#Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro concludes ‘successful’ visit to #Ethiopia, meets PM Abiy amid absence of official readout from Addis Abeba
Addis Abeba – Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has concluded what his office described as a “successful official visit” to Ethiopia, during which he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior Ethiopian officials. The visit, his first since assuming office in November 2024, took place between 14 and 16 October in Addis Abeba.
According to a statement from the Somaliland Presidency, the trip aimed to “further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect” between Somaliland and Ethiopia. It added that the visit “reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.”
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Addis Abeba – Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has concluded what his office described as a “successful official visit” to Ethiopia, during which he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior Ethiopian officials. The visit, his first since assuming office in November 2024, took place between 14 and 16 October in Addis Abeba.
According to a statement from the Somaliland Presidency, the trip aimed to “further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect” between Somaliland and Ethiopia. It added that the visit “reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.”
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0PvQgwN6aUHSi39vhy6gFSG3JGESw4L6DLKTh75zpk1U6MTGvxm3HVRZLadNYdSsxl
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#Policy_Brief: Ethio-Saudi Relations: Why it’s broken, what can be done about it?
Ethiopia’s relations with Arab states, particularly #Saudi_Arabia, have long been defined by “a cocktail of unpredictability, suspicion, and a sharp up-and-down trajectory over the years,” writes Mukerrem Miftah in his Policy Brief. He emphasizes that “frequent wars with #Egypt and #Sudan in the past,” along with recent developments such as the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) and the mass deportation of more than half a million Ethiopian migrants, have triggered “intense backlash and reprisals” from Arab states, “further complicating the nature of perception and relations.”
Although #Ethiopia maintains strong ties with Western, Eastern, and Asian nations, the author notes that its engagement with the Gulf States remains limited. Saudi Arabia’s investment in Ethiopia, estimated at a maximum of $3 billion, pales in comparison to the over $30 billion invested in Egypt and $13 billion in #Djibouti. This disparity, Mukerrem argues, indicates that for the Saudi Kingdom, Ethiopia represents “less of an asset demanding strategic investment and partnership.”
The article further highlights Saudi Arabia’s historical association with “religious fanaticism and fundamentalism” through its global promotion of Wahhabism and Salafism, with nearly $100 billion spent on advancing these ideologies. This ideological export “created fertile ground for global terrorism,” giving rise to extremist groups such as ISIS and #Al_Shabaab. Another major source of tension is the GERD, where Saudi Arabia’s support for Egypt’s opposition to the project has coincided with the “forced deportation of over half a million Ethiopian migrants” since 2013. Mukerrem underscores that “the timing and scale of the deportation have caused a major challenge, which continues to plague the Ethiopian government to this day.”
Moving ahead, the author calls for “sustained talks and effective communication” to replace “latent and passive animosity.” To rebuild Ethio-Saudi relations, he urges Ethiopia to capitalize on its vast resources and large population to attract Saudi investment—but only in tandem with tangible progress on “peace and stability.” In turn, Saudi Arabia must “understand and respect Ethiopia’s local and regional constants,” refrain from supporting hostile actors, and “reevaluate its approach to Ethiopian migrants,” based on mutual understanding and international norms.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52944
Ethiopia’s relations with Arab states, particularly #Saudi_Arabia, have long been defined by “a cocktail of unpredictability, suspicion, and a sharp up-and-down trajectory over the years,” writes Mukerrem Miftah in his Policy Brief. He emphasizes that “frequent wars with #Egypt and #Sudan in the past,” along with recent developments such as the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD) and the mass deportation of more than half a million Ethiopian migrants, have triggered “intense backlash and reprisals” from Arab states, “further complicating the nature of perception and relations.”
Although #Ethiopia maintains strong ties with Western, Eastern, and Asian nations, the author notes that its engagement with the Gulf States remains limited. Saudi Arabia’s investment in Ethiopia, estimated at a maximum of $3 billion, pales in comparison to the over $30 billion invested in Egypt and $13 billion in #Djibouti. This disparity, Mukerrem argues, indicates that for the Saudi Kingdom, Ethiopia represents “less of an asset demanding strategic investment and partnership.”
The article further highlights Saudi Arabia’s historical association with “religious fanaticism and fundamentalism” through its global promotion of Wahhabism and Salafism, with nearly $100 billion spent on advancing these ideologies. This ideological export “created fertile ground for global terrorism,” giving rise to extremist groups such as ISIS and #Al_Shabaab. Another major source of tension is the GERD, where Saudi Arabia’s support for Egypt’s opposition to the project has coincided with the “forced deportation of over half a million Ethiopian migrants” since 2013. Mukerrem underscores that “the timing and scale of the deportation have caused a major challenge, which continues to plague the Ethiopian government to this day.”
Moving ahead, the author calls for “sustained talks and effective communication” to replace “latent and passive animosity.” To rebuild Ethio-Saudi relations, he urges Ethiopia to capitalize on its vast resources and large population to attract Saudi investment—but only in tandem with tangible progress on “peace and stability.” In turn, Saudi Arabia must “understand and respect Ethiopia’s local and regional constants,” refrain from supporting hostile actors, and “reevaluate its approach to Ethiopian migrants,” based on mutual understanding and international norms.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52944
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#European Investment Bank commits USD 110 million to expand rural finance in #Ethiopia
Addis Abeba - The European Investment Bank (#EIB) has committed USD 110 million to support the third phase of Ethiopia’s Rural Financial Intermediation Program (RUFIP III), the Ministry of Finance announced.
According to the Ministry, the financing aims to expand access to finance in rural areas, enhance financial inclusion, and support Ethiopia’s broader agricultural transformation efforts.
The announcement followed bilateral meetings held by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide with senior officials from the European Union Commission and the EIB on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1979167879216984241
Addis Abeba - The European Investment Bank (#EIB) has committed USD 110 million to support the third phase of Ethiopia’s Rural Financial Intermediation Program (RUFIP III), the Ministry of Finance announced.
According to the Ministry, the financing aims to expand access to finance in rural areas, enhance financial inclusion, and support Ethiopia’s broader agricultural transformation efforts.
The announcement followed bilateral meetings held by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide with senior officials from the European Union Commission and the EIB on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1979167879216984241
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Egypt’s Prime Minister says only 5% of Nile basin rainfall reaches #Egypt and #Sudan, calls River ‘a matter of existence, not subject to compromise’
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has described the Nile River as “a matter of existence, not subject to compromise,” emphasizing Egypt’s heavy reliance on the transboundary river amid renewed tensions with Ethiopia.
He said that although the Nile Basin receives more than 1,660 billion cubic meters of rainfall annually, only about 84 billion cubic meters—roughly five percent—reach Egypt and Sudan.
Speaking at the closing session of the 8th Cairo Water Week on Thursday, Madbouly said the event focused on “key issues at the heart of international water security,” particularly the challenges countries face in managing shared resources to ensure both security and development.,
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02a5GZYvjCor4cTXXgmkdup87K437Ct9hp86hLktZxGKp1kK5XhVmS17UDDE8YUDjYl
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has described the Nile River as “a matter of existence, not subject to compromise,” emphasizing Egypt’s heavy reliance on the transboundary river amid renewed tensions with Ethiopia.
He said that although the Nile Basin receives more than 1,660 billion cubic meters of rainfall annually, only about 84 billion cubic meters—roughly five percent—reach Egypt and Sudan.
Speaking at the closing session of the 8th Cairo Water Week on Thursday, Madbouly said the event focused on “key issues at the heart of international water security,” particularly the challenges countries face in managing shared resources to ensure both security and development.,
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02a5GZYvjCor4cTXXgmkdup87K437Ct9hp86hLktZxGKp1kK5XhVmS17UDDE8YUDjYl
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#Ethiopian National Defense Force launches new round of commando training
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) announced that Lieutenant General Shuma Abdata, Commander of the Special Operations Division, has launched the 44th round of commando training at the Special Operations Training Center.
According to the ENDF, Lieutenant General Shuma urged trainees to use the expertise of their instructors to strengthen discipline, resilience, and patriotism. “You are expected to work hard to become disciplined and strong soldiers who embody national pride and dedication,” he said.
He described a commando as “a loyal and courageous soldier who serves his country and people with integrity, capable of swiftly turning the tide of battle and making a mark in the nation’s history.”
The Commander further noted that military training should not be viewed only as preparation for war but also as a process of personal and professional growth.
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) announced that Lieutenant General Shuma Abdata, Commander of the Special Operations Division, has launched the 44th round of commando training at the Special Operations Training Center.
According to the ENDF, Lieutenant General Shuma urged trainees to use the expertise of their instructors to strengthen discipline, resilience, and patriotism. “You are expected to work hard to become disciplined and strong soldiers who embody national pride and dedication,” he said.
He described a commando as “a loyal and courageous soldier who serves his country and people with integrity, capable of swiftly turning the tide of battle and making a mark in the nation’s history.”
The Commander further noted that military training should not be viewed only as preparation for war but also as a process of personal and professional growth.
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#AS_Editorial - Vaults of the few swell, plates of millions clatter empty: #Ethiopia’s crisis demands honesty, not hubris
Ethiopia is witnessing the systematic production of inequality - a process in which political power is converted into economic privilege. What began as a promise of shared prosperity in 2018 has morphed into an architecture of exclusion, enriching a few while impoverishing millions.
This month, the #World_Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief delivered a stark warning: poverty, measured at $3 per day (2021 PPP), has climbed from 33 percent in 2016 to 39 percent in 2021 and is projected to reach 43 percent by 2025. After two decades of progress, Ethiopia is now reversing course, undoing gains that took a generation to build.
Under the Prosperity Party, inequality has ceased to be an unintended outcome of crisis; it has become a governing tool. Fiscal power, public contracts, and investment opportunities are increasingly concentrated within......
Read more:
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52949
Ethiopia is witnessing the systematic production of inequality - a process in which political power is converted into economic privilege. What began as a promise of shared prosperity in 2018 has morphed into an architecture of exclusion, enriching a few while impoverishing millions.
This month, the #World_Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief delivered a stark warning: poverty, measured at $3 per day (2021 PPP), has climbed from 33 percent in 2016 to 39 percent in 2021 and is projected to reach 43 percent by 2025. After two decades of progress, Ethiopia is now reversing course, undoing gains that took a generation to build.
Under the Prosperity Party, inequality has ceased to be an unintended outcome of crisis; it has become a governing tool. Fiscal power, public contracts, and investment opportunities are increasingly concentrated within......
Read more:
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52949
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#Australia sheep-export ban helps #Somalia win $1 billion of sales
Somalia’s livestock exports are receiving a boost from fading Australian and Sudanese competition, which could help drive its shipments above $1 billion this year.
The Horn of Africa nation has seen its earnings from livestock exports climb from $523 million in 2021 to $974 million last year, according to government data, and that trend is expected to continue.
“This increase can be attributed to two main factors — first, Sudan, once a major livestock-exporting country, is currently facing conflict. Secondly, Australia, another key supplier to Gulf countries, has reduced exports,” said Qaasim Abdi Moallim, director of animal health at Somalia’s livestock ministry. “This allowed Somalia to take advantage of the situation and accelerate its livestock exports.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-17/somalia-s-1-billion-livestock-trade-gains-from-australia-sudan
Somalia’s livestock exports are receiving a boost from fading Australian and Sudanese competition, which could help drive its shipments above $1 billion this year.
The Horn of Africa nation has seen its earnings from livestock exports climb from $523 million in 2021 to $974 million last year, according to government data, and that trend is expected to continue.
“This increase can be attributed to two main factors — first, Sudan, once a major livestock-exporting country, is currently facing conflict. Secondly, Australia, another key supplier to Gulf countries, has reduced exports,” said Qaasim Abdi Moallim, director of animal health at Somalia’s livestock ministry. “This allowed Somalia to take advantage of the situation and accelerate its livestock exports.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-17/somalia-s-1-billion-livestock-trade-gains-from-australia-sudan
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News: Fitch affirms #Ethiopia’s foreign-currency rating at ‘Restricted Default’
Global rating agency #Fitch has affirmed Ethiopia’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘Restricted Default’ (RD), citing the country’s continued default on its Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external debt.
The agency said it typically does not assign outlooks to sovereigns rated ‘CCC+’ or below.
In a statement issued on 17 October 2025, Fitch said the rating reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing default on its single Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external obligations after the government failed to pay a USD 33 million Eurobond coupon due on 11 December 2023.
Ethiopia is seeking to restructure about USD 15 billion of external debt, including arrears as of end-June 2024, under the G20 Common Framework, for which it applied in 2021.
Fitch forecasts general government debt to peak at 40.4% of GDP in FY25 and gradually decline to 36.6% by FY27.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52952
Global rating agency #Fitch has affirmed Ethiopia’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘Restricted Default’ (RD), citing the country’s continued default on its Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external debt.
The agency said it typically does not assign outlooks to sovereigns rated ‘CCC+’ or below.
In a statement issued on 17 October 2025, Fitch said the rating reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing default on its single Eurobond and other non-bond commercial external obligations after the government failed to pay a USD 33 million Eurobond coupon due on 11 December 2023.
Ethiopia is seeking to restructure about USD 15 billion of external debt, including arrears as of end-June 2024, under the G20 Common Framework, for which it applied in 2021.
Fitch forecasts general government debt to peak at 40.4% of GDP in FY25 and gradually decline to 36.6% by FY27.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52952
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#Ethiopia, #China central bank governors discuss debt restructuring, financial cooperation
Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE), Eyob Tekalign (PhD), held talks with Governor of the People’s Bank of China (#PBC), Pan Gongsheng, on the sidelines of the World Bank and #IMF Annual Meetings.
According to local media reports, the discussions focused on strengthening financial cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on debt restructuring and enhancing cross-border trade relations.
The two governors agreed on the need for central banks and financial institutions in both countries to deepen collaboration aimed at boosting trade and investment flows.
Eyob reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with China, including in the financial sector, in line with the country’s ongoing economic reform program.......
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Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE), Eyob Tekalign (PhD), held talks with Governor of the People’s Bank of China (#PBC), Pan Gongsheng, on the sidelines of the World Bank and #IMF Annual Meetings.
According to local media reports, the discussions focused on strengthening financial cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on debt restructuring and enhancing cross-border trade relations.
The two governors agreed on the need for central banks and financial institutions in both countries to deepen collaboration aimed at boosting trade and investment flows.
Eyob reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with China, including in the financial sector, in line with the country’s ongoing economic reform program.......
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Heavy security after deadly violence in #Kenya as thousands turn out to mourn former PM #Odinga
Heavy security has been deployed to Kenya’s western city of #Kisumu ahead of the final public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after five people died in the last two public funeral events.
Military officers, regular police and air surveillance teams were present Saturday at the soccer stadium where thousands of mourners stayed overnight awaiting the opportunity to view Odinga’s body.
Odinga was a respected and significant figure in Kenya and beyond, a veteran politician lauded by many, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, for his fight for democracy.
He died Wednesday in India at the age of 80 and is expected to be buried Sunday at his rural home in Bondo in western Kenya.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/raila-odinga-kenya-barack-obama-police-india-b2847741.html?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website
Heavy security has been deployed to Kenya’s western city of #Kisumu ahead of the final public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after five people died in the last two public funeral events.
Military officers, regular police and air surveillance teams were present Saturday at the soccer stadium where thousands of mourners stayed overnight awaiting the opportunity to view Odinga’s body.
Odinga was a respected and significant figure in Kenya and beyond, a veteran politician lauded by many, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, for his fight for democracy.
He died Wednesday in India at the age of 80 and is expected to be buried Sunday at his rural home in Bondo in western Kenya.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/raila-odinga-kenya-barack-obama-police-india-b2847741.html?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website
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News: Fano forces reportedly seize several areas following renewed clashes in #Amhara region
Fano forces have reportedly taken control of multiple areas across the Amhara region following renewed clashes with government troops, according to reports by ‘Deutsche Welle (DW)’.
Citing residents and Fano leaders, DW reported that the group had “taken control of several areas” after intensified fighting in various parts of the region. A resident of #Checheho town, situated at the junction of South Gondar and North Wollo zones, said Fano fighters now control “Checheho, #Zebit, #Geregera, and #Aflakit, including the surrounding areas.”
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) on its official social media page announced that its army corps in the Amhara region has launched operations against what it described as an “extremist group” accused of disturbing public peace and engaging in looting in #Mersa town and surrounding areas of the #North_Wollo Zone.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52958
Fano forces have reportedly taken control of multiple areas across the Amhara region following renewed clashes with government troops, according to reports by ‘Deutsche Welle (DW)’.
Citing residents and Fano leaders, DW reported that the group had “taken control of several areas” after intensified fighting in various parts of the region. A resident of #Checheho town, situated at the junction of South Gondar and North Wollo zones, said Fano fighters now control “Checheho, #Zebit, #Geregera, and #Aflakit, including the surrounding areas.”
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (#ENDF) on its official social media page announced that its army corps in the Amhara region has launched operations against what it described as an “extremist group” accused of disturbing public peace and engaging in looting in #Mersa town and surrounding areas of the #North_Wollo Zone.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52958
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New report uncovers “genocidal sexual violence” affecting over 280,000 women and girls in #Tigray
A new report by the “Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide (CITG)” has documented what it describes as “war-induced genocidal sexual and gender-based violence” committed against hundreds of thousands of women and girls across Tigray during the two-year Tigray war.
The report, released on Thursday, paints a harrowing picture of the systematic use of rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of gender-based violence as weapons of war.
According to the report, out of 481,201 women and girls surveyed, 286,250 suffered at least one form of gender-based violence.
Commissioner Yemane told Addis Standard that the findings were based on a door-to-door survey conducted using the ODK application and guided by the IASC GBV principles. “As the war-induced sexual violence was widespread throughout Tigray, universal screening was employed,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52965
A new report by the “Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide (CITG)” has documented what it describes as “war-induced genocidal sexual and gender-based violence” committed against hundreds of thousands of women and girls across Tigray during the two-year Tigray war.
The report, released on Thursday, paints a harrowing picture of the systematic use of rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of gender-based violence as weapons of war.
According to the report, out of 481,201 women and girls surveyed, 286,250 suffered at least one form of gender-based violence.
Commissioner Yemane told Addis Standard that the findings were based on a door-to-door survey conducted using the ODK application and guided by the IASC GBV principles. “As the war-induced sexual violence was widespread throughout Tigray, universal screening was employed,” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52965
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#Ethiopia: Former President of Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, passes away
Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), has passed away following a short illness for which he had been receiving medical treatment, the Council announced late this evening.
In its statement, the EIASC described the late Mufti as “a great figure and a father to all in our country,” adding that his passing “is a sorrow shared by the entire people of our nation.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened by the passing of the late Mufti.
“We will always remember his efforts to bring together people of different backgrounds and to ensure that the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council gained legal recognition “ PM Abiy said. He extended his condolences to the Mufti’s family and to all Ethiopian Muslims.
Read more:https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1979964664965365790?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), has passed away following a short illness for which he had been receiving medical treatment, the Council announced late this evening.
In its statement, the EIASC described the late Mufti as “a great figure and a father to all in our country,” adding that his passing “is a sorrow shared by the entire people of our nation.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened by the passing of the late Mufti.
“We will always remember his efforts to bring together people of different backgrounds and to ensure that the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council gained legal recognition “ PM Abiy said. He extended his condolences to the Mufti’s family and to all Ethiopian Muslims.
Read more:https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1979964664965365790?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#Somalia sets #November date for one-person, one-vote elections
Somalia is preparing to hold its first one-person, one-vote local council elections in over half a century, with Mogadishu residents urged to get ready for the landmark event this November.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairperson of the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, announced on Tuesday that voting in the Banadir region (Mogadishu municipality) is scheduled for November 30, 2025, despite opposition politicians rejecting the plan. The Commission emphasised that this marks a major step towards universal suffrage—last practised in Somalia 56 years ago.
“On November 30, everyone residing in Mogadishu should prepare to vote in the one-person, one-vote local council election,” Hassan said, adding that voter registration concluded on September 30.
Hassan also noted that nearly one million people had registered in the Banadir region. Banadir, which includes Mogadishu’s 17 districts, is the most populous administrative region in Somalia, estimated to host some four million people, even though there has been no actual census conducted in Somalia in recent years.
Mogadishu-based opposition group National Salvation Forum (The Forum) has repeatedly issued statements calling the process “illegal.”
Led by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside prominent politicians including former prime ministers, ministers, and dissenting lawmakers, The Forum accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the process through a unilaterally drafted electoral law and handpicked commission members, all based on a revised constitution.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/somalia-sets-november-date-for-one-person-one-vote-elections-5235510
Somalia is preparing to hold its first one-person, one-vote local council elections in over half a century, with Mogadishu residents urged to get ready for the landmark event this November.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairperson of the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, announced on Tuesday that voting in the Banadir region (Mogadishu municipality) is scheduled for November 30, 2025, despite opposition politicians rejecting the plan. The Commission emphasised that this marks a major step towards universal suffrage—last practised in Somalia 56 years ago.
“On November 30, everyone residing in Mogadishu should prepare to vote in the one-person, one-vote local council election,” Hassan said, adding that voter registration concluded on September 30.
Hassan also noted that nearly one million people had registered in the Banadir region. Banadir, which includes Mogadishu’s 17 districts, is the most populous administrative region in Somalia, estimated to host some four million people, even though there has been no actual census conducted in Somalia in recent years.
Mogadishu-based opposition group National Salvation Forum (The Forum) has repeatedly issued statements calling the process “illegal.”
Led by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside prominent politicians including former prime ministers, ministers, and dissenting lawmakers, The Forum accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the process through a unilaterally drafted electoral law and handpicked commission members, all based on a revised constitution.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/somalia-sets-november-date-for-one-person-one-vote-elections-5235510
The EastAfrican
Somalia sets November date for one-person, one-vote elections
Political tensions rise, with opposition alliances threatening to boycott the polls unless broader consensus is reached
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