struggle

Sovereignty and Nationhood: A Fragile Fabric in Somalia In the vast landscape of international law and politics, the terms "sovereignty" and "nationhood" are often thrown around like interchangeable tools in a toolbox. Yet, as history unfolds, it becomes glaringly clear that these concepts diverge significantly. The core of the modern state system, which many attribute to the Westphalian principles established in 1648, encompasses more than just physical borders or national flags. It relies crucially…

It’s 2017. After leaving my job, I found myself in uncharted waters. The job market was suffocating, and every day felt like wandering without a map. The pressure was palpable; I needed to survive. But I had skills. I could type, edit, manage printing tasks, and even train others on computer basics. So, I thought, “Why not take a leap of faith?” In 2018, my journey in entrepreneurship began—a year I initially viewed as a temporary fix, not realizing it would gradually transform into my primary focus. One of the most…

On the 40th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium tragedy, a survivor has bravely shared his recollection of that fateful day when 39 lives were lost due to a wall collapse during the European Cup Final match between Juventus and Liverpool in Belgium. Among those who perished was Patrick Radcliffe from Belfast. Roughly an hour before kick-off, tensions escalated between the rival supporters. A small group of Liverpool fans hurled stones and flares at the Juventus supporters. In a desperate bid to escape, the Juventus fans…

Challenges and Changes: The Somali Army in its Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent weeks have presented daunting challenges for the Somali National Army (SNA), as it struggles to maintain its footing across various strategic frontlines. The fall of Adan Yabaal starkly exemplifies the difficulties faced by a force striving to assert itself, despite significant investments from international partners. Amidst dwindling financial support, spearheaded by the United States, the SNA grapples with a…

Recent cuts to international funding, notably the stop-work orders imposed by the United States, have begun to take a heavy toll on humanitarian initiatives and local economies that depend heavily on aid operations. This predicament is exemplified by the situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria, as reported by The New Humanitarian. Often nicknamed the heart of aid efforts battling Boko Haram's relentless insurgency, Maiduguri has witnessed notable economic revival, significantly driven by the initiatives of non-governmental…

The Horn of Africa, together with the Red Sea, stands as a crucial nexus in global trade. Unfortunately, it has morphed into a hotbed of geopolitical tension. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a pivotal, though often enigmatic, player in this arena. Its ambitions for economic growth, regional influence, and a desire to assert its power have made it a compelling, if contentious, force—especially in Somalia, where its impact is felt profoundly amidst the ongoing turmoil. Yet, it’s essential to…

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly recently expressed on Business Insider that, "President Trump has consistently stood up for our military families — delivering crucial reforms that improved VA healthcare, decreased veteran homelessness, and enhanced education benefits. His efforts to cut wasteful spending and make agencies more efficient will ensure our government can better serve all Americans, especially our veterans and their loved ones." As my 25 years of dedicated government service draw to a…

By Hassan Lali / BBC When conflict erupted in Sudan, Sarah Williams found herself ensnared in an unimaginable nightmare. As gunfire echoed through the streets of Khartoum, she and her children became unwilling participants in the chaos that enveloped their neighborhood. "Bullets pierced our walls, fires illuminated the sky, and the tremors of explosions shook our very souls," she recounts, clutching her one-year-old son in a protective embrace. "We had no choice but to crawl on the ground to escape." The raw vulnerability in…

SSC-Khatumo: Embracing Somalia’s Federal Family After Extended Negotiations LAS ANOD, Somalia - In the dynamic geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, where history writes itself in bold strokes, the northern regions of Somalia have long stood on the outskirts of acceptance. This Monday brought a noteworthy shift—Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, collectively known as SSC-Khatumo, have finally been embraced as a recognized federal member state. This milestone did not come easily, nor was it a simple bureaucratic…

"We hadn't encountered anything like it before; the intensity was unlike any infectious disease we had ever faced," reflected former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the recent launch of a compelling new book that chronicles Liberia's struggle against the Ebola virus. Titled Stepping Up to the Plate: Liberia's Untold Ebola Story, this publication emerges from a collaborative effort by the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism and the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women's Empowerment. The book aims to shed light…