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The two media professionals, Ms. Mouna Mohamed Hoch, a journalist, and Bouh Youssouf Walieh, a cameraman, were reportedly detained on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

According to a statement released by RADDE, Ms. Hoch and Mr. Walieh were arrested at their respective homes by “dozens of masked police officers without a warrant.”

The program, “Speak Up About Your Rights,” was initiated by RADDE and has gained significant traction by providing a platform for citizens to “denounce a deprivation of rights, an infringement of freedoms, or any other abuse.”

In a country where RADDE claims the media landscape is “completely controlled” by the state (citing only one radio station, one television station, and one newspaper, all state-owned), the citizen-led program quickly became a unique space for expression.

“This citizen-led program has been widely shared on social media and has generated considerable enthusiasm. It quickly went viral due to the poignant testimonies it has brought to light,” the opposition group stated. The content is published across RADDE’s Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok channels.

RADDE argues that the arrests constitute a “serious violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right of citizens to be informed and to bear witness.” The detentions occurred just as the program was “gaining visibility and giving a voice to citizens deprived of any other media outlet.”

The party issued a strong demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Mouna Mohamed Hoch and Bouh Youssouf Walieh.

A halt to attempts to intimidate journalists and human rights defenders.

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Presenting the medal during a ceremony in Djibouti City, President Mohamud said the honor symbolizes the deep brotherhood, cooperation, and mutual respect between the Somali and Djiboutian peoples.

“This medal represents our gratitude for Djibouti’s unwavering support to Somalia — its people, its government, and its journey toward stability,” President Mohamud said.

He added that Somalis continue to celebrate the outcomes of the 2000 Arta Peace Conference, which marked the rebirth of the Somali state after nearly a decade of collapse.

The award presentation followed Wednesday’s commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Arta Conference, held in the city of Arta, where Somali political, clan, and civil society leaders first gathered to reestablish a national government.

In his remarks at the anniversary event, President Guelleh urged Somalis to unite and rebuild their nation through self-reliance and solidarity, rather than depending on external actors.

“The spirit of Arta remains a lesson for the region — that unity and determination among Somalis themselves are the foundation for peace and progress,” Guelleh said.

The Djiboutian leader, who has ruled since 1999, has played a pivotal role in regional peacebuilding efforts, including hosting reconciliation talks and contributing troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), now known as AUSSOM.

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The ceremony is being opened by Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who also hosted the original peace talks.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is attending alongside senior officials, former national leaders, and regional dignitaries.

Notable attendees include former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, both now prominent opposition figures.

The original Arta Conference, held from May to August 2000, brought together more than 2,000 Somali delegates—traditional elders, women’s groups, scholars, religious leaders, and diaspora representatives—in an unprecedented effort to rebuild national governance.

The conference resulted in the establishment of the Transitional National Government (TNG) and the election of Abdiqasim Salad Hassan as Somalia’s first president since 1991, restoring international recognition and a measure of statehood.

By the late 1990s, Somalia had endured nine years of fragmentation, famine, and militia warfare.

Earlier peace initiatives in Ethiopia and Kenya had largely focused on armed warlords rather than broader society. President Guelleh’s government adopted a new approach, emphasizing inclusivity, reconciliation, and grassroots participation.

Elders, civic leaders, businesspeople, and women were invited to lay the foundations for governance from the ground up.

The Arta process was organized around three main committees: reconciliation, constitutional, and political.

The reconciliation committee mediated inter-clan grievances, the constitutional committee drafted the Transitional National Charter, and the political committee managed leadership selection.

Representation was based on the 4.5 clan power-sharing system, which divided political positions among Somalia’s four major clans—Hawiye, Darod, Dir, and Digil–Mirifle—with minority groups sharing the remaining half portion.

While the model ensured inclusivity, it has remained controversial—praised for maintaining balance but criticized for entrenching clan divisions and slowing the transition toward democracy.

The conference culminated in August 2000 with the formation of the Transitional National Government.

Although the TNG controlled only parts of Mogadishu and was not recognized by Puntland or Somaliland, it symbolized renewed hope and demonstrated that dialogue could replace decades of armed conflict.

Arta’s legacy extends beyond its immediate outcomes. The inclusivity of the 2000 process inspired later peace talks in Eldoret and Mbagathi (2002–2004), which established the Transitional Federal Government and laid the groundwork for Somalia’s current federal system, formalized in 2012.

The 4.5 formula remains a defining feature of Somali politics—providing stability while continuing to spark debate over national identity and equal representation.

Hosting the Arta Conference elevated Djibouti’s role as a regional mediator and reinforced the potential of African-led diplomacy to achieve progress where international interventions had faltered.

As leaders gather once more in Arta, the commemoration serves as both reflection and renewal—a moment to assess 25 years of progress in rebuilding institutions, confronting Al-Shabaab, implementing federalism, and pursuing economic recovery through debt relief and integration with the East African Community.

The enduring question, however, remains the same as it was in 2000: can Somalia move beyond the constraints of clan-based politics and fulfill Arta’s promise of a peaceful, democratic, and united republic?

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In Djibouti, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh is reported to plan a private meeting today with President Mohamud and the aforementioned opposition leaders.

According to some reports, a number of regional state presidents of Somalia have declined to attend the gathering in Djibouti.

These include Saeed Abdullahi Deni of Puntland and Ahmed Mohamed Islam (“Madobe”) of Jubaland. Additionally, it is reported that former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble will not be present at the event organised in Djibouti.

This absence is raising questions in some quarters. Roble is noted for having played a significant role in restoring diplomatic relations between Somalia and Djibouti during his time in office, yet his apparent omission from the invitation or attendance list has triggered speculation over whether the Djibouti government might be signalling a different reward or honour, or whether his non-attendance stems from personal or political reasons.

The gathering in Djibouti is taking place against the backdrop of many Somali political leaders and senior officials convening in the city for the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the historic Carta Agreement.

Observers note that while many are present to mark this milestone, Roble will not be among those formally welcomed—or at least that is how the situation is being interpreted.

In short: the visit by President Mohamud to Djibouti, the planned meetings with President Guelleh and opposition figures, the non-attendance of several regional leaders, and the omission of Roble from the invitation list together point to a more complex political and diplomatic dynamic than simply a “thank-you” meeting.

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The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its health system and provide advanced medical services domestically.

Constructed over a four-year period on a 32,000-square-meter site, with 22,000 square meters dedicated to operational space, Al Shifa Hospital was fully financed by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).

The facility boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment and offers 150 operational beds out of a total capacity of 220, enabling it to accommodate more than 500 patients daily.

Al Shifa Hospital provides a comprehensive range of specialized medical services, including cardiology, oncology, gynecology, neurosurgery, nephrology, ENT, ophthalmology, general surgery, and urology.

Its advanced infrastructure incorporates modern monitoring systems, fire safety measures, climate control, and smart lighting solutions.

The hospital features amphitheaters and remote learning modules, enhancing its potential to serve as a Regional University Hospital, training the next generation of medical professionals.

Speaking to state media during the inauguration, President Guelleh emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering on its healthcare promises.

“The promise we made has today been fulfilled, praise be to God,” he said, highlighting the administration’s dedication to improving public health and expanding access to medical care for all citizens.

Government officials stated that the opening of Al Shifa Hospital is expected to strengthen the national healthcare system, enhance regional medical capacity, and significantly reduce reliance on overseas treatment, providing a more self-sufficient and sustainable model for healthcare delivery in Djibouti.

With its combination of modern facilities, specialized care, and educational capabilities, Al Shifa Hospital represents a transformative step forward in Djibouti’s health sector development, underscoring the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for medical excellence in East Africa.

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All 65 lawmakers present in Sunday’s special session backed the amendment, which removes the age cap of 75 years previously imposed by the constitution.

The proposal now awaits presidential assent and a second parliamentary vote on November 2, or alternatively, it may be submitted to a national referendum.

If finalized, the decision would allow President Guelleh — known popularly as IOG — to run in the upcoming April 2026 elections, potentially extending his more than quarter-century rule.

Guelleh first came to power in 1999, succeeding Djibouti’s founding president Hassan Gouled Aptidon.

Under his leadership, the small Horn of Africa nation has become a key hub for global military and trade interests, hosting bases from the United States, France, China, Japan, and Italy.

The age restriction was originally introduced by Guelleh himself in 2010, part of a constitutional revision that removed presidential term limits but reduced the mandate from six to five years.

Speaking after the vote, National Assembly Speaker Dileita Mohamed Dileita defended the change, describing it as “a measure to ensure political continuity and national stability amid regional turbulence.”

He claimed that more than 80 percent of citizens support the reform, although KAAB TV could not independently verify that figure.

Human rights groups and opposition figures have sharply criticized the move.

“This revision prepares a presidency for life,” said Omar Ali Ewado, head of the Djiboutian League for Human Rights, urging a peaceful and democratic transition of power.

Daher Ahmed Farah, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development (MRD), told Al Jazeera that the international community should “rethink its partnership priorities,” emphasizing that “Djibouti’s strategic importance should benefit its people, not just one individual.”

Guelleh secured a fifth term in 2021, winning more than 98 percent of the vote after most opposition parties boycotted the election.

While the United States congratulated Djibouti on the peaceful polls, it also urged the government to “strengthen democratic institutions” and implement observer recommendations.

In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, Guelleh hinted he had no immediate plans to step aside, saying, “I love my country too much to embark on an irresponsible adventure and be the cause of divisions.”

Guelleh is currently East Africa’s third-longest-serving leader, following Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki.

Despite its population of just over one million, Djibouti’s strategic position on the Bab al-Mandab Strait — a chokepoint for global trade between Asia and Europe — has ensured its stability even as neighbors like Sudan and Somalia grapple with conflict and instability.

Analysts say that very strategic leverage, however, has also helped shield Djibouti’s government from external pressure for political reforms, raising questions about the balance between stability and democracy in one of Africa’s most geopolitically significant states.

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Djibouti (KAAB TV) – Djibouti’s National Assembly will hold a special session on Sunday to debate and vote on a proposed constitutional amendment, Speaker Dileita Mohamed Dileita announced on Wednesday.

The announcement came during the opening of the Second Regular Session of 2025, attended by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, cabinet ministers, and members of parliament.

After deliberations on other legislative matters, Speaker Dileita informed lawmakers that the next sitting would be dedicated exclusively to the constitutional revision, describing it as a historic stage in the country’s institutional evolution.

“This constitutional revision constitutes a moment of legal and institutional reform in the republican trajectory of the country,” he said, calling the upcoming session “ a defining moment in Djibouti’s contemporary political and institutional history.”

He underlined that the October 26 session will adhere to all constitutional procedures, including quorum, majority, and voting requirements, to ensure the legality and transparency of the process.

The government has not disclosed details of the proposed amendment. If adopted, it would mark Djibouti’s first constitutional revision since 2010, when parliament removed presidential term limits and set the age range for presidential candidates between 40 and 75, replacing the earlier rule that only required candidates to be over 40.

The timing of the review — coming just months before Djibouti’s April 2026 general elections — has generated discussion across social media, where many speculate that the amendment could target Article 23, which caps presidential candidates’ age at 75 years.

President Guelleh, 77, who has led the country since 1999, would be ineligible to run again under the current constitution. Critics claim the government may be seeking to alter eligibility rules ahead of the vote, though officials have not confirmed any such plan.

Analysts say the October 26 session could prove decisive for Djibouti’s constitutional framework and political landscape, shaping the path toward the 2026 elections.

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This initiative aims to enhance the nation’s capacity in solar energy research, technological innovation, and technical workforce training.

The decision was announced following a virtual workshop chaired by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Yonis Ali Guedi, which brought together senior ministry officials, consultants, and renewable-energy experts from the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The ISA is providing both technical and financial assistance to ensure the successful implementation of STAR-C, aligning the project with international standards and best practices in solar technology.

According to the Ministry, STAR-C will serve as a multifunctional hub for solar research, development, and education.

Its primary objectives include improving the efficiency of solar cells, reducing production and installation costs, and fostering innovation in renewable-energy technologies.

The center will also play a critical role in training engineers, technicians, and researchers, establishing national standards for photovoltaic systems, and creating a skilled local workforce capable of supporting Djibouti’s growing renewable-energy sector.

“Solar energy is central to Djibouti’s strategy for clean and accessible electricity,” Minister Guedi stated.

He emphasized that the establishment of STAR-C reflects the government’s firm commitment to achieving a 100 percent renewable-energy mix by 2035, a goal outlined in Djibouti’s national energy policy.

The Ministry noted that STAR-C is a cornerstone of Djibouti’s broader energy-transition policy, which aims to reduce dependence on imported electricity, diversify energy sources, and expand access to reliable power—particularly in rural and remote communities.

By fostering local innovation and expertise, the center is expected to significantly contribute to national energy independence and economic growth.

In addition to the STAR-C initiative, Djibouti continues to advance several large-scale renewable projects, including a 25-megawatt solar power plant in the Grand Bara plain and a network of mini-grid systems designed to electrify off-grid areas.

These developments are part of an integrated national plan to harness the country’s abundant solar resources and position Djibouti as a regional leader in renewable-energy innovation.

The Ministry hailed the launch of the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre as a milestone in Djibouti’s green transformation journey, marking a decisive step toward a cleaner, self-sufficient, and technologically advanced energy future.

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The operation, which was carried out in the Ali Sabieh region near the southern border with Ethiopia, involved close collaboration between Djiboutian customs officials, border patrol units, and the national security forces.

According to officials, the intercepted shipment was en route to the capital, Djibouti City, where it was intended for illegal sale on the black market.

In a public demonstration of law enforcement, the confiscated khat was transported to a designated site and set ablaze in front of government representatives, law enforcement officers, and members of the local community.

The dramatic destruction served both as a symbolic gesture and a deterrent to traffickers operating in the region.

“The smuggling of khat and other contraband goods continues to pose a significant threat to our national economy,” said Ahmed Omar Elmi, a senior customs official present at the scene. “These illicit activities not only deprive the government of vital tax revenue but also undermine the formal market and fuel the growth of criminal networks.”

Khat, a leafy plant containing stimulant compounds, is widely consumed in parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

While its use is legal in Djibouti under regulated conditions, the unlicensed import and distribution of the drug is strictly prohibited under national customs laws.

Officials warn that unchecked smuggling fosters corruption, facilitates other forms of trafficking, and creates health and social risks, especially when consumed without regulation.

Saturday’s seizure and destruction mark the latest in a series of intensified efforts by Djiboutian authorities to disrupt the flow of illegal goods across the country’s porous borders.

In recent months, the government has increased patrols, launched surveillance operations, and introduced stricter penalties for smugglers caught in violation of customs and trade regulations.

According to the Ministry of Interior, similar operations have been conducted in the regions of Dikhil, Tadjourah, and Obock, resulting in the confiscation and destruction of thousands of kilograms of contraband khat.

Authorities believe the majority of the smuggled product originates from neighboring Ethiopia, where the plant is widely cultivated and traded.

In a statement released Saturday evening, the Djibouti Customs Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the country’s borders and promoting lawful commerce.

“We are sending a clear message to traffickers: Djibouti will not tolerate illegal trade that harms our society and economy,” the statement read.

Local residents and community leaders have largely welcomed the government’s crackdown, noting the negative social consequences of khat abuse and the disruption caused by the black-market economy.

“This is a necessary step,” said Halima Warsame, a community health advocate in Ali Sabieh. “Many young people are drawn into this trade, and it has long-term consequences on families and communities.”

As part of its broader anti-smuggling strategy, the government is also working with regional partners and international agencies to strengthen border control measures, share intelligence, and provide training and resources to frontline enforcement personnel.

Officials say Saturday’s successful operation is a sign of progress but acknowledge that continued vigilance and public cooperation are essential to maintaining long-term security and economic stability.

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