reforms

Mogadishu (AX) — Under the vibrant political canopy of Somalia, a noteworthy moment unfolded in the Somali Parliament on Monday. It was a day that saw the approval of two pivotal legislative acts: the Youth Justice Bill and the Income Tax Bill. These are not mere legislative formality; they are emblematic of a nation striving to break free from its past shackles and move towards a horizon marked by prosperity and fairness. Bihi Iman Igeh, the Minister of Finance, stood tall amid his peers as he commended the…

Political Dissonance and Repression in North Western State of Somalia Hargeisa (AX) — In the dusty echoes of North Western State of Somalia’s political landscape, a storm is brewing. The newly-minted administration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, perhaps not as squeaky clean as a new pin, has already directed its gaze upon activists and journalists who dare to question or challenge the status quo. This recent crackdown has reignited worries about political oppression, even with new faces steering the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia finds itself entangled in a thorny political conundrum, with rising tensions between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over contentious electoral reforms. This firestorm has forced Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to call for an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday, aiming to tackle what has become a seriously divisive cause. Jubbaland's leadership is vehemently opposing federal election plans and champions regional self-governance instead. At the crux of this simmering discord…

Jubaland Boss Shuns Ruto's Request, Skips Somalia Election Overhaul Talks NAIROBI, Kenya - In a twist nobody saw coming, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, has tossed out an overture from Kenya's top dog, President William Ruto. The proposal sought his backing for the National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow, a gathering accused of enabling shady term extensions. Madobe, known for clashing with the authorities in Mogadishu, reportedly got a special invite to Kenya, courtesy of Ruto. This tête-à-tête was prompted by…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A fierce storm is brewing in Somalia's delicate democracy, fueled by the discord over proposed changes to the constitution. These changes are spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who stands firm despite a brewing political tempest. Hassan Sheikh envisions a shift to elections by universal suffrage, moving away from the elder-dominated political approach. For thirty years, Somalia has operated under this indirect system amid persistent turmoil. Amidst fierce constitutional debate on…

 Simon Manley, the UK's envoy, and Somalia's Ambassador Khadra Ahmed Dualeh engage in a lively discourse at a Geneva gathering of the United Nations Human Rights Council.Mogadishu (AX) — A collaborative proposition has been tabled by the United Kingdom and Somalia during Thursday's United Nations Human Rights Council meet. Their joint initiative seeks to extend technical support for advancing Somalia’s human rights endeavors and to renew the role of the Independent Expert on Somalia.Simon Manley, representing the UK at the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Friction over Somalia's governance and upcoming electoral strategies dominated the discussions at the National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly in Mogadishu, marked by notable tensions and absentees influencing the discourse.A confidential insider from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) whispered to AX that Khatumo State wasn't even on the docket. Further, this source remarked that at least one Federal Member State (FMS) fancies sticking with the moniker "President" for their leaders, despite earlier…

Mogadishu (AX) — The European Union (EU) has committed €9 million to Somalia's Federal Government (FGS) for advancing governance reforms. This funding, part of the EU's Somalia State and Resilience Building Contract (SRBC II), aims to boost public financial management and spearhead economic growth. The allocation will aid Somalia in bolstering domestic revenue collection, fortifying fiscal federalism, and enhancing social services, including public education through initiatives such as the National Teacher's Initiative.…

Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh (center, right) spearheads a high-stakes dialogue at a major financial reform and economic development summit in Istanbul, Turkey. Key figures from Somali ministries and global partners are in attendance. Mogadishu (AX) — Wrapping up on Wednesday, a pivotal four-day conference focused on Somalia's financial overhaul and economic strides took place in Istanbul, Turkey. This gathering marked the second review of Somalia's Financial Reform and Economic Development Program, which enjoys…

BAIDOA, Somalia - Sunday's al-Shabaab attack on a military outpost in Baidoa has been attributed to a recent military revamp, according to multiple security sources. Militants stormed the outpost in Baidoa, Southwest's regional hub, leading to a fierce battle that ended with two deaths and three critical injuries. The raid took place early in the morning, catching many off-guard. Insiders revealed that some security personnel from the attacked site had been redeployed to Yaqbariweyne to bolster local forces amid a skirmish…