presidential

MOGADISHU, Somalia - On a Friday evening, beneath the darkening sky, the presidential guards stationed at Villa Somalia found themselves confronting an unexpected mechanical intruder. With a hum resonating overhead, an unauthorized drone zoomed over the president's official residence, casting shadows of uncertainty and potential peril. Two drones were actually sighted; although the security team's keen eyes quickly locked onto and neutralized one, the origins of these rogue devices remain shrouded in mystery. The prompt and…

Mogadishu (AX) – Pageantry of possibilities unfurls in the dusty alleys and bustling markets of Mogadishu, where hope seems like a fragile whisper amidst the cacophony of conflict. In this peculiar dance, the Somali State Minister for Religious Affairs, Abukar Sheikh, serves a compelling invitation to the youth ensnared in the grip of Al-Shabaab. Picture this: a political olive branch tendered on a Sunday, laced with promises of amnesty, redemption, and a ticket back to a more harmonious life, adorned with the creativity…

In a move that has sent ripples of optimism through the financial markets, Gabon's transitional government declared that presidential elections are set to take place on April 12, 2025. This announcement marks a significant step towards restoring civilian governance in a country that has seen its fair share of turmoil. Just picture it: a nation where military tanks once rolled through the streets under the leadership of General Brice Oligui Nguem, who led a coup against former president Ali Bongo in 2023, following a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the snowy embrace of Davos, Switzerland, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud found himself in the spotlight, basking in the glow of recognition. Tuesday evening witnessed a special moment, as Africa House rolled out the metaphorical red carpet to honor him with the illustrious African Presidential Leadership Award. This accolade isn't just a shiny trophy for his mantle. It stands as a testament to President Mohamud's relentless dedication to steering Somalia through the tricky terrain of…

In a bold and surprising gesture, former President Donald Trump granted presidential pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the tumultuous events surrounding the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. This unprecedented move has reignited discussions about justice, accountability, and the very fabric of American democracy. Bringing a form of spectacle to a typically staid office, Trump took to a packed basketball arena in central Washington, where an enthusiastic crowd of about…

In a striking turn of events, the special counsel who led the charges against Hunter Biden has publicly accused President Joe Biden of jeopardizing public trust in the justice system. This bold assertion stems from the president's outspoken critiques regarding the investigation into his son's legal troubles. At 54, Hunter Biden faced serious charges—gun and tax-related offenses—that were pursued by special counsel David Weiss. However, he received a presidential pardon from his father in December, a decision that has…

On the fateful day of January 9, 2025, an unusual episode unfolded in Chad as government officials referred to an assault on the presidential palace as a "small incident," aimed at disrupting the nation’s stability. The capital, N'Djamena, reverberated with the sounds of intense gunfire when armed assailants reportedly breached the gates of the presidential grounds. This turmoil erupted right after President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno had concluded discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In the wake of the attack,…

In a turn of events that could challenge Romania's unwavering support for Ukraine, the nation is heading toward an unexpected presidential run-off on December 8. This contest pits a hard-right critic of NATO against the leader of a centre-right opposition party. As the results pour in, the landscape of Romanian politics may be on the cusp of a significant shift. With nearly all votes tallied—99.9% to be exact—Calin Georgescu, the hard-right candidate, secured 22.9% of the votes, while his centre-right rival, Elena Lasconi,…

In the bustling city of Kismayo, the seat of Jubbaland’s interim government in the Lower Jubba region, the stage is set for a dramatic political showdown. Despite a cloud of controversy hanging over the proceedings, the regional presidential election is scheduled for Monday. The central government, however, is up in arms, outright dismissing the election's legitimacy. I ain’t whistling Dixie! The stakes are sky-high as four ambitious contenders throw their hats into the ring. Among the hopefuls, we’ve got the seasoned Ahmed…

The opposition leader in the self-declared independent region of North Western State of Somalia triumphed in the recent election, according to the electoral commission's announcement on Tuesday. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, representing the primary opposition faction known as the Waddani Party, secured over half of the votes, stepping out as the clear victor. At 69 years old, Abdullahi has previously held the prestigious position of North Western State of Somalia's parliament speaker back in 2005. This opposition group…