Analysis

Niger’s July Coup

Inside Niger’s July Coup and the Battle for Africa’s Soul

On July 26, 2023, Niger’s presidential guard seized power, detaining democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days later, on national television, the head of the guard declared himself the new leader of the “National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland” (CNSP).

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HSM Las Anod

Why President Hassan Sheikh shuns Las Anod’s plea for recognition

For eight months, the breakaway northern Somali region, also called Somaliland, has been shelling on daily basis the city of Las Anod whose residents has vowed to remain part of a united Somalia. In spite of Sool, Sanaag and ‘Ayn suffering and Las Anod’s plea for recognition, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud kept silent.

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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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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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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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The Irir Samaale Leaders

The Irir Samaale Ploy to Divide and Perpetuate Chaos

The term Irir Samaale once belonged to the realm of Somali oral history and origin myth, but has found its way into the turbulent Somali political arena.

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