Somalias

Somalia President Embraces Dialogue for National Progress MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has shown a forward-thinking approach by expressing his readiness for dialogue. Amidst the ongoing standoff over the election model and other pressing issues, he invites both political and community leaders to join him in meaningful conversations. "Dialogue is the art of thinking together," and that’s precisely the path…

Somalia’s President Announces New Political Forum Amid NCC’s Collapse into Ruling Party Bloc Mogadishu – In a move that might reshape Somalia’s political landscape, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has revealed plans for a national political consultative forum set for June 15, 2025, in Mogadishu. This gathering aims to unite politicians, community leaders, and essential political figures from across the nation. The President's office shared the forum’s intent as a way to bridge differing perspectives and engage in…

The Return of Mahad Salad: A Crucial Shift in Somalia's National Security Landscape In a significant turn of events for Somalia's national security framework, Mahad Salad is stepping back into the leadership role at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). His return, following his resignation in April 2024 to campaign for the presidency of Galmudug state, comes at a pivotal moment as the government heightens its counterinsurgency efforts against the al-Shabab militant group. With intelligence coordination…

Three years have slipped by since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ascended to power in Somalia, a nation still navigating the delicate art of governance following decades of turmoil. Elected through a rather intricate indirect electoral model, where parliamentarians drawn from clan delegates select the president, this system has long been a double-edged sword. As his term inches toward its conclusion with merely a year remaining, discussions have heated up regarding how power will relinquish itself come next year.…

Somalia's Indispensable Moment: The Human Rights Commission Mogadishu – Emerging from decades of turmoil, Somalia finds itself at a pivotal juncture with the establishment of its Independent Human Rights Commission. This isn’t merely a formality; it represents a constitutional obligation—a profound test of the nation's ethical landscape and the moral duty of its leaders. Tasked by the Provisional Constitution, this commission aims not just to enhance governance but to actively safeguard the dignity of…

A Historic Football Moment in Mogadishu Recently, the Somali capital Mogadishu welcomed a trio of illustrious football legends: Samuel Eto'o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay Jay Okocha. Their participation in a friendly match was not just a showcase of skill but a powerful statement of unity and resilience, part of a FIFA-backed initiative intended to promote peace throughout the region. When one thinks of Somalia, stark images of conflict often dominate the narrative. Piracy off the Horn of Africa and long-standing political…

The Republic of North Western State of Somalia has officially taken a significant step on the international stage with the opening of its Mission in Nairobi on May 29, 2025. This momentous occasion was presided over by none other than President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, fondly known as Irro. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation as dignitaries gathered to witness the event, symbolic of North Western State of Somalia’s evolving role in regional diplomacy. The inauguration ceremony drew an…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…

Clan Rivalries and Political Fractures: A Pressing Threat to Somalia's Future MOGADISHU, Somalia - During an insightful conversation with The Washington Post, Larry André, the dedicated United States ambassador to Somalia from February 2022 until May 2023, painted a concerning picture of Somalia’s ongoing struggles. Despite remarkable efforts to promote national cohesion, the sharp edges of clan rivalries and political discord continue to precariously balance the nation on the edge of instability. Reflecting…

U.S. Forces Strike Al-Shabab: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Over the weekend, U.S. forces executed an airstrike against the al Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab in Somalia. This operation represents a continued commitment by the United States to combat extremism in a region that has been beset by conflict for decades. The airstrike, carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), specifically targeted an area approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, a known stronghold for al-Shabab forces. The significance of this…