turmoil

Somali Leadership Faces Crisis Amid Perception Concerns ANTALYA, Turkey — In an unexpected twist, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been spotted soaking in the sun from the deck of a luxury yacht in Antalya, Turkey's renowned tourist paradise. These images have rapidly spread across social media, igniting a passionate discourse around leadership optics, especially at a time when Somalia faces intense political and security challenges. The President's journey commenced with an official visit to Egypt…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation rich in mineral resources, has made the significant decision to extend its temporary suspension on cobalt exports by an additional three months. This announcement, made on Saturday by the DRC’s strategic minerals regulator, underscores the complexities and challenges faced by a country that is a linchpin in the global cobalt market. But what led to this extension? The answer lies in the ongoing oversupply of cobalt, a crucial ingredient in electric vehicle batteries and…

Somalia finds itself in a precarious state, entrapped by a cycle of recycled political elites whose ambitions and rivalries continually hinder national progress. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the leadership crisis has deepened, culminating in the disappointing failure of the national dialogue initiative proposed by the current president. One is left to wonder—at what point do these empty promises cease to resonate with a populace yearning for genuine change? Ironically, many of those opposing the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent and impactful statement, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has voiced his deep concerns regarding the upcoming National Consultation Forum convened by current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This public address, issued on Thursday, revolves around the critical themes of inclusivity and comprehensive stakeholder engagement in the national dialogue. Farmaajo's remarks come against a backdrop of increasing anxiety regarding the political climate in Somalia. He has pointedly…

Immigration and Due Process: A Deep Dive into a Complex Legal Battle This aerial photo shows Djibouti, East Africa, in December 2024. Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images In an unfolding legal drama that captures the gravity of due process, a federal judge has recently ruled that immigrant detainees slated for deportation to South Sudan are not receiving the fair treatment guaranteed by law. Judge Brian Murphy, presiding over the District Court in Massachusetts, has expressed strong concerns about the actions of the Trump…

Somalia’s Intelligence Agency on the Edge: A Struggle for Power MOGADISHU (AX) – In the heart of Somalia, an unsettling drama unfolds as the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) teeters on the edge of an internal collapse. This turmoil is not just another bureaucratic hiccup; it's the crescendo of a political tug-of-war among the highest echelons of the federal government. Whispers inside the corridors of power, as shared with Axadle, unveil a precarious situation. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sanbaloolshe,” the…

The Complex Political Dynamics in Somalia: Allegations, Aspirations, and the Role of Youth MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the ever-turbulent landscape of Somali politics, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has recently stirred the pot, accusing the opposition of being puppets of foreign powers. Fascinatingly, though, these claims lack the backing of concrete evidence. The political scene remains charged as opposition factions vehemently criticize President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of autocracy and…

Reflections on Somalia's Chaotic History: A Fragile State in Perpetual Turmoil Among those endeavoring to understand Somalia's present challenges, a poignant question looms: What went wrong? This inquiry has haunted Somali intellectuals, writers, and activists for decades, many attributing the roots of today’s turmoil to the disintegration of the socialist military regime in the 1990s, a regime notably served by Sheikh, a once-prominent figure. The backdrop of this narrative traces back to 1969 when a military coup…

As of March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has disclosed a troubling figure: member states collectively owe a staggering $58 million in contributions. This financial shortfall has sparked significant challenges for the bloc, leaving many to ponder the future of regional cooperation in East Africa. The pressing financial situation was the focal point of a recent meeting held by the EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. There, leaders gathered to confront the crisis laid bare by a…

Mogadishu (AX) — Saturday witnessed an unprecedented upheaval in Somalia's Lower House of Parliament, where lawmaker interactions spiraled into chaos. This turmoil erupted over the contentious removal of MP Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abiib, which has reignited discussions on accountability and governance in the nation. The backdrop to this fracas was the Speaker's declaration last month that Abiib's seat was vacated due to repeated absences, igniting a firestorm of dissent among opposition lawmakers. Opposition members swiftly…