Somalia

A Shifting Landscape: Somalia's Political Dance with China and the Global Impact In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Somalia takes center stage as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre journeys to China for the 7th China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan. His visit reflects deepening ties between Mogadishu and Beijing, symbolizing a broader narrative of influence and strategic alliances in the Horn of Africa. Deepening Alliances Prime Minister Hamza's trip to China follows a personal invitation from Beijing's ambassador to…

In the Crosshairs: The Struggle for Media Freedom in Somalia In a world where the freedom of expression is increasingly under siege, the story of Abdalle Mumin, a Somali journalist and human rights defender, stands as a testament to resilience in the face of intimidation. His journey from detention in Somalia to a legal battle in the UK highlights a troubling global trend: the use of legal threats, or SLAPP suits, to silence dissenting voices. The Brave Voice of Abdalle Mumin Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali…

Trump’s Nobel Nomination: North Western State of Somalia’s Quest for Recognition As the sun dipped below the horizon in Hargeisa, the air filled with a palpable sense of history in the making. President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro of North Western State of Somalia stood before an eager audience, his voice carrying the weight of decades-long aspirations. In a move as unexpected as it was bold, he announced the nomination of U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, marking what could be a pivotal moment in North…

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…