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Thursday December 11, 2025 MOGADISHU (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signed into law the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, capping a legislative process completed by both houses of the Federal Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The presidential assent came Tuesday and coincided with the country’s observance of International Human Rights Day. Mohamud said the commission’s creation reflects Somalia’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens. He…

Puntland State President Announces Somalia State-Building Conference in Garowe AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni said his administration will convene a conference in Garowe to examine Somalia’s state-building challenges and propose practical, evidence-based solutions, signaling an expert-led approach amid a protracted political standoff with the federal government. Deni said the gathering will bring together Somali experts and academics to look beyond factional interests and offer research-driven…

Somalia establishes Independent National Human Rights Commission as president signs law MOGADISHU, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday signed into law the establishment of Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission, finalizing a measure approved by both houses of the Federal Parliament and hailed by officials as a milestone for rights protection and institutional reform. The presidency framed the move as a clear signal of Somalia’s intent to safeguard the rights and dignity of its citizens.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed warned Wednesday that Somalia is not ready for a genuine one-person, one-vote election, arguing that the country’s fragile security and the absence of core institutions put its democratic transition at risk. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service, Sheikh Sharif said the government’s timetable for direct voting remains more rhetorical than real, citing the lack of enabling laws, functioning political parties and credible security arrangements. “One-person,…

Somalia not ready for one-person, one-vote, ex-President Sheikh Sharif warns MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed says Somalia is not prepared for a genuine one-person, one-vote election, warning that the country’s security and future are at serious risk without a broad political agreement and practical groundwork. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service on Wednesday, Sheikh Sharif said the current push by the government for nationwide direct elections does not reflect realities on the ground…

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has offered condolences to families of those killed in days of violent protests in Borama and urged dialogue after North Western State of Somalia security forces opened fire on residents demonstrating against the planned launch of the Xeer Ciise book. “I express my condolences for the violence that occurred in Borama that resulted in deaths. It was truly an inappropriate matter. I call for a solution to be sought for everything without resorting to violence,”…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet European allies in London as he faces pointed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over a proposed plan to end the war with Russia. The diplomatic push follows several days of talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Miami that ended without a breakthrough but with a pledge to keep negotiating. Zelensky will be received in London by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron for discussions focused…

DOHA — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday presided over a high-level session on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, using the global platform to press for tighter coordination of international support behind Somalia’s state-building agenda. In a detailed briefing, Mohamud outlined the government’s push to stabilize the country and reform public institutions while waging a multi-front campaign against international terrorist groups. He said Somalia is countering the threat militarily, economically and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday accepted the credentials of eight newly appointed ambassadors, signaling renewed momentum in Somalia’s diplomatic outreach during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. The envoys represent Egypt, Indonesia, Sweden, Cuba, Canada, Finland, Norway and Spain. In welcoming them, Mohamud underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and urged close coordination with Somali institutions to support peace, trade and regional…

Nicolas Sarkozy’s three weeks behind bars were marked by “greyness and solitude,” the former French president writes in excerpts from a prison memoir due next month — a personal chronicle that recounts prayer, confinement and the small routines that became a lifeline after his conviction in a Libya-related campaign financing case. The 216-page book, titled "Diary of a Prisoner" and scheduled for release Dec. 10, offers the first extended account of Sarkozy’s time at La Santé prison after his October conviction for allowing…