parliament

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The usual pandemonium ensued in Somalia's parliament as contentious debates over electoral reforms took center stage. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested lawmakers postpone their break to focus on the upcoming electoral process. Hassan Sheikh, returning for a second term, wants to adjust key electoral guidelines for a long-term shift. He aims to introduce universal suffrage, allowing every citizen to vote. Recognizing the pressing need for these reforms, Hassan Sheikh urged legislators to work…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Parliament granted a one-month extension to its current session, responding to a request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to postpone the lawmakers' recess in order to address urgent election legislation. Originally slated to begin their break on November 6, the Parliament will now continue its work until early December this year. In his address to the Parliament, President Mohamud highlighted the pressing need for reviewing and passing critical laws and agreements that require…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a balmy Wednesday evening in the heart of Mogadishu, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre welcomed Speaker Dileita Mohamed Dileita of Djibouti's Parliament and his team to discuss fortifying the ties between their two nations.The Prime Minister underscored the crucial partnership between Somalia and Djibouti, emphasizing shared goals like development, mutual admiration, and maintaining peace. He extended heartfelt thanks to Djibouti for its unwavering backing in Somalia's journey of…

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the head honcho of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in parliament, recently expressed serious concerns regarding the Speaker's decision to abruptly adjourn the assembly. He declared that the Speaker's move was misguided and hinted at his intentions to initiate a recall. This interruption by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin came amidst a heated contention over which party rightfully holds the majority in Parliament, a matter complicated by a recent shuffle of MPs switching allegiances ahead of the…

Farmajo Criticizes Somalia Govt Over Botched NCC Gathering, Calls for Parliamentary Measures MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has fired sharp criticism at the Somalia federal government, questioning the mishandled National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly that floundered in addressing crucial national issues. The meeting, held in Mogadishu starting October 2, collapsed when Jubaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, exited and headed back to Kismayo, following a standstill over Villa…

This morning, prominent European Union officials launched a fierce critique of Hungary's Viktor Orban, denouncing his erosion of democratic principles and his pro-Russian stance regarding the Ukraine crisis. Orban’s address in the European Parliament took center stage, prompting sharp responses from across the political spectrum. As Vladimir Putin’s staunchest ally in the EU, Orban’s regime remains at odds with fellow member states on several pressing matters—ranging from delaying assistance for Ukraine to undermining the…

On Tuesday, Kenyan legislators cast their votes on a proposal to kick the deputy president out of office. This followed an intense day of discussions, featuring a personal appearance by Rigathi Gachagua in parliament. He came to argue against accusations, including claims that he backed anti-government demonstrations in June. The resolution to impeach sailed through with a commanding 281 votes in favor, against only 44 dissenting votes—far surpassing the 117-vote threshold set by the constitution. The proposal now heads to…

Taye Atske Selassie Photographer: Leonardo Munoz/AFP/Getty Images Addis Ababa (AX) – On Monday, Ethiopia's legislative body chose Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie as the nation's president. He takes over from Sahle-Work Zewde, who has concluded her leadership role. This decision was made during the inaugural gathering of the 6th House of People's Representatives (HoPR) alongside the House of Federation (HoF), kicking off the fourth year of this term. With the vote concluded, Taye took the presidential oath and received the…

The initiatory step in this journey is the submission of a formal motion by a coalition of MPs, igniting spirited debate in Somalia's Parliament. Take the case of Foreign Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi—over 46 MPs have rallied, accusing him of neglecting Somalia's sovereignty amid a tense diplomatic tussle with Ethiopia. They're also up in arms about a Somali company's exclusion from the 2025 Japan trade expo, where an Italian-owned business snagged a spot instead. MP Jeesoow, among the most ardent advocates for the motion,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, finds himself under the hammer as Parliamentarians launch a no-confidence motion against him, a development that could jeopardize his ministry tenure. Lawmakers from the Lower House have put forth the motion, criticizing his management style and calling for his swift dismissal. This move was made public on Saturday, according to insiders. The accusations paint Fiqi as a centralizing force, griping that the ministry’s operations grind to a halt…