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Somalia at a Crossroads: Navigating Political Turbulence and Insurgency MOGADISHU, Somalia—As 2025 unfolds, Somalia finds itself entangled in a complex web of political maneuvering, security challenges, and external interventions. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is striving to consolidate power amid rising tensions with federal states and an enduring threat from the al-Shabab insurgency. These dynamics place Somalia once again at a critical juncture, balancing between fragile progress and significant risks. Federal Power…

The Unheard Voices: A Journey of Resilience in Somalia's Education Landscape A distant memory merges with the present in Garowe, Somalia, where the relentless echo of a past struggle meets future hope. Zakaria Said Yusuf, education activist and advocate for persons with disabilities, embodies this narrative. In a country still recovering from the shadows of civil unrest, Zakaria offers a testament to how local initiatives can bridge the gap between international conventions and real-world impact. A Path Forged in Silence…

Under Siege: Survival and Resilience in Xarardheere In the arid heart of Somalia's Mudug region, a dramatic struggle for survival is unfolding in Xarardheere. The strategic coastal town has become a flashpoint of conflict, caught in the crosshairs of Al-Shabaab militants and local clan militias. As the standard-bearers of tradition and resilience, the elders of Xarardheere now find themselves facing an increasingly dire predicament. An Encircled Town Xarardheere, a town once pulsating with trade and agriculture, is now…

The Hidden Strain in Oromia: Life Amidst Conflict and Isolation Deep in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the silent suffering of communities caught in the crossfire of conflict is a reality that rarely makes international headlines. Yet for those living in remote areas like Arma Gunfi, the violence has brought life to a standstill, transforming daily existence into a struggle for survival. Remote and Isolated: The Village of Arma Gunfi Asiya Abdela, a farmer in Arma Gunfi, sits patiently at the Gunfi primary health care centre…

Press Freedom in Peril: Somali Journalists Face Rising Threats Amid Political Turmoil In the swirling sands of Mogadishu, where the rhythmic hum of daily life is frequently interrupted by political strife, the role of journalists garners both reverence and apprehension. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has voiced strong condemnation following a series of aggressive attacks targeting journalists, underscoring the perils faced by those who dare to illuminate the shadows of conflict. The Day of Reckoning On August 14,…

markdown Chaos and Controversy: Land Eviction Sparks Deadly Clashes in Mogadishu On August 14, 2025, Mogadishu witnessed a grim confrontation that left at least eight people dead, including an elderly woman, in the dense Horseed neighborhood. The violence broke out as Haramcad police units, backed by intelligence and military-police forces, clashed with military personnel opposing an eviction operation. Clash Over a Piece of History The dispute erupted over a parcel of land near the Horseed football stadium, a site with…

The Horn of Africa: A New Theatre of Global Influence As the U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s call for recognizing North Western State of Somalia sparks a diplomatic dispute involving China, the larger geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is beginning to reveal the contours of a global battleground. This region, often treading the precarious line between promise and peril, is now increasingly overshadowed by China's assertive stride. China’s Growing Influence in the Horn The brief exchange between the U.S. and China, with…

In a compelling turn of events in Kismayo, Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Madobe, emerged victorious in the Jubaland presidential election with a notable 55 votes out of 75 cast by the regional parliamentarians. It was a gripping contest involving two other hopefuls, Abubakar Abdi Hassan and Faisal Abdi Matan, who managed to secure 4 and 16 votes, respectively. The official word came straight from the Jubaland Electoral Commission, confirming Madobe’s win and signaling a new chapter for the state. In a…

Mogadishu finds itself once again in the international spotlight as the rift between Somalia's Federal Government and Jubaland State deepens. This escalation comes on the heels of the latest gathering of the National Consultative Council (NCC), leaving global allies on tenterhooks. Friends of Somalia from around the globe, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and major players like the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union, have made their concerns known: "We demand a return to…

SOMALIA, Mogadishu, November 19, 2024 – Women journalists from the Puntland and SSC-Khaatumo regions have been equipped with renewed skills, thanks to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). Through their efforts, 12 female journalists can now better tackle media reporting and champion human rights advocacy. Abdirahman Yusuf Abdi, the Director General at SSC-Khaatumo's Ministry of Information, greeted the SJS ensemble upon their Lasanod visit. He joined the initial session of the training and later handed out certificates…