leadership

Puntland State’s Quiet Experiment: Local Power, Measured Reform and What It Means for Somalia In a country where headlines often focus on violence, famine and the limits of central governance, Puntland State offers an alternative story — not a miracle, but a pragmatic experiment in balancing security, institutional reform and political negotiation. The autonomous region on Somalia’s northeastern coast has, in recent years, shown that local leadership and slow, deliberate reform can yield tangible results: a shrinking…

Puntland State’s quiet experiment: What a restive Somali state can teach a nation At daybreak in Bosaso, the trucks rumbling down from the Cal Miskaad mountains carry fish, frankincense and the unvarnished news of the day. In this corner of northeastern Somalia, where the mountains meet the sea, Puntland State has spent years testing an idea that feels almost radical in a country long defined by outside interventions: that security, politics and dialogue work best when they are owned, designed and led by communities…

Mnangagwa’s shake-up in Zanu-PF: a bid for control or a sign of deeper fractures? President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent overhaul of Zanu-PF’s Politburo — described by the party as a constitutional exercise to “reorganise” its leadership — has stirred fresh questions about who will ultimately succeed him and how the long-dominant party will navigate the next era. Christopher Mutsvangwa, the party spokesperson, framed the changes as stabilising: the reshuffle “led to the elevation of trusted lieutenants” and the redeployment…

Youth Awakening: The New Face of Resistance in Togo As the sun set over the streets of Lomé, Togo's capital, the air buzzed with defiance. Young people carrying banners took to the streets, chanting for change and demanding political accountability from a regime that has ruled for nearly six decades. This wave of protests marks a significant generational shift in Togo’s political landscape—one that is uniquely vibrant and unfettered by the constraints of their parents' memories. A New Generation Takes the Lead Unlike…

A New Chapter for Haiti: Understanding the Global Stake in a Troubled Nation In the heart of Port-au-Prince, a city pulsating with the clamor of daily life and stories untold, a pivotal moment in international relations is unfolding. As Kenya's multinational security support (MSS) mission in Haiti reaches a crossroads, the United States has signaled a desire for a new international force to assume control. This shift, marked by high-level dialogues between Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco…

In a show of recognition, the Somali Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation has applauded North Western State of Somalia for its successful and calm execution of recent presidential and party elections, attracting participation from over a million registered voters. The Ministry's statement, issued on Friday, underscored the seamless execution and orderliness characterizing the election process. The Somali government reaffirmed its dedication to empowering the populace by fostering environments conducive…

Following the whirlwind events of the U.S. elections in November 2020, President Biden’s administration paused, opting to re-evaluate portions of an existing trade pact before rolling out a new series of discussions. Fast forward to August 2022, Kenya witnessed a leadership shift as former Deputy President William Ruto rose to the presidency, taking the reins in the ongoing negotiation process. The buzz around these trade talks, formally known as the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), brims with optimism in…

Hargeisa (AX) — A Critical Vote in the Horn of Africa In the rugged landscape of the Horn of Africa, North Western State of Somalia, a self-styled republic, stands at a crucial point in history. The region is preparing for a momentous event: the dual election scheduled for this Wednesday. Citizens will engage in selecting their leader and defining the political parties that will guide the region's governance over the next decade. Combining a presidential race with a political party ballot, this election is pivotal for North…

Understanding the impact of a Trump presidency on Somalia isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Like an intricately woven tapestry, the situation in Somalia is complex, with threads of strategic importance, security challenges, and continuous developmental strides interwoven throughout. Let's dig in, shall we? Firstly, Somalia sits in a geopolitically crucial spot, acting as a gateway in the Horn of Africa, which necessitates a nuanced understanding of foreign policy impacts. Picture this: you're in a crowded marketplace, and…

This week, leaders from the Commonwealth, a global organization primarily comprised of former British colonies, have convened in the picturesque Pacific island nation of Samoa. After two decades of waiting, it’s Africa’s turn to fill the Secretary-General role. However, the agenda is igniting debate, particularly regarding the contentious topic of reparations. In the spotlight are three contenders fiercely competing for the esteemed position: Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; the erstwhile trade and…