The Somali Business Community Caught Between a Bomb and a Peril. – FPS Special Commentary, August, 2024
The Somali business community in Mogadishu has once again found itself in a delicate and perilous position, torn between the demands of the federal government and the threatening presence of extremist group Al Shabaab. A recent series of events has further escalated tensions and underscored the challenges facing local businesses in navigating this treacherous landscape. At a time when there…
Responsive Governance: Barre Cabinet Scraps Levies, Defuses Tensions
In a remarkable turn of events, the Council of Ministers of Somalia has managed to navigate through a tense feud between the youth in Mogadishu and the federal government by swiftly responding to the demands of the protesting groups. The crisis, which also extended to a standoff over taxation between the Ministry of Finance and the influential business lobby in…
Poll Reveals Somali Public Focus on “Ethiopian Aggression” in President Mohamud’s August 17 Speech
A recent Twitter pol conducted on @JustAwHirsi’s @X handle has provided insights into the public sentiment regarding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s televised address on Saturday. The statistical analysis of the poll results showcases a distinct focus on the issue of “Ethiopian aggression,” with 57% of respondents identifying it as the most significant aspect of the speech delivered by the President….
A Gambit Goes South: How Did Abiy Reason? FPS Commentary, August 2024
In the wake of the regional uncertainties and upheavals brought about by the January 01, 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Somaliland [region of Somalia’]s Muse Bihi Abdi, legitimate questions arise about Abiy Ahmed’s strategic reasoning and foresight. The unexpected move appears to have dangerously overlooked the intricate geopolitics of the region and the…
President Mohamud: Juggling Deadly Priorities for Somalia’s Future— FPS Commentary, August 2024
In the complex layout of Somalia’s security challenges, convoluted electoral processes, safeguarding territorial integrity, socioeconomic issues, and intense political competition, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is faced with the daunting task of juggling numerous pressing priorities that, if not handled effectively, could have significant ramifications for the current stability of the nation and its future unity and viability. The President’s ability…