Progress

Celebrating 50 Years of ECOWAS: A Legacy Worth Remembering Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, recently articulated a powerful sentiment during the launch of the community's 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, Ghana. "The achievements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over five decades are not only worthy of recognition but also worthy of celebration," he asserted, emphasizing that our journey has been far more impactful than many might realize. In a political and…

Somali Minister Highlights Efforts Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the swirling sands of central Somalia, challenges persist. Yet, amid the clamor of conflict against Al-Shabaab militants, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has illuminated a beacon of determination and progress. He asserts proudly that the Somali National Army (SNA) is not only holding its own on the frontlines but turning the tide against these adversaries. Just last week, the town of Adan Yabaal became a…

The unveiling of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) for 2025-2029 represents a critical point in our nation's narrative—a narrative previously marred by conflict but now leaning towards recovery and sustainable growth. On a bright morning, with optimism brimming, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced this ambitious scheme designed to serve as a guide to rebuilding a self-sustaining and resilient Somalia. Like a phoenix rising, this plan symbolizes the shift from the former National Development Plan,…

The current political situation in Somalia is a complex tapestry, woven with threads of negotiation, power struggles, and the ongoing effort to balance federal authority with local autonomy. Recently, Somalia’s federal government has been embroiled in mounting political tensions with its member states. In March, a decisive step was taken by the federal parliament to amend the governance model, opting for a presidential system. However, this decision has not been universally welcomed. Northeastern State, often seen as one…

Somalia's Road to Democracy: A Complex Vision The echo of "conducting free and fair direct elections" has been a familiar refrain among Somali officials since 2009. Along with ambitious ventures like "completing the constitution" and "eliminating terrorism," these aspirations have been part of national discourse. Yet, over a decade and a half later, these goals remain elusive. One can't help but wonder: Why are these dreams still unrealized? The answer might lie in their intricate interdependencies and the unique…

Imagine waking up a sleeping giant. That's the task that lies at the heart of transforming Africa's energy potential. Rich in resources yet starved of investments, Africa has remained on the sidelines of global energy discussions for far too long. You might wonder how a continent brimming with untapped reserves finds itself in such a predicament. Chronic underfunding over the decades has stymied progress, shackling a land that could fuel not only its own growth but…

Pope Francis is currently stable in the hospital, with a recent chest scan indicating improvements in his condition, according to the Vatican. This marks a positive development as he continues to combat double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatment protocols. The latest medical update from the Vatican reassured the public that "the Pope's clinical condition is stable," which is certainly welcomed news.…

Fifth Quadrennial Congress of FESTU Concludes with Resolve to Defend Workers' Rights How does one begin to measure the pulse of a movement? The air was thick with determination as the Fifth Quadrennial Congress of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) reached its conclusion in Mogadishu on February 12, 2025. It was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Somali labour movement. With 328 delegates—53% men and 47% women—hailing from both the bustling regions of the five…

The leadership of former President Donald Trump has reportedly narrowed the gap in golf’s ongoing civil strife, as the PGA Tour suggests. In a significant development, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player representative Adam Scott engaged in discussions with Trump on Tuesday, seeking a pathway toward a resolution involving the US-based circuit, the DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the financial powerhouse behind LIV Golf. Discussions have been in progress since a framework agreement was…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Where does real acknowledgment come from? In the shadowed corners of Somalia's turbulent political landscape, this question takes on a fresh relevance. Amidst whispers of criticism, the cabinet of this nation, often seen as languid and disconnected, has at last tipped its hat to the relentless efforts of Northeastern State in the daunting war against ISIS. Picture this: a determined northeastern Federal State courageously liberating strategic frontlines in the Bari region, with little to no tangible…