political

Somalia's President Champions Direct Elections Amidst Political Storms MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold move, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the country will proceed with direct elections, dismissing the cacophony of dissent from critics. This decision sparks a fresh chapter of political deliberation in Somalia, a nation that last experienced direct voting in 1969. Political discord and debate have been the norm for two years, with President…

In Kismayo, United Nations envoy James Swan and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), shook hands and dove into Somalia's political big picture. They chewed over state-building, the quagmire with Al-Shabaab, and the prep work for the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) hoo-ha.Mogadishu (AX) — On a Sunday powwow, James Swan, the UN's point person, nudged Jubbaland's President Ahmed Madobe back into Somalia's National Consultative Council. They focused their chat on building an effective state and…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a surprising twist, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, the arbiter of the Somali Upper House, rescinded his prior decision to oust Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama from the senate. The initial axe was swung over Jama’s head due to his alleged truancy from several parliamentary gatherings. On Monday, a communique from Hashi revealed that Jama's senatorial service would resume unabated, after the two rival parties reached an accord through wide-ranging discussions. Deputy Prime Minister Jama echoed this…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a fresh turn of events, Abudwak Airport, nestled in Somalia's Galgaduud region, has reopened its doors to domestic flights. This comes after a two-week hiatus spurred by militia threats and rumours of behind-the-scenes political meddling. A turbulent clan dispute had stirred security fears, leading to the temporary shutdown of the airport. The skies are now clear for aviation, deemed secure by local officials. One rebel faction’s vows to strike incoming flights led airlines to halt their routes…

Somalia's Political Juncture: Which Road Will President Hassan Sheikh Tread? FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Political rumblings intensify amidst Mogadishu’s vibrant chaos as Somalia's capital becomes the stage for a critical pow-wow involving the nation's federal government and regional chieftains. Though the quartet of state presidents attending the gathering signifies a step forward, the glaring absence of Northeastern State underscores a widening schism. This meeting is not just a banal political dance. It’s loaded with…

Inside Somali Political Leaders' NCC Gathering in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recently taking center stage, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud summoned a crucial meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC) in Mogadishu. This rare assembly of Somali leadership comes amidst persistent security hurdles and pressing threats to the nation's sovereignty. Sparking off today, this Thursday gathering occurs as Somalia grapples with Ethiopian threats concerning Red Sea access. This tension prompted Somalia to forge a defense…

Men gather around candidate Abdi Daisane (right), who's gunning for Minnesota State Representative. Here, he shares his campaign vision at the Waamo Café on Aug. 30 in St. Cloud. Credit: Paul Middlestaedt | MPR News Minnesota’s Somali community has grown significantly, flexing newfound political strength—especially in St. Cloud, where their numbers have surged. More than 20 years after the first Somali refugees arrived in St. Cloud, some are diving into governance and politics. This includes shaking up traditional…

Garowe (AX) - Northeastern State's chief, Said Abdullahi Deni, declared on Monday that Northeastern State is primed to mend the political rift with Somalia's Federal Government, which has festered for months. Speaking at a summit held by the Northeastern State Development and Research Center (PDRC), Deni cautioned that without constructive political talks, the nation risks disintegration, with other territories possibly seeking independence like North Western State of Somalia. He stressed the urgency, highlighting…

A prominent rights organization has urged the Tunisian government to halt prosecutions rooted in political motives and ensure the upcoming elections uphold principles of fairness and integrity. This organization has disclosed that authorities have "prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned" a minimum of eight potential candidates ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 6. Notably, the electoral commission has sanctioned only three candidates, one of whom is the current President, Kais Saied. "By incarcerating…

EDITORIAL |In the intricate labyrinth of Somali politics, both national and local leaders have a hand in the nation's upheavals. A prominent figure in this landscape is Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubaland—a pivotal Federal Member State in southern Somalia. As the end of his tenure approaches, Madobe's absence from the political arena has not gone unnoticed, prompting widespread speculation. Official channels attribute his absence to health issues abroad, but his vanishing act has…