Editorial

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…

Egypt's Tactical Maneuvering in Somalia Sparks New Strains with Ethiopia NAIROBI, Kenya - Egypt's recent military actions in Somalia, characterized by the deployment of troops and substantial military aid, have notably escalated tensions with Ethiopia. The longstanding feud over the Nile River's water resources, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), lies at the heart of this discord. This move by Egypt seemingly aims to counterbalance Ethiopia's expanding clout in the Horn of Africa, possibly leveraging…

EDITORIAL |In the intricate labyrinth of Somali politics, both national and local leaders have a hand in the nation's upheavals. A prominent figure in this landscape is Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubaland—a pivotal Federal Member State in southern Somalia. As the end of his tenure approaches, Madobe's absence from the political arena has not gone unnoticed, prompting widespread speculation. Official channels attribute his absence to health issues abroad, but his vanishing act has…

Why we welcome sanctions on ballot spoilers EDITORIAL | The US authorities cracked the remaining whip on ballot spoilers on Wednesday, imposing extra US floor visa restrictions as punishment for rigging the election course of. This step, which we even consider is lengthy overdue, is welcome. Yes, the United States doesn't vote in Somalia and mustn't be seen as interfering. But Americans have…

EDITORIAL | Somalia's Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble recently received an award from across Somalia for raising political figures in elections. . This week, the historic past of the elections has shifted to the House of Representatives, the key body of the bicameral federal parliament, which primarily issues legal advice in Somalia, as well as tax permits. But the consideration of this chamber, also known as the House of the People, is mainly due to the proven fact that the 275 elected members decide who will become…

EDITORIAL One of the hottest stories in Somalia this week is the state of relations between Somalia and Turkey. Ankara has scored many points from politicians and government officials by helping to alleviate Somalia's day-to-day problems. From humanitarian aid to grants to security support, little has been found in Turkey in Somalia that did not go as planned. The story began in August 2011. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then Prime Minister of Turkey, arrived in Mogadishu as Somalia was battling one of the worst droughts in…