0
For immediate release
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
International community expresses concern over parliamentary candidates with a history of violence and criminality
Mogadishu, 16 October 2016 – The United Nations, African Union, European Union, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, Ethiopia, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States are deeply concerned about the inclusion of individuals with a history of criminality, violence and terrorism on the lists of candidates for the Upper House of Parliament submitted by some leaders of the existing and emerging federal member states and potentially among candidates for the House of the People.
The nomination and potential election of any individual responsible for the violence that characterized Somalia’s civil war represent a regressive step at a time when Somalia is poised to turn a new page. This must be taken into consideration by all key stakeholders as voting for Upper House candidates continues and 14,025 electoral college delegates convene later this month to choose members of the House of the People.
Somalis, as well as Somalia’s international partners, deserve to have confidence in the institutions that will emerge from the current electoral process. Every effort should be made to ensure that the process results in the designation of reputable holders of public office who will not undermine the legitimacy and credibility of the new Government and Parliament.
The process of registering candidates for the 275 seats of the House of the People is underway, and individuals with documented histories of criminality and violence should not be chosen by electoral colleges to represent their clans and sub-clans in the lower house of Parliament.
"Somalia is rebuilding its institutions and legitimacy after 25 years of armed conflict,” said Michael Keating, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia. "A rejection of parliamentary candidates who have been implicated in some of the country’s worst human rights abuses will reaffirm Somalia’s commitment to end the culture of impunity in the eyes of its own citizens and the world at large.”
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers. Full Article
The European Parliament has approved a new and controversial migration proposal that would allow European Union member states to transfer rejected asylum seekers to non-EU countries under bilateral agreements. Full Article
Security forces in Mogadishu have arrested several young Bajaj drivers who staged protests against rising fuel prices, reflecting growing frustration among Somalia's youth over economic hardship and unemployment. The demonstrations were organized by Bajaj drivers who depend on the three-wheel taxis as their main source of income. Drivers say the increasing cost of fuel has severely reduced their earnings, making it difficult to support themselves and their families. Full Article
LAS ANOD, Somalia/Somaliland contested area — Somali Police Force Commander General Asad Diyaano has emerged as a nationally respected security figure, praised for professional leadership, discipline, and measurable reforms within the Somali Police Force, while also maintaining close operational coordination with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud amid heightened security challenges. Full Article
Somalia's political reorientation in the Gulf region is becoming increasingly visible, as Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a high-level meeting in Doha with Somali officials — just days after the Somali government announced it had terminated key security and cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Full Article
By Dahir Alasow | Waagacusub.net — Opinion / Analysis Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia's decision to annul all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—including security and defence-related arrangements—represents one of the most consequential foreign-policy turns Somalia has taken in years. Full Article
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. Full Article
Across Europe, North America, and other regions, Somali communities living in the diaspora are increasingly confronting a serious and troubling challenge: the widespread use of online blackmail and digital abuse targeting women and children on social media platforms. Full Article
A routine investigation into the unexplained death of a woman in Voorburg has uncovered one of the largest stashes of illegal pharmaceuticals found in the Netherlands in recent years. The discovery has now led two suspects from Breda to face criminal charges for their alleged role in distributing the potentially lethal substances. Full Article
A powerful debate erupted online today after tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly endorsed an opinion warning that Europe will "face its own extinction" if it fails to open its doors to migrants. The message, originally shared by Australian activist Drew Pavlou, referenced a strongly worded article by British columnist George Monbiot, who argues that demographic decline across the continent makes migration not only useful, but essential for Europe's survival. Full Article
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups.
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation.
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups.
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia – As Somalia approaches planned demonstrations on June 4, concerns continue to grow over the state of human rights, freedom of expression, and civic space in the country. Full Article
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers. Full Article
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
Somalia:International community expresses concern over parliamentary candidates with a history of violence and criminality
The process of registering candidates for the 275 seats of the House of the People is underway, and individuals with documented histories of criminality and violence should not be chosen by electoral colleges to represent their clans and sub-clans in