By Faisal A. Roble Understanding the Clan Factor With its open-ended segmentary system, the clan is an enduring political tool in Somali society. The elite uses the clan factor to bargain for power, thus inadvertently hindering the process of state … Continued
By Aden Ismail In November 2011, President Obama officially unveiled the pivot to Asia plan to usher in what then-foreign secretary Hillary Clinton called “America’s Pacific Century.” A strategic reorientation meant to shift focus on the economic potentials of Asia, … Continued
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow In the last quarter of the 19th century, extending into the early 20th century, as the European powers extended control in the Horn of Africa, scholars of Islam became leading figures in the organization and leadership of … Continued
By Faisal A. Roble Introduction About 47 years ago, the Somali National Army and the Western Somali Liberation Front (WSLF) jointly fought against Ethiopia’s Derg forces over the Ogaden region. As wars leave behind national conflicting myths and narratives they … Continued
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow Sheikh Bashir Sheikh Yusuf: The Leader of the Final Jihad in Somaliland targeting the cities of Burao and Erigavo. This revolt was a crucial part of the broader anti-colonial struggle and reflected the ongoing influence of Islamic … Continued
By Faisal A. Roble Introduction This essay is based on two unpublished manuscripts on the Political Economy of Intervention and Historical Injustices against Somalis. I will argue that intervention in the Horn of Africa Region is a colonial function and … Continued
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow This article provides an overview of ten key narratives in Somalia’s trajectory of historical development. These narratives include Somalia’s rich ancient history, its early maritime trade networks, and the significant influence of Islam on Somali society. It … Continued
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow This article is dedicated to the esteemed scholars of Islam who belong to the Qaderiya order in the historical Bandir region. It continues our series of short biographies that highlight the lives and contributions of prominent Somalis. … Continued
By Abdulrahman Baadiyow Haji Farah Oomar Ileeye (1879–1949) was a dedicated Somali nationalist and a pioneer in the realm of Somali civil society. He was born in Hagal in the Saahil region of Somaliland, within a wealthy pastoral family connected … Continued
By Said M-Shidad Hussein Abstract: Zaylac or Zayla‘ is apparently objective of what is recently called “a deal” between the Hargeysa-based ‘ Somaliland’ administration of northwestern Somalia and the government of Ethiopia. This is not only because in the Ethiopian … Continued
BY: MANSOOR ALAM Prophet Ismail (PBUH) had 12 sons. His second son Qaydaar (قیدار) settled in Hijaz and became the custodian of Kaaba built by Ibrahim (PBUH) and Ismail (PBUH). Prophet Ismail’s descendants, over time, became a large community. They expanded … Continued
By Abdi Mohamed Axmed Farax Cali, also known as Idaajaa, is a household name in Somalia. Idaajaa is a literary scholar who researches, collects and broadcasts Somali poetry on radio. During his long career, he has dealt with gabay, guurow, … Continued
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