Somalia

Somalia's Political Landscape Shaken by Land-Grabbing Allegations In a rare and fiery joint accusation, three of Somalia's former presidents have publicly castigated the current leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with serious charges of land appropriation. The former presidents—Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo—have called for an immediate halt to these actions, warning of dire consequences if such seizures persist. A Contested Territory The backdrop to these accusations is a country…

Girls Lead the Way in Jubbaland’s Latest Examination Success In a significant educational milestone for Somalia, the Jubbaland Ministry of Education recently unveiled the results of the 2024–2025 Grade 8 national examinations. This year’s results have not only highlighted academic success but also a powerful narrative of female empowerment and perseverance, with girls emerging prominently among the top ranks. A Triumph Amidst Challenges A total of 5,053 students from 129 schools participated in these rigorous exams,…

The Crossroads of Somali Democracy: A Nation in Turmoil In a poignant statement, former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire sounded the alarm on the state of Somalia’s democracy, critiquing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration as it nears the end of its term. Khaire's statement is not merely an electoral critique; it is a reflection on the broader struggle for governance, legitimacy, and cohesion in Somalia—a nation perpetually navigating the delicate landscape of post-conflict reconstruction. Democracy in…

Somalia's Water Crisis: A Humanitarian Challenge Amid Funding Shortfalls In the heart of Somalia, where the wet seasons seem a distant memory and the land bears the scars of harsh climate and conflict, a silent crisis is unfolding. Amidst the dusty roads and barren landscapes, hundreds of thousands of people are battling a new adversary: the acute scarcity of safe water. This reality has been starkly highlighted by the Norwegian Refugee Council's recent warnings, underscoring the desperate situation faced by many Somalis.…

Press Freedom Under Siege in Somalia In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a city ever-recovering from decades of turmoil, the challenging landscape for journalists like Omar Yusuf Mohamed reveals an increasingly disturbing pattern. On August 18, 2025, Omar, a dedicated journalist with Himilo Somali TV, found himself at the center of an unsettling episode that underscores the precarious nature of press freedom in Somalia. A Routine Stop Gone Awry As dusk fell in the Dharkeenley district, Omar was traveling in a tuktuk…

Change at the Helm: Mohamed Ali Nur Takes Over Mogadishu Port Amid Controversies and Challenges In a significant administrative shake-up in Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nur as the new Manager of Mogadishu Port. This strategic decision comes amidst swirling allegations and complex dynamics that have long surrounded the port, a critical lifeline and revenue source for the nation. A New Chapter for 'Ameriko' Mohamed Ali Nur, widely known by his nickname "Ameriko," steps into…

Freedom of the Press Under Threat in Somalia's Changing Political Landscape In the arid landscape of Somalia, amid the turbulent winds of political change, journalists are facing mounting pressures as they report on sensitive issues affecting their communities. Journalists Caught in the Crossfire Mohamud Nadif Shire, a popular journalist in Puntland, found himself in a precarious situation. His work, which highlighted the intricacies of Puntland’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations, drew the attention of the Puntland…

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…