President

On Friday, CIA Director William Burns engaged in discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the capital city of Mogadishu. They delved into various significant topics, particularly focusing on security and the pressing issue of terrorism. A report from the Somali presidency described their meeting as a "high-level conversation aimed at reinforcing the longstanding strategic alliance between Somalia and the United States." The dialogue, according to the official statement, "addressed several mutually…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently voiced stern disapproval of Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of double-dealing by hosting the African Union (AU) quarters while allegedly flouting its tenets in its engagements with North Western State of Somalia. As he stood before Somalia’s parliament on Saturday, Mohamud spotlighted a hotly debated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) penned by Ethiopia with North Western State of Somalia, a matter that’s been whipping up quite the storm far and wide.…

On November 1, 2024, in a ceremonial event brimming with significance, President William Ruto entrusted the Kenyan constitution to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki following Kindiki's oath of office. Nairobi — Kithure Kindiki stepped into his role as Kenya’s deputy president on a Friday, mere hours after a judicial verdict lifted restrictions that had been preventing his nomination. He was chosen to succeed the impeached Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently pursuing legal avenues to reclaim his former…

Somalia: CIA Director's Chat with President Hassan Sheikh — What's the Skinny? MOGADISHU, Somalia — CIA boss William Burns swung by East Africa for the first time, making a pit stop in Somalia. He sat down with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who’s kinda feeling the squeeze from upcoming tweaks to the constitution. Their powwow gave prime stage lighting to Somalia's security woes and the omnipresent threat of terrorism. Uncle Sam’s got a gig as a security buddy in this corner of the world, trying to lend a hand to a…

Mogadishu (AX) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has reiterated his administration’s dedication to implementing universal suffrage elections by 2026, despite resistance from two regional leaders and several notable politicians. During a speech in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud emphasized the necessity for Somalia to evolve towards direct elections, departing from a long history of indirect voting methods. “Having participated in indirect elections myself, both as a parliament member and as president on…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Facing a potential political turmoil in Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expresses his willingness to mend fences with Northeastern State and Jubaland's leaders, emphasizing that building the nation is a collective responsibility for all Somalis, not just those in governance. Hassan Sheikh finds himself at odds with Jubaland's President Ahmed Madobe and Northeastern State's leader Said Abdullahi Deni. Both have criticized the proposed extensions of terms for federal states' leaders and the…

On a Monday rendezvous in Nairobi, Kenya's President William Ruto held discussions with William Burns, the CIA Director, while joined by Noordin Haji, Ruto's African counterpart. Fast-forward two years since the Ethiopian Tigray conflict reached a resolution on October 28, 2022. Although the peace pact supposedly ended hostilities, experts contend that thorny issues still linger unresolved. Tune into today's VOA 60 for more updates on developments across Africa.

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his administration's dedication to engaging in dialogue with the leaders of Northeastern State and Jubbaland to mend ongoing political rifts.In a 25-minute discourse on Tuesday evening to lawmakers and regional heads, President Mohamud underscored the significance of harmony and collaboration as the National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings press on in Mogadishu."We intend to converse with our brethren holding dissenting views. Should they extend an…

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took to the podium recently, emphasizing to the electorate that the upcoming election on November 17 is set to be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness. He urged everyone involved to practice "restraint" as a critical component of the electoral process. In his address, Faye called upon all political factions to behave with "responsibility, restraint, and moderation." He reiterated his unwavering dedication to conducting "free, democratic, and transparent" elections, an essential…

“Kenya must never again tread the path of division and tribal politics,” declared President William Ruto.At the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival in Lodwar, he passionately asserted his commitment to unite the nation. With determination, he highlighted how his diverse Cabinet was a deliberate step towards fostering unity among all Kenyans, regardless of party affiliations or ethnic roots.“We shun tribal and exclusionary politics. Our aim is a unified, flourishing Kenya for everyone,” he proclaimed.Tobong’u Lore, now in…