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President Michael D. Higgins recently characterized the current food and humanitarian distribution system in Gaza as "bogus." His remarks come amid escalating international calls for Israel to halt its ongoing military operations in Gaza, which were ignited by the unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The scrutiny surrounding the humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza has intensified, particularly after Israel blocked assistance for over two months before permitting a limited number of UN vehicles to enter the area…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant step towards democratic progress, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted a pivotal meeting on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. The gathering brought together leaders of registered political parties, all preparing for the National Consultation Forum set for June 15, 2025. This forum is not just a date on the calendar; it represents an essential moment in Somalia's ongoing journey towards electoral reform and democratic governance. The atmosphere at the meeting was a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant move towards fostering national dialogue, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently gathered a diverse group of civil society representatives at the Presidential Palace. This meeting, held on Tuesday, is a pivotal step toward the much-anticipated National Consultation Forum scheduled for June 15, 2025. The initiative, as highlighted by Villa Somalia, is part of a series of inclusive consultations aimed at securing widespread participation and promoting consensus in shaping Somalia’s…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia's Strategic Diplomatic Engagements Mogadishu (AX) – In a world where diplomatic relations can shift as quickly as the tides, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a significant phone conversation with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday. The primary focus? Fortifying the bonds between their two nations. It’s a timely endeavor, reflective of the intricate dance of international diplomacy where every conversation can have far-reaching implications. Apart from…

The State of Somalia: Reflections on Leadership and Future Directions The history of Somalia is not without its scars, bearing the weight of troubled times and painful misfortunes. It is a narrative marked by the early promise of one-person-one-vote elections, which spiraled into a military coup and years of dictatorship. The aftermath saw a violent civil war that dismantled the very fabric of the Somali state, leaving a legacy of instability and dependence on foreign aid and clan-based divisions. The toll…

SOMALI PRIME MINISTER HAMZA ABDI BARRE (LEFT) MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH (RIGHT) AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN DJIBOUTI ON JUNE 2, 2025. THE LEADERS DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY AND EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN SOMALIA AND DJIBOUTI. Djibouti City, Djibouti (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Monday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre engaged with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The focal points of their discussion centered around enhancing bilateral…

Somalia: Opposition Sets Conditions for Dialogue with Outgoing President Hassan Sheikh MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a country where silence speaks as loudly as words, the opposition leaders are now ready to step into the dialogue with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The invitation to meet on June 15th comes after a period of resistance. The hints of a warming dialogue signify a crucial opportunity to address the tangled web of issues in the Horn of Africa. This communication, shared by the National Salvation Forum—an alliance…

Somalia President Embraces Dialogue for National Progress MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has shown a forward-thinking approach by expressing his readiness for dialogue. Amidst the ongoing standoff over the election model and other pressing issues, he invites both political and community leaders to join him in meaningful conversations. "Dialogue is the art of thinking together," and that’s precisely the path…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of prominent opposition groups spearheaded by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, released a powerful statement this past Saturday night. In it, they leveled serious accusations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, asserting that he is undermining national cohesion and straying from the mutually agreed-upon blueprint for state-building. The statements emerged following a significant meeting in Mogadishu, where concerns were raised regarding the President’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an important step toward fostering national unity and addressing pressing governance issues, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially announced the commencement of the National Consultation Forum. Scheduled to open in Mogadishu on June 15, 2025, this high-level gathering aims to bring together political and civil society leaders to discuss critical state-building priorities. “In times of uncertainty, dialogue becomes not just a mechanism, but a bridge,” President Hassan Sheikh articulated…