Somalias

Berbera: A Tale of Geopolitics and Sovereignty The city of Berbera sits at a vantage point on the Gulf of Aden. This strategic location has long made it a focal point of geopolitical interest. Here, history and modern politics entwine, painting a vivid landscape of opportunity and conflict. North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, recently found itself at the heart of a geopolitical storm. As Somalia's central government attempted to grant the United States exclusive…

Somalia's Road to Democracy: A Complex Vision The echo of "conducting free and fair direct elections" has been a familiar refrain among Somali officials since 2009. Along with ambitious ventures like "completing the constitution" and "eliminating terrorism," these aspirations have been part of national discourse. Yet, over a decade and a half later, these goals remain elusive. One can't help but wonder: Why are these dreams still unrealized? The answer might lie in their intricate interdependencies and the unique…

In the ever-evolving theater of conflict that is northern Somalia, a recent development has once again captured international attention. On an otherwise silent Saturday, high above the enigmatic Togga Miraale, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) executed an airstrike with surgical precision. Their target? ISIS militants, notably entrenched in the Calmiskaad Mountains, an area long considered a bastion for the group. This strike is just one chapter in the ongoing narrative aimed at unravelling the very core of this militant group’s…

In a climate replete with global complexities and shifting geopolitical priorities, the recent interaction between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the vibrant heart of Ankara marks a significant chapter in international diplomacy. A meeting laden with layers of meaning, this encounter doesn't just solidify Türkiye’s historical alliance with Somalia—it propels it into new realms of cooperation and growth. The venue was the august Presidential Complex on a…

Türkiye Strengthens Its Pledge to Somalia's Future In the grand halls of Ankara's Presidential Complex, a significant meeting unfurled last Thursday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud with warmth and resolve. This encounter reinforced Türkiye's unwavering pledge to bolster Somalia's security, sustain its territorial integrity, and propel its economic progression. But what does this mean for a partnership that has weathered many storms? President Erdogan…

BOSASO, Somalia - Steadfast as ever, the US Africa Command has once again reconfirmed their resolute stance on fighting violent extremism in Somalia. Is this a testament to Washington's unwavering dedication to restoring peace in the Horn of Africa, or merely a routine intervention? The answer may lie in the latest developments on the ground. The official statement from US Africa Command, released Wednesday, points to recent airstrikes that specifically targeted ISIS militants entrenched in northern Somalia.…

The Unlikely Beacon of Democracy: North Western State of Somalia's Journey As a child, I naively thought of democracy as a Greek invention, an intricate art only suited to those ancient pillars of Western philosophy. This wasn't a surprising thought, especially growing up in Ethiopia where democracy is more a dream than reality. However, little did I realize that just across the border, a quiet revolution was taking place. In North Western State of Somalia, a place branded by some, including Google, as unstable and…

In the heart of Mogadishu, whispers of hope intertwine with the calls of street vendors and laughter of children, creating a melody of resilience that is unmistakably Somali. This sense of tenacity, however, met an untimely stumble on the soccer field, as Somalia's cherished ambition to record a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers faced a fresh challenge. On a somber Tuesday afternoon, under the African sky, the Ocean Stars bowed to Botswana in a 2-0 defeat—a match marked by stark defensive errors, according to…

U.S. Airstrikes and the Ongoing Battle Against ISIS in Somalia The stillness of the Al Miskaad mountain range was violently interrupted late Monday night by a series of powerful airstrikes. U.S. forces were targeting ISIS militants deeply entrenched within the remote Miiraale Valley of Somalia's Bari region. This bold move is part of an escalating series of operations aimed at eradicating the burgeoning influence of ISIS in northern Somalia. In this effort, the United States is not acting…

The captivating world of Turkish cuisine has found a new admirer in Somalia's ambassador to Türkiye. In an evocative conversation, the envoy shared his admiration for a myriad of traditional dishes that weave the rich culinary tapestry of this fascinating country. He hailed Turkish cuisine as being among the world's finest, echoing the sentiments of many gastronomic enthusiasts worldwide. Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed expressed these heartfelt sentiments during an engaging interview with…