rights

Breaking Chains and Smashing Barriers Through Organised Defence of Women Journalists’ Rights in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Imagine a world where a woman's voice in journalism echoes safely and powerfully, yet still struggles to break through a sombre cloud of oppression. On this International Women’s Day, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) shines a light on the indomitable spirit of Somali women in media – women who bravely mold public opinion, hold those in power accountable, and bring the…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) – It was a momentous day on Thursday when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed touched down in the heart of Mogadishu, stepping onto Somali soil for discussions that promise to reshape the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. With Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud by his side, this meeting signals a crucial turning point after months of tension and uncertainty between the neighboring nations. The welcome was a grand affair. At Aden Adde…

The Unfolding Drama at the UN: A Show of Solidarity for Ukraine In a striking demonstration of unity, a notable assembly of dignitaries recently made a powerful statement by walking out of a session at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Their departure coincided with the somber anniversary of three years since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This act was not merely symbolic; it underscored a commitment to stand firmly with those facing oppression and invasion.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-beating heart of Somalia, a passionate fervor echoed through the grand hall last week as the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) wrapped up its Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu. This assembly wasn't just a meeting; it was a clarion call, a seminal gathering aimed at fortifying the nation's labor movement for the coming years. With a captivating theme—"Empowering Workers' Voice for Justice"—the two-day congress attracted 328 delegates. These included fervent representatives…

The face of American immigration policy has been transformed with proposals that have set off a chain reaction of debates and consternation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stepped into the spotlight, touting the infamous Guantánamo Bay as a fitting detention location. "It's a perfect place," Hegseth stated, fortifying his support with assurances of practicality. Yet, the dispatch of additional U.S. troops to the site has signaled a disquieting preparation for what many anticipate as an unprecedented influx. "Sending…

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…

Mogadishu (AX) – Under the gentle gaze of a sunlit Mogadishu sky, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre sat opposite the freshly minted Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Rowaid Adil Mohamed. Their meeting, held within the ornate confines of the Prime Minister's office, was more than a mere formality; it whispered of history, a narrative stretching beyond the horizon of the present moment. Is there a bond thicker than one forged in shared struggles and aspirations? Such is the connection between Somalia and Palestine.…

ADDIS ABABA: As another day dawns in Ethiopia, shadows of an "escalating crackdown" on civil society grow longer, according to Human Rights Watch. Lately, the country has witnessed the suspension of two pivotal human rights organizations, causing a stir in both local and international circles. Last December, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC), renowned for its enduring legacy, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) found themselves curtailed by a governmental watchdog. This was on grounds that…

On a day marked by celebration and camaraderie, tens of thousands of Australians took to the streets to voice their grievances regarding the treatment of Indigenous peoples. This outpouring of emotion coincided with Australia Day, a national holiday that commemorates the arrival of British colonizers in 1788. In bustling cities like Sydney and Melbourne, demonstrators rallied, shining a spotlight on the alarming incarceration rates, dismal health outcomes, and historical injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians—whose…

In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a spy novel, Tanzanian human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai recently found herself at the heart of a chilling real-life drama. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, as the sun lazily basked Kenya’s bustling streets, Tsehai was snatched away from her afternoon stroll by anonymous gunmen. As if Nairobi needed any more action. Why was Tsehai targeted, you ask? Well, she calls it a consequence of her audacious calling out of Tanzanian authorities for suppressing their people.…