Editorial

Breaking Chains and Smashing Barriers Through Organised Defence of Women Journalists’ Rights in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Imagine a world where a woman's voice in journalism echoes safely and powerfully, yet still struggles to break through a sombre cloud of oppression. On this International Women’s Day, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) shines a light on the indomitable spirit of Somali women in media – women who bravely mold public opinion, hold those in power accountable, and bring the…

OP-ED: North Western State of Somalia Citizens Urge President Irro to Reform Judiciary and Justice System In the heart of North Western State of Somalia, a storm is brewing—a storm of dissatisfaction and urgent cries for justice. The once-revered halls of justice have, over time, come to resemble animal slaughterhouses. This was a sentiment bluntly shared by citizens who see justice slipping through their fingers, replaced by the clinking sound of coins during North…

Edward Wadie Said, that illustrious Palestinian-American scholar, quipped once about the complexities of identity — a mosaic of history, culture, and power dynamics. "Identity is never singular," he'd muse. Isn’t it intriguing how a single word can knot up a nation, uproot communities, and foster divisions we've long pretended to absolve? Germany’s Otto von Bismarck might have celebrated realpolitik, yet contemporary narratives in Russia and Ukraine paint a different scene, stirring deep-seated animosities tracing back to…

Villa Somalia's Anti-Al-Shabaab Campaign: Genuine Move or Overshadowing Northeastern State? EDITORIAL | Within the intricate tapestry of Somalia's political chess game, a noteworthy pivot in strategy has emerged. The Federal Government has recently embarked on a vibrant yet enigmatic media campaign against the Al-Shabaab insurgents. It's a move laden with a mixture of strategy and intrigue, potentially designed to shift the narrative in a land where words sometimes wield more potency than swords. But why now, and what of…

Northeastern State's Struggle Against ISIS Amidst Federal Indifference EDITORIAL | Imagine braving the fierce deserts and rugged mountains of Somalia for over a quarter of a century, without so much as a whisper of support from the federal heartland. This is not a wistful tale spun from fiction, but the stark reality faced by Northeastern State, a resilient federal state. Since the ominous emergence of Al-Shabaab and ISIS amidst the rocky enclaves of Calmadow and Cal-Miskaad, Northeastern State has stood…

BOSASO, Somalia - "Shades of gray," some might say, yet the harrowing raid by the notorious ISIS in Northeastern State was as blatant as a bull in a china shop—jarring and disheartening. The lurking presence of ISIS in Somalia, particularly in the supposedly secure enclave of Northeastern State, was an open secret, yet often considered a dwarf concern compared to the formidable shadow of al-Shabaab. The shockwaves from ISIS's brazen strike on Northeastern State's military outposts still echo like a haunting chorus across…

Somalia often seems locked in a narrative as turbulent as the Indian Ocean waves that kiss its extensive shores. Yet, hidden beneath this media-fueled chaos lies a story rarely told—one of untapped potential and pivotal strategic importance. Resting as the African nation with the longest stretch of coastline, Somalia’s shores once thrummed with the vibrancy of trade, a busy interchange linking Africa, Asia, and Europe throughout history.

Somalia at a Crossroads: Choosing Its Own Path Amidst Global Power Plays EDITORIAL | As Somalia makes strides towards emerging from the dark days of state failure, we are reminded of an age-old wisdom—not to get entangled in alliances that could bind us to the ambitions of others. The Horn of Africa, with its deep historical roots and strategic value, has become a playing field for both regional and global powers each eager to further their interests through a complex dance of diplomacy. At the center of this storm is…

OP-ED: Gaza — It's Time for Global Responsibility A year has slipped by since the poignant day of October 7, 2023, when Anthony Bellanger, the General Secretary at the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), voiced discontent over the United Nations' inertia, boldly highlighting the worldwide community's inaction. From that fateful day onward, only shadows have cloaked Palestine in a never-ending night. Over those 12 tense months, the IFJ, an all-encompassing organization representing a colossal 600,000 media…

Somalia has made international headlines for almost two decades now, first as a state of civil war characterized by clan warfare and humanitarian catastrophe, then as a failed state, and finally as a potential safe haven for Islamic terrorists. Contrary to the assumption about ‘black holes’ and ungoverned spaces voiced by politicians and some academics, the Harmony Project of the Center for Combating Terrorism at West Point has recently shown that the absence of a government in Somalia did not automatically provide…