Author: Mohamed Ali Jama

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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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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Askar iyo Bajaj

Why Mogadishu is Grappling with Out-of-Control Violence

Mogadishu, the Somali capital, with a population of 4.5 million, is plagued by out-of-control violence that is going crescendo. Unlike what most people believe, violence is no longer the preserve of the usual suspects: Al-Shabab insurgents. In fact, extremists compete with youth gangs and government forces. Day and night there are assassinations, suicide bombings, police […]

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Villa Rose Hotel

Security Forces Struggle to End Villa Rose Hotel Siege

Another hotel in Mogadishu, another terrorist attack, another siege and yet again the same security gaps as the militant group Al-Shabab has intensified its attacks in recent months. The police spokesman said 6 assailants stormed the Villa Rose Guest House early evening yesterday. Government officials and ministers have used the hotel as their residence in […]

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Macawisley

Ma’awisley Vigilantes: The Surge to Oust Al-Shabab

It has already been three months since a motley array of Somali forces have been fighting the extremist group Al-Shabab on several fronts in the southern regions of Somalia. At the center of the surge, the Ma’awisley vigilantes, local self-defense groups, supplemented by the regular army and the police. However, mixed forces fighting on an […]

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Zoobe 2

Terror attacks on Soobe: All you need to know

More details are emerging from yesterday’s terror attacks that rocked Mogadishu. The two explosions that took place outside the Department of Education at the busy Soobe intersection were reportedly carried out by Al-Shabab suicide bombers who detonated their car bombs. The site of the twin blasts is near the Somali Ministry of Education, but the […]

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Hayat Hotel Attack

Public Anger over the Hayat Hotel Fiasco

Mogadishu is reeling and public anger is palpable two days after heavily armed al-Shabab militants stormed Hayat Hotel, one of the city’s supposedly secure hotels. it took nearly 30 hours for the longest siege in Somalia’s history to end, and for security forces to regain control after reportedly a group of armed men – the […]

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HSM and MBZ

Gulf Strong-Arm Tactics: Was the President Assaulted in Abu Dhabi?

Ever since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud appeared in a video with obvious signs of assault on his face, speculation has been rife regarding his safety and the true nature of a recent trip to the United Arab Emirates.

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Lido Beach Attack

The Truth Behind The Lido Beach Restaurant Attack

The explosion two days ago at Mogadishu’s restaurant on Lido Beach is believed to be the work of a sophisticated network attempting to destabilize Somalia in order to secure an electoral win for the opposition. At the time of the blast, ten lawmakers and other dignitaries from Khatumo state of Somalia were having iftar with […]

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Single Somalia Policy

The “Single Somalia” Paradox

For decades, the United States has upheld a clear position on Somalia’s territorial integrity. Washington recognizes the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in Mogadishu as the country’s sole sovereign authority…

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