By Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow Somalia stands today at a moment of truth—a moment that will determine whether we rise as a united nation or slip once again into the darkness we know too well. Our internal divisions are widening, our institutions are fragile, and now an external shock—the recognition of “Somaliland” by Israel—has exposed just...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the restoration of hope and statehood for the Somali people, following the historic Arta Peace and Reconciliation Conference in 2000, I am deeply honored to reflect on this significant milestone. As a member of the Somali Technical Committee and one of the two individuals responsible...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow In the corridors of time, history is never silent—it whispers, it screams, and it is contested in both shadow and light. Writing the past is not merely the recording of events; it is a battle for identity, a struggle over memory, and a fight for the soul of a nation. Some stories...
Prof. Abdurahman Abadullahi (Baadiyow) History is more than a record of past events; it is a living thread that connects nations, peoples, and generations, often shaped by the courage and vision of exceptional individuals whose actions transcend time and borders. I was reminded of this in a strikingly personal way when I received an unexpected...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow I have discovered two significant letters written by Dr. Mohamed Adan Sheikh and Dr. Hussein Tanzani, which serve as primary documents illuminating the early history of the Somali Studies International Association (SSIA). One of these letters, dated August 1, 1979, was authored by Dr. Mohamed Adan Sheikh in his capacity as the...
By Bashir M. Sheikh-Ali There was a time when Somalia could have pursued reconciliation. When the war ended, when the guns fell silent, when families emerged from hiding to rebuild their lives, there was a chance. People had lost everything— homes, loved ones, trust in one another. The country was broken, but there was still...
Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow Although I have traveled to many countries across different continents, I had never visited China until November 6, 2024, when I had the honor of attending the *Think Tank Seminar on Security, Governance, and Development in the Horn of Africa*. Organized by Zhenjiang Normal University and held in the city of Jinhua,...
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 Somali resistance. These scholars saw the defense of Muslim lands against Christian invaders-the Italians, British,...
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 scholars in leading resistance against colonialism. It was built on the legacy of Sayid Mohamed...
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 also examines the disruption caused by colonial powers, the role of Somali nationalism in shaping...