Executive Summary Al Shabaab’s resurgence in Somalia, marked by recent attacks in Galmudug and Southwest Federal Member States, as well as the failed assassination attempt on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on March 18, 2025, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, all-encompassing national response. The group’s strategy is, among other things, to exploit political uncertainties during Somalia’s electoral transition, which…
In recent months, the troubling trend of Somali poets, particularly from Northern Somalia, joining Al Shabaab has ignited debates about the interplay between art, resistance, and militancy. Poetry, historically regarded as a voice of the people, has often been employed as a political tool in the Somali peninsula. Prominent figures like Hadraawi, Gaarriye, Maruuryoode Abdi Mohamed Amiin, Dhoodaan, et al….
In recent years, Somalia has been at the forefront of a military struggle against the Islamist militant group Al Shabaab, an affiliate of Al Qaeda. However, under the current leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, there appears to be a significant shift in priorities away from counterterrorism efforts against Al Shabaab. Instead, the political,…
Introduction The establishment of the Independent National Electoral & Boundaries Commission (INEBC) by the Somali Federal Parliament today (173 MPs vs 0 votes) is a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards democratic governance. However, this development has not been without its controversies and challenges, which could undermine the very stability and progress it aims to foster. Overview of Recent…
Introduction The National Consultative Council (NCC) in Somalia, established to be a beacon of unity and decision-making among the country’s federal and member state leaders, has recently faced what could be described as a ‘glitch’ in its operational framework. This glitch, characterized by absences, disagreements, and potential constitutional oversteps, throws light on deeper issues within Somalia’s governance structure. Background The…
