Tag Archives: Politics of Somalia

Somalis have to blame only themselves for creating their own dictators

February 25, 2013 by IndepthAfrica

By Ismail Haji Warsame When the Military Junta led by General Siyad Barre overthrew the civilian government of Somalia in October 1969, the General was so timid that he could not inform the nation of the coup d’état that had … read more »

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Federation is the only realistic Option for “Somaliland”

January 29, 2013 by IndepthAfrica

By: Mohamed F Yabarag With the US officially reaffirming the recognition of President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud’s government as the legitimate and sole representative of Somalia after twenty long years of civil strife and political wilderness, the secessionist entity of Somaliland … read more »

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Minneapolis men face deportation to Somalia they had escaped as children

January 24, 2013 by IndepthAfrica

By Ibrahim Hirsi, TC Daily Planet When Hassan was recently asked to come to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services center in Bloomington, he thought immigration authorities needed the usual updates he had often given since he was freed from … read more »

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A rejoinder to James Ferguson – Somalia: A failed state back from the dead

January 24, 2013 by IndepthAfrica

By Markus V. Hoehne On 13 January 2013 James Ferguson published an article in The Independent with the title ‘Somalia: A failed state back from the dead’. While it is great to hear good news from Somalia for a change, … read more »

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US to Recognize Somalia’s New Government

January 17, 2013 by IndepthAfrica

A senior U.S. diplomat says the United States is officially recognizing the government in Somalia, opening formal diplomatic relations for the first time since militants shot down two U.S. military helicopters in Mogadishu in 1993. Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie … read more »

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Somalia: Goobaale Delegation: An Insult to People of Jubbaland

December 3, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

By Mohamed A. Dubet The Somali government’s recent delegation led by former Jubba Valley Alliance Leader, Goobaale,a seasoned warlord who headed the now defunct Jubba Valley militia, which had caused immense suffering and bloodshed in Jubbaland not so long ago … read more »

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IGAD Strategy for Jubbaland creates ghetto satellites in Somalia

November 22, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

By Mohamud M Uluso Besides terrorism threats, the federal government of Somalia faces other threats emanating from three different but self-reinforcing sources. These threats would derail the achievement of peace, stability and self governance in Somalia. The first threat is … read more »

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The new cabinet is a real threat to the unity of Somalia

November 5, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

By Jama Mohamed Askar The composition of the newly appointed cabinet ministers of Somalia was received with a sense of jubilation by the secessionist administration in the north of Somalia. The vigorous diplomatic pressure they exerted on President Hassan and … read more »

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The Dawning of a New Era for Somalia: Contemplating the Prospects

November 1, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

By Abdirizak Adam Hassan Most observers of Somalia would readily tell you that – with the coming of the new government – Somalia has now taken the road towards a new era of governance, continuity and renaissance. Similarly Somalis everywhere … read more »

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Somaliland: Which way forward?

October 28, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

Somalilanders abroad feel cheated by the international community. By successfully attending the London conference on Somalia many of them thought that their unrecognised nation was finally taking the diplomatic steps needed to be politically visible after more than two decades … read more »

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Somalia: Implementation of the ‘New Deal’ scuttled

October 26, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

Mohamud M Uluso Somalia adopted a UN-drafted Provisional Constitution, formed a new national parliament representing the entire population of the country and elected a national leadership for ending 12 years of a chaotic transition period and established a permanent, representative … read more »

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Somali Presidential Elections: six ways to win power

July 4, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

By Abdi Aynte After 12 years of feeble transitional governments, Somalia is slated to have a permanent administration that theoretically will be able to borrow money from the World Bank, sign binding bilateral treaties and buy weapons from the world … read more »

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Kenya battles Shabaab in southern Somalia

January 23, 2012 by IndepthAfrica

  Nairobi – Kenyan troops clashed with Somalia’s al-Qaeda linked Shabaab militants in southern Somalia, the latest attack in a three-month long push forward against insurgent bases, officials said on Monday. Two Kenyan and one Somali soldiers were killed during … read more »

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Ethiopian troops need a mandate

November 21, 2011 by benim

Nairobi – A Somali government spokesperson on Monday denied that Ethiopian troops have entered Somalia to help fight insurgents despite several witnesses reporting the movement of troops. Abdirahman Omar Osman said Ethiopian troops would only be welcome if they had … read more »

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Somalia Confirms Ethiopian Troop Presence

November 21, 2011 by benim

Somalia’s defense minister has confirmed Ethiopian troops are in Somalia to fight against Islamist al-Shabab militants. Hussein Arab Issa told VOA Sunday the government welcomes anyone who will help fight against the al-Qaida-linked group. He said the Ethiopians will share … read more »

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Shabaab claims Mogadishu bomb attack

October 4, 2011 by benim

Mogadishu – Al-Qaeda-inspired Shabaab insurgents have claimed suicide attacks that lest at least 65 people dead in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. A car bomb ripped through a government compound in Mogadishu on Tuesday, killing about 65 people in one of Somalia’s … read more »

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Somali leaders to hold rare conference

September 3, 2011 by benim

Nairobi – Somali leaders will hold a rare three-day conference in the war-torn capital Mogadishu next week in an effort to resolve 20 years of turmoil and set up plans for a new government. The UN-backed meeting will gather leaders … read more »

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Somalia’s al Shabaab militia leaving Mogadishu

August 6, 2011 by benim

Islamist militants fighting to topple Somalia’s Western-backed government were abandoning their bases in the capital Mogadishu on Saturday, a rebel spokesman and the government said. African peacekeepers and Somali government forces have been steadily wresting control of the rubble-strewn capital … read more »

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The CIA’s Secret Sites in Somalia

July 12, 2011 by benim

Nestled in a back corner of Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport is a sprawling walled compound run by the Central Intelligence Agency. Set on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the facility looks like a small gated community, with more … read more »

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WHO Says Child Injuries Reach New High in Somalia Fighting

May 31, 2011 by benim

The World Health Organization says increased fighting in Somalia’s capital has pushed the number of child casualties to a new high. The group says children under the age of 5 suffered nearly half of the weapons-related injuries in Mogadishu last … read more »

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World weary with Somali government

May 25, 2011 by benim

Addis Ababa – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday the international community was losing patience with the political wrangles within Somalia’s transitional government. The Somali government has been rocked by repeated leadership rows that have, ever since it was … read more »

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Protection fees, stolen ammo extend Somalia’s war

May 6, 2011 by benim

Ammunition intended for peacekeepers ends up in militant hands. Humanitarian workers pay Somali Islamist rebels protection money. U.N. and Somali officials are accused of skimming from contracts. About $1 billion is poured into Somalia each year for humanitarian, development and … read more »

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Somali MPs: ‘Stop killings; work the peace of Galka’o town’

April 30, 2011 by benim

MOGADISHU – Several members of the transitional government of Somalia have Friday called for the people of Gaka’o town of Mudug region to stop violence and work the peace of the town which is under the control of both Galmudug … read more »

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Somali gov’t rejects UN efforts to hold elections

April 14, 2011 by benim

NAIROBI, Kenya – Somalia’s government has rejected the outcome of a U.N.-backed meeting that called for the ouster of the current leadership to prepare the country for new elections. The two-day gathering in Kenya was aimed at working out how … read more »

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Somalia to push insurgents from capital in a year

April 6, 2011 by benim

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali government forces and African Union peacekeepers can take back control of the country’s ruined capital from Islamist insurgents within a year, the Somali prime minister said Wednesday. “We just need one year. Our forces are advancing … read more »

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48 people killed in the last 24hrs in Somalia

February 25, 2011 by benim

More than 48 people, mainly civilians have been killed and over 100 others injured in clashes that rocked in central and southern Somalia’s capital Mogadishu within the last 24 hours. The fighting continues into the second day on Friday after … read more »

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Sub-Saharan Africa ripe for Revolution?

February 19, 2011 by benim

While the world was watching the triumph of the street revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, a much smaller revolution was struggling to be born in the African nation of Gabon. The protesters who took to the streets of Gabon, inspired … read more »

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Somalia: 20 killed in Mogadishu, Hiraan violence

December 26, 2010 by benim

At least 20 people were killed and 22 others wounded in attacks in two major cities in central and southern Somalia. Witnesses in Mogadishu said 10 people were killed in fighting between Somali government forces and Al Shabaab insurgents. More … read more »

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Two Somali Militant Groups, Once Adversaries, Join Forces and Promise More Attacks

December 23, 2010 by benim

Somalia’s two most powerful Islamic militant groups said Thursday that they planned to merge, which could result in the insurgency’s gaining strength. Militants from the groups, the Shabab and Hizbul Islam, held a joint news conference at a mosque in … read more »

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Who’s funding Al Shabaab’s war in Somalia?

November 6, 2010 by benim

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Rake-thin young men wearing headscarves covering their faces shoulder AK-47 rifles and rocket propelled grenade launchers. They clamber through the ruins of Mogadishu, heading to the frontlines where they begin firing upon positions held by the Transitional … read more »

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