reform

Embracing a New Horizon: Somalia's National Transformation Plan On a vibrant morning in Mogadishu, the air buzzed with excitement as Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, took to the stage. With an aura of resolve, he announced an ambitious blueprint for the nation: the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025-2029. A pivotal moment indeed, this unveiling followed a significant cabinet reshuffle that had just been announced hours earlier. It was a day of renewed hope and determination—a day marked…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring. Garowe: A Rift in the Federal Fabric In the scenic town of Garowe, where the arid landscape meets a world full of political complexities, a significant discourse has emerged. At the heart of this discourse is Northeastern State's firm reluctance to align with Somalia's Federal Government without substantive reforms. Centralization of power at Mogadishu's helm has long been a bone of contention, brewing tension not just recently, but repeatedly through the…

In a concerted and vibrant show of unity, a cohort of Somali political leaders is echoing their vast support for the ongoing military undertakings against notorious terror groups Al-Shabaab and ISIS. Three prominent figures have emerged at the forefront: former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the past Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and esteemed opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame. Their stand represents a robust call for collaboration and strategic foresight in the face of mounting threats. Mogadishu,…

In a striking move, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding aid to South Africa, asserting that he might halt all assistance due to concerns over the nation’s land expropriation policies. He characterized these measures as “unfair,” claiming they enable the government to seize land indiscriminately while treating certain individuals and communities “very badly.” This bold declaration follows a significant political shift in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa recently advanced the…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a reevaluation of the definition of terrorism in the UK, citing an alarming evolution in the nature of threats facing the nation. He delivered his remarks from Downing Street, emphasizing that the current legal framework is outdated, primarily addressing threats from organized terrorist groups or specific extremist ideologies. However, an unsettling new breed of assailant has emerged—individuals who become radicalized by obsessively consuming disturbing online content, often in…

In a key move for Somalia's financial future, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh inked a pivotal debt relief deal with Denmark's representative, Ambassador Steen Sonne Aderson, in the bustling city of Mogadishu on a vibrant Monday. This latest agreement reflects the positive outcomes from the notable discussions held by the Paris Club back in March 2024, another feather in the cap of Somalia’s ongoing economic reform crusade. The ministry enthusiastically declared, "The national reform efforts and debt forgiveness successes…

The capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, is becoming a hotbed of political strife as a contentious tussle unfolds between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over electoral reforms. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, clearly understanding the stakes, called an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday. In the spotlight is a heated debate with Jubbaland dismissing federal election changes in favor of their own regional autonomy. The central conflict revolves around the federal authorities' ambition to enact a direct…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The usual pandemonium ensued in Somalia's parliament as contentious debates over electoral reforms took center stage. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested lawmakers postpone their break to focus on the upcoming electoral process. Hassan Sheikh, returning for a second term, wants to adjust key electoral guidelines for a long-term shift. He aims to introduce universal suffrage, allowing every citizen to vote. Recognizing the pressing need for these reforms, Hassan Sheikh urged legislators to work…

In Mogadishu (AX), the Somali federal government's ambition to transition from a clan-based election process to a universal suffrage by 2026 has stirred the political pot, all while the nation faces a pesky al-Shabaab resurgence. On October 2, during a National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow, Somali bigwigs mapped out a reform strategy, eyeing extended terms for state presidents. This plan, however, pulled back the curtain on deep-seated rifts among regional honchos, as tensions simmer amid rising insurgency woes.…

Clash Over Voting Reforms Intensifies in Somalia Against Evolving Al-Shabaab Danger MOGADISHU, Somalia — With al-Shabaab continuing its menacing activities, the conversation around voting reforms in Somalia is turning into quite the wildfire. The heart of the matter? Whether the country should stick to indirect elections or make a bold shift to letting every citizen cast their vote in the 2026 elections. The political bigwigs gathered again at the presidential palace, their heads bent over talks on national security and…