By Mohamed Aidarus M. 1. Introduction Somalia is a country recovering from a three-decade-long period of lawlessness and anarchy following the collapse of its former autocratic regime, which ruled Somalia for 21 years. Fragile states like Somalia desperately need visionary leaders with unwavering commitment to rebuild fragmented Somalia and restore its sovereignty. However, to this...
By Professor Abdinasir Ali Osman, As individuals with deep roots in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, the intricate dynamics unfolding across the border resonate profoundly here in Mogadishu. The tenure of President Mustafe Cagjar presents a multifaceted reality, characterized by both commendable advancements and persistent challenges. While acknowledging the inherent shortcomings that exist in all aspects of...
By Osman A. Hassan “……the country is officially open for oil drilling and exploration, inviting U.S. energy companies to re-engage in Somalia’s hydrocarbon sector.” Somalia’s political history is often narrated as a tale of linear decline moving from a hopeful post-independence state to authoritarian rule, followed by civil war, statelessness, and a fragile attempt at...
By Ali Jama’a License Breaches and Unfair Advantage Ziraat Katilim operates under a restricted license in Somalia—one that expressly prohibits banking services to retail customers, micro-enterprises, and small enterprises. Despite this, evidence suggests the bank has flouted these limits, onboarding customers it is legally barred from serving. The Central Bank of Somalia mandates that all...
Mogadishu (WDN) – Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Ma’allin Fiqi has called for Somaliland’s controversial politician Faisal Ali Warabe to be designated a terrorist, following an incendiary letter in which Warabe appeared to support Al-Shabaab and predicted the militant group would seize Mogadishu between May and June of this year. Minister Fiqi did not mince words...
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 Mohamed A Yasin The explosion on Mogadishu’s sunbaked El-Gaabta road on March 18, sent plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s armored convoy had passed moments earlier, narrowly escaping a mine intended for Somalia’s most guarded man. The message was unmistakable: “A snake in the grass threatens even the swiftest...
By Abdiqani Haji Abdi In recent years, global policymakers have championed National Transformation Development Plans (NTPs) as blueprints for middle-income nations like Kenya, Tanzania and Malaysia to leapfrog into prosperity. For Somalia, however—a country still navigating the complexities of statehood after three decades of conflict—the allure of such sweeping strategies risks becoming a distraction. While...
By Abdullahi A. Nor Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) is grappling with profound challenges, ranging from endemic corruption to the persistent threat posed by militant groups like Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (ISIS) in Somalia. While the government projects an image of progress and reform, its systemic flaws and the operational effectiveness of these insurgent groups...
By Abdullahi Ahmed Nor In a rare diplomatic visit that raised eyebrows in both Somalia and the UK, a delegation from the Somali Federal Parliament, led by Speaker Aaden Madoobe, attended the UK Parliament with the aim of fostering bilateral relations. However, the outcome of their visit has sparked widespread disappointment and criticism, with many...