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…
Addressing the Crisis of Small Arms Proliferation in Somalia: The Urgency for a National Commission.
The tribal competition for acquiring small arms in Somalia, involving the arming of the clan-based Maawisley group in the past, the perceived need for self-defense due to conflicts between clans across much of the country, the communities that fight and seize weapons from Al Shabaab, and the confiscation of a large weapons shipment by a clan militia near Abudwak in…
Unveiling Shadows: Implications of the Shilamadow Village Incident on Somalia’s Security
Foresight for Practical Solutions (FPS) has conducted a brief investigation into the tragic incident that took place in Shilamadow near Abudwak city in Galmudug on July 15, 2024. The incident involved a highly trained and well-organized clan militia locally known as Kaba-qolof (Maawisley version in North Galgadud) that ambushed and confiscated an inbound weapons shipment originating from Ethiopia and destined…
Factors Hindering Progress in Combating Al-Shabaab in Somalia
The Absence of a Focused Wartime Strategy from Villa Somalia: The Villa Somalia is solely executing the war without the necessary qualified military strategists in its toolshed or on its drawing board. This deficiency hampers the effectiveness of their operations and overall progress in defeating the terrorist group. Additionally, there is a clear want in commensurate dedication, human resources allocation,…