Tactics

MOGADISHU, Somalia — As the local council elections in Mogadishu approach, a growing unease has enveloped the city. Conversations echo with concerns about the voter registration process, casting shadows over what should ideally be a time of democratic engagement. Are these fears justified? Residents seem to think so, their voices rising above the din of daily life with tales of coercion and undue pressure. The story that unfolds here isn't just a simple narrative of numbers and dates. The heart of the issue…

The Starlink Conundrum: Diplomacy or Manipulation? In an intriguing investigation by ProPublica in 2025, a complex tale unfolds involving significant tensions at the intersection of business and international diplomacy. At the heart of this narrative lies the government of The Gambia and its controversial dealings with Starlink, the satellite internet service spearheaded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Quite remarkably, the campaign entailed at least seven Gambian ministries embroiled in what could be perceived as veiled threats…

China is unlikely to engage with the United States as long as the latter continues its "tariff numbers game," a sentiment echoed by China’s foreign ministry following the White House's announcement of potential tariffs reaching up to 245% due to China's retaliatory actions. In a recent factsheet, the White House outlined a breakdown of China's tariffs, which comprise a new reciprocal tariff of 125%, a 20% tariff aimed at tackling the fentanyl crisis, and tariffs varying from 7.5% to 100% on selected goods to counteract what…

The Ongoing Struggle: Reflections on Somalia’s Battle Against Al-Shabaab In a recent televised address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud articulated a poignant truth about the nature of conflict: “What we’re witnessing is the nature of war—momentum shifts.” It’s a reminder that, in the face of adversity, resilience is the cornerstone of success. The Somali National Army, alongside community forces known as the Ma’awisleey, has made significant strides over the past two years, yet the recent seizure of Aadan Yabaal by…

Eight years back, two concerned pastors took a stand against Coca-Cola, arguably the country's most cherished soda company. Their lawsuit also targeted the American Beverage Association, accusing them of "deceptive marketing, labeling, and sale of Coca-Cola's sugar-sweetened beverages." This complaint, filed in Washington, DC, suggested that Coca-Cola was well aware of the science connecting sugar-laden drinks to chronic diseases. Yet, through masterful PR campaigns, they managed to appeal to consumers and…

Navigating the modern digital landscape requires building a sustainable and engaging Instagram presence. This challenge has become a pivotal focus for marketers contending with fleeting trends and the unpredictable whims of algorithms. But in a world where the allure of instant virality can cloud our vision, how do we maintain relevancy and ensure growth over time? Instead of pursuing fleeting digital fame, the key lies in adapting to Instagram's evolving ecosystem by developing a strategy that holds up against the test…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's no secret that Northeastern State has been a bit rocky on the security front, and Federal Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Hoosh, isn't holding back his critiques. He's really tearing into Northeastern State's President, Said Abdullahi Deni, accusing the leader of sitting on his hands when it comes to dealing with the increasingly bold ISIS presence in the area."It's like the leadership in Northeastern State has turned a blind eye to ISIS in recent years, giving them a free pass to set up shop," Minister…

ISIS Militants Rake in $6 Million Through Extortion in Somalia NAIROBI, Kenya - The relatively small yet menacing ISIS faction in Somalia has reportedly gathered nearly $6 million over the past couple of years, as highlighted in a recent report by the International Crisis Group (ICG). The report also points to the group’s ambitious endeavors to broaden its control. Currently active in Northeastern State’s Bari region, the ISIS-linked faction comprises around 500 combatants, including several foreigners. Their…