transition

Machado says Venezuela entering ‘true transition to democracy’ as U.S. backs Rodriguez; Nobel medal gesture to Trump draws scrutiny Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said the country is beginning a “true transition to democracy” and called for free and fair elections “as soon as possible,” using a Washington appearance to press her case for broad participation at the polls. “We are definitely now into the first steps of a true transition to democracy,” Machado said, adding that the shift would have “an…

Ireland’s prime minister, or Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said his government never accepted “the legitimacy of the Maduro regime” in Venezuela but has sought a peaceful, democratic transition — remarks that came as deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was set to appear in a U.S. court following his weekend capture by U.S. forces. Maduro was detained during a military raid Saturday in Caracas that has plunged the country into uncertainty. U.S. officials have not publicly detailed the legal proceedings ahead, but…

Somalia’s energy moment: private grit, solar hope and the hard work ahead MOGADISHU — When Somalia’s 4th Success Stories Forum wrapped on a warm October afternoon, the optimism in the room felt brutally practical rather than triumphant. Government ministers applauded Somali-owned electricity firms for keeping lights on in the capital. A telecom giant announced that nearly all of its facilities now run on solar. And business leaders urged deeper investment to wean the country off imported diesel. Those notes of pride,…

Mogadishu Forum Puts Somalia’s Energy Future on Center Stage MOGADISHU — As the Jazeera Hotel fills with ministers, investors and telecom executives on Oct. 15, Somalia’s conversation about power is being reframed. The Somali Success Forum, now in its fourth year and hosted by Hormuud Telecom, has turned a routine business gathering into a public reckoning over how a fragile, resource-rich country can light its way into stability and growth. From dark nights to data centers For decades, Somalia’s electricity story has…

Somali opposition forms “Somalia Future Council” as political clock ticks In a conciliatory — and potentially combustible — move, prominent Somali leaders gathered in Nairobi this week to unveil a new opposition coalition they call the “Somalia Future Council.” Brought together by regional heavyweights and veteran national figures, the alliance aims to shape the country’s fraught political transition as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term edges toward its final months. Who’s in the room matters The coalition combines…

North Western State of Somalia's Incoming Leader Celebrates Muse Bihi's Role in Smoothing Power Shift HARGEISA, Somalia - Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often called Irro, the new president-elect of North Western State of Somalia, showered praise on Muse Bihi Abdi. He hailed Bihi as the true 'hero' for facilitating a seamless transition of leadership following the recent elections. The Electoral Commission officially named Irro as the victor of the presidential polls, leaving Muse Bihi Abdi trailing with just 34.8% of the…

In a stirring moment of political grace, President of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, lauded Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, the newly elected leader, following his emphatic victory. He promised a calm and orderly handover of authority to his successor. This pledge, made at the heart of Hargeisa’s Presidential Palace, felt as much a call to unity as it was an acknowledgment of political reality. President Bihi seized the moment to express gratitude towards his supporters within the Kulmiye Party,…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

In the wake of Donald Trump’s electoral triumph, President Joe Biden has called on Americans to “cool down” their political tensions, emphasizing the importance of a smooth, orderly transition of power. After the Democrats faced a setback with Kamala Harris’ loss in the recent election, Mr. Biden took to the public stage to share the phone conversation he had with Trump. He assured his successor that his team would collaborate amicably with the incoming administration. Biden also reached out to Ms. Harris, highlighting the…

Somalia Embraces UN's Move for UNSOM Transformation MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has given the green light to a resolution from the United Nations Security Council to transform the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a temporary mission. This change offers the nation a vital opportunity to evaluate and strengthen its internal institutions during the ongoing transition. As of yesterday, Somalia embarks on a fresh chapter aimed at assessing achievements and closing gaps. The nation is working tirelessly…