Year: 2023

Hamda Baki Road

Awdal’s Development Disparities and the Quest for Independence

Borama, the capital of Awdal State, presents a poignant example of underdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure. While it has the potential to flourish as a center of commerce and progress, the lack of proper roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions has stymied its growth.

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October 14 Brigade

How the Jaale Siyaad Academy massacre was masterminded from Villa Somalia

Two weeks have passed since the suicide attack at the Jaale Siyaad Academy which targeted soldiers of the October 14 Brigade relocated from Marka for training…

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General Odowaa

How General Odowa dismissal brings Somalia closer to a despotic rule

The recall of General Addow from retirement announces three things. First, a malleable faithful in the hands of Hassan Sheikh takes the reins of the army. Second, the army is concentrated in the hands of the president’s clan. Third, all forces coming under the federal government forces stationed in Gedo are firmly under the indirect control of Ahmed Madobe.

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Elmi Nur

The Ugly Truth Behind the Dismissal of the Finance Minister

The abrupt dismissal of Somalia’s Finance Minister Dr. Elmi Mohamed Nur one day after being pressured to reinstate two subordinates closely linked to the President has sent shock waves through the federal administration. The two senior officials were suspended by the minister two days before his own dismissal. On July 6, through a circular shared […]

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Djibouti and IOG

Djibouti at 46: How Far Has the “Confetti of the Empire” Come?

The Republic of Djibouti celebrates its 46th years of independence from France on June 27th. For almost half a century, the country located in the Horn of Africa that General Charles de Gaulle once called the “confetti of the Empire” would be ruled by a single family.

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HSM at UNSC June 2023

How is the President’s Quest for the Lifting of the Arms Embargo Perceived in Somalia

On June 22, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud pleaded his government’s case for the United Nations to lift the arms embargo imposed on Somalia since 1992, at the height of the civil war.

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Baraawe City

Barawe violence: Clan Expansionism or Blunder of Unruly Troops?

The violence in Barawe, the official capital of Southwest State, has exposed the critical flaws in federal leadership in the Lower Shabelle region.

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Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Erdogan’s Journey to Restructure Turkish Society

For the first time since the founding of the republic in 1923, the Turkish nation has voted overwhelmingly to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a clear mandate to continue his journey of reshaping Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s century-old legacy in Turkey. Yet, fears about an Islamist agenda persist. But are they justifiable? And is a total […]

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Biixi iyo Taani

Should Somaliland be saved from Musa Bihi?

Since Musa Bihi Abdi was elected as the head of the breakaway “Republic of Somaliland” based in the northern Somali city of Hargeisa, he has worked to extend his term. This project was opposed by the civil society and the two official opposition parties of the same clan. After two years of political chaos over […]

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NCC members

Public outcry after Somali leaders’ decision to extend their mandate

On the evening of May 27, the National Consultative Council (NCC) announced that a decision had been made by its eight participants present to overhaul the constitution, opening the way to direct voting. Despite the laudable goal, this has prompted an almost consensual public outcry as it appeared that the president and his pals are […]

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