upcoming

The Cabinet has finalized its contributions to the 2025 Budget, which Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is poised to present to Members of Parliament. This marks a significant moment in our fiscal planning. In a bid to craft a responsible and inclusive financial blueprint, ministers convened for an extraordinary session dedicated to navigating the intricate details of the Budget. This was not merely a routine meeting—it was a second attempt after the Cabinet previously dismissed a revised proposal that notably lacked the…

In a noteworthy prelude to their upcoming meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a newfound respect for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This shift was particularly striking in the context of Mr. Trump’s earlier remarks, where he had pointedly labeled Mr. Zelensky a "dictator." The dynamic between the two leaders has clearly evolved, allowing for an atmosphere of optimism ahead of their future discussions. "I believe we’re going to have a very productive dialogue tomorrow morning," Mr. Trump stated…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - On a cloudless morning, defense heads from Ethiopia and Somalia reached a landmark consensus that could shift the region’s dynamics. They have sanctioned the deployment of Ethiopian soldiers into the African Union's latest undertaking, the AUSSOM mission. The discussions, permeated with a cautious optimism and underscored by a joint communiqué released on Sunday, also saw them promising to draft a detailed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) aimed at delineating the operations of these bilateral forces…

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…

Mogadishu (AX) – With an air of both determination and urgency, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stepped up to address the nation with a poignant message: taxes matter. In a country grappling with financial instability, his administration is poised to launch a far-reaching tax collection initiative in the days to come. The message was clear as he spoke to the people of Mogadishu on Monday. President Mohamud extended an appeal, perhaps even a plea, for cooperation, underscoring a fundamental tenet of civic duty—the…

U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future. He expressed his belief that Putin genuinely aims to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "No specific time has been set, but it could happen very soon," Trump stated after a flight aboard Air Force One. His remarks followed a briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who tempered expectations regarding imminent high-level talks in Riyadh focused on resolving the war. As Mr. Rubio…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is poised to make history as the first UK leader to participate in a European Council gathering since Brexit. This significant moment comes as he aims to rally European leaders in their resolve against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Starmer, after a crucial discussion with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressed his anticipation for the informal EU leaders' retreat in Belgium, where vital issues will take center stage. At this gathering, the prime minister plans to delve into the…

As the sun rises over the vibrant landscape of Mozambique, a fresh chapter in the nation’s political saga unfolds. New Members of Parliament have officially taken their oaths, marking a pivotal moment just days before the much-anticipated inauguration of President-elect Daniel Chapo on Wednesday, January 15. It’s a time that many look forward to with hope and optimism, yet the undercurrents of discontent are palpable—especially coming from opposition leader Venancio Modlane, who has recently touched down in the country.…

Abdirahman Cirro's Journey to Becoming North Western State of Somalia's Future President HARGEISA – Often referred to by his nickname "Cirro," Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi is poised to step in as North Western State of Somalia's upcoming president. The national ballot held on November 13, 2024, appears to show Cirro pulling ahead with a notable advantage over the sitting President Muse Bihi Abdi. Background and Education Born on April 24, 1955, in the vibrant city of Hargeisa, Cirro soaked in his early education in Sheekh,…

In Chad, a chorus of women leaders and activists has brought attention to a significant issue: the glaring scarcity of female candidates in the upcoming legislative, local, and district elections set for December 29. These elections are crucial as they signify the culmination of a transition journey from military to civilian governance. This shift kicked off when General Mahamat Idriss Deby took helm after the passing of his father, the long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021. Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of…