session

Parliamentary Setbacks in Somalia: A Call for Responsibility Mogadishu (AX) — On a day meant for progress, Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament hit yet another snag, as its Monday session was postponed due to insufficient attendance. This disruption not only halted the swearing-in of two new members but also postponed a pivotal vote on a pan-African child rights treaty, leaving many to wonder: what lies behind this recurring issue? Only 87 lawmakers showed up, far below the 139 required for a valid quorum under…

Mogadishu, Somalia In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, reports are emerging about a significant move by Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His decision to extend the parliamentary session underscores a complex political landscape that seems to unravel more with each passing day. While he seeks legislative changes, the opposition’s boycott of crucial talks reveals deep rifts. Today, scheduled talks were to bring together the president and…

Mogadishu (AX) – A gentle hum of anticipation filled the air as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed Parliament on Saturday—a collective assembly of minds gathered to mark the opening of its sixth session in Mogadishu. Is there a time more apt for reflection and hope than the dawn of a new parliamentary session? President Mohamud seized this moment, directing the statesmen's attention to the seismic military movements against the entrenched forces of ISIS and Al-Shabaab in the arid expanses of Northeastern State…

In a momentous turn of events, South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol made his way to a Seoul courtroom for the initial hearing of his criminal trial, facing serious insurrection charges. This unprecedented situation marks him as the first sitting president in the nation to stand trial for such serious allegations during his time in office. Local media captured the scene vividly, showing vehicles from the justice ministry departing the Seoul Detention Centre, where Mr. Yoon is currently incarcerated. Upon arrival…

In the heart of Mogadishu, amid the orchestrated chaos that often defines Somali politics, a fresh chapter for the nation's parliamentary journey is about to unfold. On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the serene yet somber atmosphere was punctuated by an announcement destined to shape the political landscape in the coming months. The esteemed Speakers of both houses of the 11th Somali Parliament declared, with a hint of anticipation in their voices, that the 6th session would commence on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Some might…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture the halls of power veiled in silence, a silence heavy with the weight of political trepidation. Somali lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig offers a stark warning: if the House of the People stays shuttered, legislators might resort to holding their own sessions, parallel and unauthorized. A drastic measure, indeed, but Hidig has pointed fingers at certain political leaders, accusing them of intentionally crippling parliamentary operations. This dialogue invites us to ponder: in a land rife with challenges,…

Kismayo (AX) — A cohort of more than 30 Somali lawmakers recently convened in Kismayo for a pivotal meeting orchestrated by Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe. The agenda? To chew over the fascinating nuances of Somalia's political landscape and its various storms. Originally penciled in for Friday, the shindig got rescheduled. Why the delay, you ask? They needed some extra MPs, who were currently chilling outside Somalia, to join the discussions. Clock's ticking, but better late than never, right?In a show of strong…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Parliament granted a one-month extension to its current session, responding to a request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to postpone the lawmakers' recess in order to address urgent election legislation. Originally slated to begin their break on November 6, the Parliament will now continue its work until early December this year. In his address to the Parliament, President Mohamud highlighted the pressing need for reviewing and passing critical laws and agreements that require…

Farmajo Criticizes Somalia Govt Over Botched NCC Gathering, Calls for Parliamentary Measures MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has fired sharp criticism at the Somalia federal government, questioning the mishandled National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly that floundered in addressing crucial national issues. The meeting, held in Mogadishu starting October 2, collapsed when Jubaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, exited and headed back to Kismayo, following a standstill over Villa…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The political crisis in Somalia could degenerate into a serious security threat following the recent involvement of the police in the fierce struggle for power control and now lead to the innocent dismissal of Mogadishu police chief Sadak John. In a statement from the state media, General Abdi Hassan Mohamed Hijar, the country's police chief, fired Sadak moments after the latter "suspended" parliamentary session scheduled for Monday, which is slated to tackle the "national election" crisis. General…