Somalia
Awdal to Break Free from Somaliland
Now that Las Anod regained its freedom, all eyes are on Awdal to break free from Somaliland oppressive choke-hold. The general jubilation and the unity of the Sol population and the beautiful display of thousands of Somali flags leave regions still under the secessionists occupation in awe. The political earthquake whose epicenter is Las Anod, […]
How the Las Anod Massacre started the Countdown to SSC Self-rule
As in any revolution, the people is the spearhead of political change. By attempting to violently stifle the power of the people, the oppressive secessionist regime of Somaliland not only hastened its downfall but began the countdown to self-rule for the Sol, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions. The brunt of the occupation Four weeks ago, […]
Political Crisis In South-West State And Looming War
Since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (HSM) was elected president in May 2022, some leaders of the federal member states of Somalia rushed local parliaments into term extensions. The President of Jubaland State, Mr. Ahmed Madobe, extended his term for one year, followed by President Abdiaziz Laftagareen of South-West State (SWS) and President Ahmed Karie Qoorqoor of […]
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 […]
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, local self-defense groups, supplemented by the regular army and the police. However, mixed forces fighting on an equal […]
Terror attacks on Zoobe: All you need to know
More details are emerging from yesterday’s terrorist attacks that rocked Mogadishu. The two explosions that took place outside the Department of Education at the busy Zoobe 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 […]
Why the 1969 Revolution is still relevant today
Today is the anniversary of the October 21, 1969 revolution that put the armed forces in control of Somalia. It all started with a bloodless coup after the assassination of the first democratically elected president, Abdirashi Ali Sharmarke, on October 15, 1969. President Sharmarke was elected in 1967 amid controversy over an election marred by […]
Farhan Qarole: The Tragic Loss of a Hero
The Somali nation is reeling as General Farhan Mohamud Aden, popularly called Farhan “Qaroole”, was laid to rest in a Mogadishu cemetery yesterday. The emotion was very high as mourners recount his young age, his untainted professional records, and his gentle personality. General Farhan had been Banadir’s police chief since replacing his disgraced cousin and […]
Will the Controversy over Minister Khadija’s Pants Spark a Wider Debate
Somalia’s chaotic political and security life has recently sparked new controversy. The attire of a female minister drew the ire of a religious scholar. Those who think it’s just plain wrong to criticize pants or trousers do not appreciate its potential fallout. Those who stick to the apparent dichotomy that emerges from the confrontation of […]
Could Dispute between Federal and Regional Leaders Derail Debt Relief?
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s first four months at the helm of Somalia have been marred by conflicts on his own making. The latest conflict with regional states had been simmering for some time and erupted late last month. A concerted message came on August 31 from regional state governments, particularly their finance ministries, stating that […]