transition

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…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government has warmly greeted the United Nations Security Council's collective choice to morph the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a provisional mission over the coming two years, stepping up on November 1, 2024.

In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, an African Union peacekeeper strolls by a line of armored vehicles. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, better known as ATMIS, is grappling with the possibility of stumbling blocks in its concluding phase. Why? The culprits are inadequate funding and heightened regional unease, particularly with neighbor Ethiopia in the mix. Mogadishu (AX) — The African Union's mission in Somalia is hitting snags as it edges nearer to its finale. The root of the hiccups?…

Kenyans Head Home as Somalia Plots Its Security Future MOGADISHU, Somalia - Following the Somali Transition Plan (STP), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops have wrapped up their mission in Somalia, exiting the Horn of Africa last weekend after a year-long stint. These soldiers were part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). With ATMIS winding up in December 2024, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to take over. The KDF contingent coordinated peace efforts…

Mogadishu (AX) – Pulling in like a breeze on a Sunday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud landed in Djibouti as he continued his whirl through nations backing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). As the jet touched down, President Mohamud received a warm welcome from Djibouti’s Prime Minister, Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, alongside a crew of top officials. It was a moment brimming with diplomacy and friendship. On this pit stop, he’s slated to chinwag with Djibouti’s big cheese, President Ismael Omar…