Strife

Mahad Salad Reappointed as NISA Chief Amid Mounting Political Tensions in Somalia Mogadishu – In a significant development, the Federal Government of Somalia has reappointed Mahad Mohamed Salad as the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). This strategic move was executed following a proposal by the Ministry of Internal Security and subsequently approved by the Council of Ministers during an emergency session today. Villa Somalia's plans to replace Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, known as…

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…

New Leadership in Mogadishu: Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab Takes the Helm Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant shift within the municipal leadership landscape, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab as the new Governor of the Banadir Region and the Mayor of Mogadishu. This decision comes as part of a presidential decree issued on Wednesday, which officially relieves Mohamed Ahmed Amiir of his duties. This appointment brings both continuity and change. Dr. Muungaab isn’t…

Reflections on Somalia's Chaotic History: A Fragile State in Perpetual Turmoil Among those endeavoring to understand Somalia's present challenges, a poignant question looms: What went wrong? This inquiry has haunted Somali intellectuals, writers, and activists for decades, many attributing the roots of today’s turmoil to the disintegration of the socialist military regime in the 1990s, a regime notably served by Sheikh, a once-prominent figure. The backdrop of this narrative traces back to 1969 when a military coup…

Significant Prisoner Exchange Between Northeastern State and North Western State of Somalia Garowe (AX) — In an effort to foster peace and rebuild trust, Northeastern State and North Western State of Somalia authorities engaged in a prisoner exchange on Wednesday, involving individuals captured during the tumultuous 2023 conflict in the contested Sool region. This exchange, a crucial step towards reconciliation, highlights the complex tapestry of relationships in the area. Northeastern State's Minister of…

ASMARA - In a world often quick to point fingers, Eritrea finds itself navigating the murky waters of blame. Recently, Eritrea refuted the allegations linking it to the persistent turmoil in the Horn of Africa. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome had directed accusations at Eritrea for its alleged role in the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray region. But is it really fair to blame a neighbor for internal strife? Eritrea, for its part, firmly dismisses this. Yemane Meskel, the ever-persuasive Eritrean minister…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a momentous election hailed for its openness, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro emerged victorious to take up the mantle as North Western State of Somalia’s president, winning a landslide 64% of the vote. As Irro steps up to the plate, he inherits a politically tense landscape marked by fraught relations with Somalia and scrutiny surrounding a debatable pact with Ethiopia for access to the coastline. Leader of the opposition, the Waddani Party, Irro ousted the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, who…

There's growing concern in Somali society about how online displays of bravado might teeter dangerously close to hate speech, stirring up long-standing clan rivalries. In Somalia, "The Big Tribal Game" isn't just a pastime—it's practically a cultural phenomenon. This so-called game draws in massive audiences without linking its participants to any form of clan violence. Everywhere you look, thousands of phones light up with this spectacle, not just in Somalia, but across the globe. The typical participants? Enthusiastic…

Egyptian Warship Drops Anchor in Mogadishu with Third Batch of Arms amid Regional Tug-of-War MOGADISHU, Somalia — On Sunday, an Egyptian naval ship berthed in Mogadishu. This marks the third delivery of arms amidst escalating local and international tensions. Fraught diplomatic relations with Ethiopia have influenced this maritime maneuver. Upon arrival, the military hardware was quickly unloaded at the bustling port, signaling Egypt’s ongoing commitment to bolster Somalia’s defense capabilities. This alliance aims to…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Sunday, the Somali Deputy Minister of Education, Ahmed Isman Ibrahim Daqare, alongside Abdirashid Jire Qalinle, Minister of State for Planning and International Cooperation, tendered their resignations due to the federal government's intentions to challenge certain regional authorities. Qalinle shared his apprehensions regarding what he perceives as discriminatory actions by the federal government against the regional governments of Jubbaland, Northeastern State, and SSC Khatumo. Daqare, in a similar…