Analysis

M. Robow

Why a Terror Leader is Appointed Minister in Somalia

Mukhtar Robow, former Al-Shabab deputy leader and spokesman, who has been detained for the last four years, has been appointed Somalia’s Endowments and Religious Affairs Minister.

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Al-Shabab Aato

Al-Shabaab Cross-border Clashes with Ethiopian Troops

Since last week, Al-Shabaab (AS) launched several attacks in towns straddling the borders of Somalia and Ethiopia, sparking heavy clashes that claimed the lives of dozens of people.

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Somali trained in Eritrea

Controversy over Somali Soldiers Stranded in Eritrea Unlikely to Fade with A Visit

A Visit Fraught with Controversy Villa Somalia has seen no respite since, against all odds, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took a trip to Eritrea on July 10 to visit Somali soldiers in training there and, in the process, signed bilateral agreements with his Eritrean counterpart. The Somali President was welcomed by President Isaias Afeworki […]

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President HSM Visit to Turkey

Why Somalia’s President Cannot Afford to Upset Turkey

Why President Mohamud’s “Two-Day” Trip Turned into a Tense Waiting Game Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned from a five-day visit to Turkey on July 8 for an initially planned “two-day visit” after he received an invitation from Turkey. Similarly, he had announced a two-day visit to Abu Dhabi on June 19, a murky visit […]

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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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From Farmajo to Hassan Sheikh

From Farmajo to Hassan Sheikh: An Election Decided by Dollars

The parliament “elected” former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a figure with an undisputed legacy of corruption…

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Avisioni tent

Public Anxiety As Somalia Awaits Presidential Election

There is one day left until the May 15 presidential election and anxiety is mounting with uncertainty over who will be Somalia’s next president. The indirect election, which has dragged on for a year and a half, has created unease throughout the country, especially since the people have no control over the process. A dozen […]

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Somali puzzle

The 4.5 Clan Model: A Somali-owned Solution

For decades, Somalia has been using a clan-power sharing model known as “4.5”. Some believe the model has an external origin (Sodere, 1997) and was institutionalized in the Arta (2000) peace process, in Djibouti. In reality, the initial shape of this model was locally devised in January 1991.

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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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General Odowa

Meet Somalia’s Youngest Chief of Staff

Odowa Yusuf Rageh became Somalia’s youngest Brigadier General at 32 in 2019. Since his promotion by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, he has been targeted by opponents of the President’s policies. The opposition, which now include Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, hostile nations and foreign war profiteers, has called into question the young general’s age and […]

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