchestrated chaos that often defines Somali politics, a fresh chapter for the nation's parliamentary journey is about to unfold. On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the serene yet somber atmosphere was punctuated by an announcement destined to shape the political landscape in the coming months. The esteemed Speakers of both houses of the 11th Somali Parliament declared, with a hint of anticipation in their voices, that the 6th session would commence on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Some might…

Somalia's Parliamentary Session Remains Closed Amid No-Confidence Motion Threats By Ali Musa MOGADISHU, Somalia — The echoes of silence in Somalia's legislative halls are deafening, as the nation's 5th parliamentary session remains indefinitely postponed. Why, you ask? In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, whispers of political maneuvering swirl like the desert winds, leaving many to wonder about the underlying motives of those in power. Lawmaker…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent move that draws attention to the complex geopolitics of the region, the Turkish Parliament has given its nod to an important presidential motion. This decision greenlights the continued deployment of Turkish naval forces in certain strategic waters: the Gulf of Aden, the waters off the Somali coast, the Arabian Sea, and nearby regions. Scheduled to remain in effect until February 10 next year, this extension underscores Türkiye’s unwavering resolve in tackling the maritime threats lurking in…

In a shocking turn of events in Ghana's political landscape, Speaker Alban Bagbin recently made headlines by suspending several lawmakers. This decision came on the heels of an unruly incident where members of the parliament's vetting committee engaged in a physical altercation—one that resulted in significant damage to furniture within the legislative chamber. The tensions erupted during a hearing, where MPs from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused their opposition counterparts of engaging in what they…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a city rich with history and the reverberations of eras long past, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a significant tête-à-tête with Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, the esteemed Speaker of the Arab Parliament, against the backdrop of bustling Cairo on a sunny Egyptian Friday.Amidst the ancient pyramids and the bustling souks, the discourse unfolded like a captivating narrative, weaving threads of diplomacy and camaraderie. Their discussions circled the pivotal role of the Arab Parliament in…

The appointment of Lebanon’s army chief, General Joseph Aoun, as the nation’s president has finally filled a significant leadership void of over two years. Securing a decisive 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in a second round of ballots marks the end of a prolonged stalemate. This election follows a fragile truce that paused 14 months of tension between Israel and Hezbollah, reflecting Lebanon's urgent need for reconstruction aid. “A fresh chapter begins for Lebanon's history today,” declared the 60-year-old Aoun as he…

Kismayo (AX) — In a dramatic turn of events, Jubaland's parliament proceeded with its leadership election on Thursday in Kismayo. This move came despite clear disapproval from the federal government, which has rejected the current electoral process in the region. Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman clinched the Speaker's position for a third term, securing a decisive 65 votes. His rival, Ismail Abdi Keerow, managed to gather only seven votes, according to the Interim Speaker Sheikh Abdi Yusuf Ali. This victory strengthens…

Kismayo (AX) — In a recent development, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire shared their congratulations with the freshly inaugurated 3rd Jubbaland Parliament. The selection ceremony took place in Kismayo this week, marking an important chapter in the region's governance. The 75-member legislative body, chosen by the region's traditional elders, took their oaths in a ceremony held on Tuesday. This occasion did not go unnoticed by the Himilo Qaran Party, led by Sheikh…

Ay up, ever read a headline and thought, "Well, what’s the craic here?" Let me fill you in on the insider juice. Over in Mogadishu, it's not just the Somali tea brewing hot; their parliament's just given the green light to a law that’s set to shake up the election scene. They're gearing up for a voting system that'll finally hand over the ballot keys to every dude and dudette in the country. Now that’s what we call democracy getting its groove back! Gather 'round for espresso shots of democracy—173 lawmakers, snug in their…