From Gold Mines to Virtual Money Transfers: A New Era

The Hidden Empire of ISIS-Somalia: Unraveling a Financial Network Amidst Conflict In the rugged mountains of Puntland State, Somalia, a seismic shift is unfolding in the global fight against terrorism. The Somali branch of ISIS, officially known as ISIS-Somalia, has been quietly establishing a sprawling financial empire, supported by a multitude of illicit activities that threaten not just the nation but also regional stability and beyond. The recent operations by Puntland State's counter-terrorism units have brought to…

Somalia Turns Away Deportees from Finland and Switzerland During Corruption Crisis

Strained Ties: The Deportation Dilemma Between Somalia and Finland In an era where global migration is a hot-button issue, the relationship between nations can swiftly pivot based on policies surrounding deportation and human rights. Recent tensions between Somalia and Finland spotlight not only the complexities of international relations but also the deeply woven fabric of human stories behind these political decisions. A Standoff in Helsinki In June, the climate in Helsinki was tense, marked by a closed-door meeting…

Outrage Erupts Over Clan Elder’s ‘Gift’ of Young Bride to 67-Year-Old Somali Minister

When Women Become Pawns: A Recent Scandal Unfolds in Somalia In a deeply troubling incident that has shocked a nation grappling with the intersection of culture, politics, and gender, a clan elder in northern Somalia publicly announced his intention to "gift" a young girl to Ali Yusuf Hosh, the country's Minister of Interior and a sitting MP. The ceremony in Laascaanood was ostensibly a celebration, but it unearthed painful truths about the persistent issues of child marriage and entrenched misogyny that plague Somali…

Djiboutian AU Soldier Fatally Shot in Central Somalia Following Sexual Comments

Tragedy in Buuloburde: The Complex Dance of Military Presence and Local Culture In the heart of Buuloburde district, a tragic incident unfolded last Wednesday that has sent shockwaves through the overflowing plates of tea shops and the digital streets of Somali social media. A Djiboutian soldier serving with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) was shot and killed, igniting a hot debate about foreign military conduct and the profound implications it carries for local communities. The…

The Struggle for Dominance in Northeast Somalia’s Elections

A Fragile Victory: Abdukadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Re-elected Amid Controversy in Northeast Somalia In a politically charged atmosphere marked by signs of corruption and dissent, Abdukadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as "Firdhiye," has been re-elected as the president of the newly minted Northeast State of Somalia. The election, conducted on August 30 in Laascaanood, was a spectacle of political maneuvering that highlighted the deep-seated issues facing Somalia as it seeks stability and representation amid competing clan interests and…

Inquiry and Protest Over Misuse of Public Funds for UNGA 80 Delegation

Somalia’s UNGA Delegation Sparks Controversy and Concerns In the bustling corridors of Villa Somalia, a brewing controversy has emerged, drawing considerable attention both at home and abroad. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to authorize a 32-person delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York has ignited a fierce debate over public trust, governance, and accountability in the Federal Republic of Somalia. The Heart of the Debate At the core of this controversy is a letter written by Dr.…

Diplomatic Trip Masquerading as a Family Getaway

Somalia's UNGA Delegation Sparks Outrage Amid Economic Struggles The warm sun setting over the bustling streets of Mogadishu paints a contrasting backdrop to the unfolding drama in Somalia’s political landscape. As dusk falls, the latest controversy grips the nation: a leaked list detailing Somalia's official delegation to the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The names on this list have ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised questions that dig deep into the country’s ongoing struggles…

Opposition Engages with Displaced Families as Land Seizures Intensify in Mogadishu

Mogadishu Land Disputes: The Human Cost of a Growing Crisis In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a gathering of displaced families finds solace in numbers, united by a shared struggle. Among them is Batuulo Mohamed Cosoble, whose family has called Zone-K in Hodan district home for generations. Yet today, she stands amidst uncertainty, her ancestral land claimed by forces she never imagined contending with. "I never thought we'd have to fight for our land like the Palestinians," Batuulo laments, her voice a mixture of…

Four Somali Opposition ‘Sprinters’ Defect Following Government Financial Incentives

Somalia's Shifting Political Tides: Defections and their Implications In the labyrinth of Somali politics, where allegiances shift like the desert sands, recent defections from the opposition Salvation Council to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's camp mark another chapter in the nation’s complex political saga. On a balmy August day in Mogadishu, four relatively minor figures from the Council publicly announced their departure at a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama and Justice Minister Hassan…

Mogadishu Journalist Detained and Attacked After Revealing Armed Heist by Soldiers

A Brave Voice Silenced: The Ordeal of Somali Journalist Anisa Ahmed In the heart of Mogadishu, a city haunted by the daily echoes of conflict and insecurity, a courageous journalist dared to speak the truth. Her name is Anisa Ahmed, a reporter for Dalbile TV, an online channel known for its unflinching coverage of the city’s challenges. Anisa’s recent experience is a stark reminder of the profound risks faced by journalists in one of the world’s most dangerous places for the press. The Arrest It was a typical day in…