Somalias

Building Bridges or Burning Them? The Upcoming National Consultation Forum in Somalia As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated national consultation forum in Somalia, President Mohamud has been busy laying the groundwork. In the lead-up to this critical meeting, he held a series of consultations, engaging with civil society representatives, political party leaders, and revered elders of the community. "We want this forum to be a platform for honest dialogue—not limited to politicians, but open to all segments of…

Parliamentary Setbacks in Somalia: A Call for Responsibility Mogadishu (AX) — On a day meant for progress, Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament hit yet another snag, as its Monday session was postponed due to insufficient attendance. This disruption not only halted the swearing-in of two new members but also postponed a pivotal vote on a pan-African child rights treaty, leaving many to wonder: what lies behind this recurring issue? Only 87 lawmakers showed up, far below the 139 required for a valid quorum under…

Mahad Salad's Return: A Pivotal Move in Somali Security The recent reinstatement of Mahad Mohamed Salad as the head of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) arrives at a critical juncture. With national elections on the horizon and the persistent threat of terrorism looms large, his return promises to reshape the security landscape of the Horn of Africa nation. Salad previously garnered acclaim for his impactful leadership during his initial tenure. Under his direction, Mogadishu…

Mogadishu (AX) – A tragic incident has unfolded in the village of Xaloole, situated in the Warsheikh district of the Middle Shabelle region, where at least four Muslim clerics were killed and four more sustained injuries in what appears to be a revenge attack tied to longstanding clan tensions. This distressing news has reverberated throughout the local community, prompting widespread outrage and fear. According to eyewitnesses and local officials, the clerics had come to Xaloole to lead a Qur'an recitation ceremony, an…

Somalia’s Political Crossroads: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's Challenges MOGADISHU, Somalia – As the clock ticks down to Somalia’s national elections, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud finds himself navigating rough political waters. With only a year left in his term, he faces mounting pressure as discord between the federal government and regional states threatens the nation’s delicate political balance. President Mohamud is championing the adoption of a one-person, one-vote electoral system. However, this vision has…

In an era where collaboration and diplomatic ties shape the geopolitical landscape, Kenya recently engaged in a strategic meeting with the government of Somalia. This dialogue unfolded during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), emphasizing the importance of fostering bilateral relationships between these two East African nations. On June 10, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, made an announcement that underscored the commitment of both nations…

Makkah (AX) – In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Endorsements and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, convened an important meeting on Sunday with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the esteemed President of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı). This important dialogue took place at the Turkish Hajj Affairs Office, nestled within the holy city of Makkah, a location imbued with profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the globe. Sheikh Robow…

Somalia finds itself in a precarious state, entrapped by a cycle of recycled political elites whose ambitions and rivalries continually hinder national progress. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the leadership crisis has deepened, culminating in the disappointing failure of the national dialogue initiative proposed by the current president. One is left to wonder—at what point do these empty promises cease to resonate with a populace yearning for genuine change? Ironically, many of those opposing the…

The Horn of Africa: Balancing Between Breakdown and Opportunity The recent testimonies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute and Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations have illuminated a pressing dilemma for Washington: the Horn of Africa stands on a knife's edge, caught between potential collapse and newfound opportunities. While both testimonies suggest a pivot away from the pursuit of a unified Somalia, advocating instead for partnerships with…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an era where social media dominates the information landscape, it’s all too easy for mistruths to spread like wildfire. Recently, rumors have surfaced suggesting that residents of Mogadishu are being coerced into collecting their voting cards under the threat of arrest. The Somalia Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped forward to clarify these claims, categorically dismissing them as unfounded. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, has taken a firm…