President

Nairobi (AX) – On a bright Monday morning, North Western State of Somalia’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro embarked on a significant multi-day working visit to Nairobi. This trip, laden with promises of collaboration, aims to strengthen the bond between North Western State of Somalia and Kenya, while also engaging global stakeholders who hold a key interest in the region. Accompanying him is a distinguished delegation, a collective of leaders that includes the Minister of the Presidency, the Minister of…

The office of French President Emmanuel Macron has sought to clarify an incident involving his wife, Brigitte, during their recent arrival in Vietnam as part of a Southeast Asia tour. Initial reports caught a moment where Madame Macron appeared to push her husband in the face, which prompted a public response. A video captured Mrs. Macron briefly shoving Mr. Macron just before they disembarked from the presidential plane late yesterday. In an instant, he stepped back but quickly regained his composure and waved to the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the ever-evolving landscape of Somali politics, a noteworthy development has emerged. After enduring weeks of intense scrutiny from opposition factions, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with opposition leaders next month. What has spurred this decision? Accusations have been leveled against him, ranging from altering the constitution to accusations of oppressive governance. The international community's voice is neither quiet…

Somalia’s President to Engage With Opposition Leaders Amid Political Strains MOGADISHU, May 2025 – In a move that highlights the intricate dance of diplomacy, Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, has announced President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's intention to convene a crucial meeting next month. This gathering will bring together former national leaders now in opposition, setting the stage for an important dialogue. As…

The Complex Political Landscape of Djibouti At the heart of the Horn of Africa lies Djibouti, a country that has often flown under the radar in global affairs. However, one name stands out prominently in its political arena: President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Having held the presidency since 1999, Guelleh's tenure has evolved into a tapestry of stability interwoven with the complexities of governance. In a recent interview with The Africa Report, Guelleh, now 77 years old, navigated questions about a potential sixth term in…

Garowe (AX) – In a remarkable display of political fervor, Guuleed Salah Barre, the former chairman of the Northeastern State Electoral Commission, has launched a pointed critique against Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni. During a press conference in Garowe on Saturday, Guuleed accused the president of engaging mercenary firms in activities deemed illegal, particularly regarding the extraction of the region’s natural resources. “You are now aware that Northeastern State's natural resources are being…

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made headlines, casting a decisive vote that stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his honorific immunity. This significant move comes amidst serious accusations linking him to the M23 rebel group, which, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in territorial conflicts in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions. In an outcome reflecting a clear majority, 88 senators supported the motion, while a mere five stood in opposition and three abstained. This overwhelming…

North Western State of Somalia's Diplomatic Engagement in Djibouti Djibouti (AX) – In a significant diplomatic endeavor, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro convened a high-level meeting on Thursday with ambassadors from France, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom. This meeting is part of a strategic three-day visit aimed at fortifying diplomatic ties and addressing pressing regional issues. The gathering wasn’t merely a routine diplomatic exercise; it was a platform for…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant show of commitment to national security, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a visit to the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu this past Thursday. This engagement brought him face-to-face with key defense and military leaders, providing a crucial platform to discuss the current security landscape and the ongoing endeavors in the protracted fight against Al-Shabaab. The aim of this visit goes beyond a mere inspection. As articulated by the Presidency, it serves as part of…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a move reflecting deepening concerns over the country’s security landscape, Somali President Hassan Sheikh recently visited the Defense Ministry. This visit comes on the heels of setbacks that the national army has endured on the battlefield, notably the loss of the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal to Al-Shabaab militants just last month. Addressing Growing Concerns As Al-Shabaab continues its advances throughout central and southern Somalia, the pressure mounts on government forces. They are…