Mogadishu (WDN) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has triggered widespread debate on Somali social media after telling lawmakers from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), his own political organisation, that there would be no consultation over the contentious issues facing the country. The president made the remarks during a meeting with JSP-affiliated members of parliament....
BAKU (WDN) — Azerbaijan’s enforcement of new school dress-code rules has sparked protests after Muslim students and teachers wearing hijabs were reportedly denied entry to educational institutions, intensifying debate over religious freedom in the predominantly Muslim country. The amendment to school uniform regulations does not explicitly ban the hijab. Instead, it prohibits clothing deemed inconsistent...
MOGADISHU (WDN) — Somalia’s political crisis escalated sharply after three prominent former national leaders and senior opposition figures condemned the federal government’s newly announced election timetable, warning that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s unilateral approach could trigger parallel elections, renewed conflict and further fragmentation of the Somali state. Former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh...
MOGADISHU (WDN) — In a move likely to intensify Somalia’s political crisis, the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced dates for federal parliamentary and presidential elections without an apparent political settlement between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, opposition leaders and federal member states over the country’s disputed electoral future. The commission announced today that...
BUURHAKABA, Somalia (WDN) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s controversial campaign to remove former Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen is producing consequences that may be far more damaging than Mogadishu anticipated. Within a week, forces loyal to Laftagareen have reportedly captured two strategically important districts in Bay region, challenging the authority of the administration...
Reports of Emirati military training for forces from Puntland and Somaliland expose the widening rift between Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal member states. Critics argue that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s confrontational approach to federalism, constitutional reform and elections has helped fuel the crisis. MOGADISHU (WDN) — Somalia’s political crisis is deepening as reports emerge that the...
By Abdikarim H. Abdi Buh Riyadh condemns Houthi missiles and drones crossing into Saudi territory, yet Yemen’s civilian suffering raises a fundamental question: why should the destruction inflicted by a powerful state receive a different standard of scrutiny from attacks carried out by its adversaries? Saudi Arabia’s renewed military confrontation with Yemen’s Houthi movement exposes...
The government accuses ten individuals of links to Al-Shabaab, but the sanctions risk being seen as a political weapon unless the authorities disclose credible evidence and apply the same scrutiny to allegations of corruption involving public assets in Mogadishu. MOGADISHU (WDN) — Somalia’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Committee has imposed...
The swift arrest following a deadly shooting in Garowe offers a clear example of how law enforcement can help prevent clan-based revenge killings and ensure that criminal disputes are resolved through the courts, not retaliation. GAROWE (WDN) — Puntland police have arrested Mowliid Siciid Warsame, known as Dhakhare, who is suspected of killing three people...
By Lubna MasarwaJerusalem Bureau Chief, Middle East Eye Last week marked three years since 7 October 2023. Over the years of covering Israel’s occupation of Palestine, I have developed an aversion to anniversaries. Almost every day in Palestine marks one of some sort: Nakba Day, Prisoners’ Day, the First Intifada, the Second Intifada. The list is...