Author Archives
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As Somalis Peacefully Protest Against Charlie Hebdo, Al-Shabaab Urges More Attacks in Europe
On 21 January 2015, al-Shabaab released a public statement praising the 7 January attack by the AQAP-connected Kouachi brothers in Paris at the offices of the provocative satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and the subsequent siege at a Jewish deli by a co-conspirator named Ahmed… Read More ›
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Analysis: Somali Prime Minister’s Cabinet Faces Difficult Challenges Ahead
On 12 January 2015, PM Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke’s new 60-member cabinet was announced after weeks of speculation about whether there would be fresh faces, or instead, the usual lot of Presidential allies and other personalities on the political merry-go-round. The… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab Supporters Release Sixth Edition of Jihadist Magazine “Gaidi Mtaani”
Al-Shabaab supporters recently issued the fifth and now the sixth edition of pro-Shabaab magazine Gaidi Mtaani (“Terrorism Street”), covering a range of issues. [PDF in full – right click link and “Save Target As”] The editor’s statement in the preface of… Read More ›
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As Somali MPs Battle Over Anti-PM Motion, Potential Successors’ Names Surface
In the last four days, two separate attempts by Somali Members of Parliament (MPs) to begin a debate to dismiss Prime Minister (PM) Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed under a controversial no-confidence motion has resulted into separate bouts of uncontrollable raucous. Shouting… Read More ›
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As Somalia’s President and PM Battle, the Constitution Gives Way Again to Realpolitik
The ongoing power struggle between Somalia’s President and Prime Minister has intensified as PM Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed announced a re-shuffle of key ministers in his cabinet. In a 25 October 2014 statement, the PM removed the Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir —… Read More ›
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Putting the Puzzle Together: What Does the Future Hold for Somalia’s Military Forces?
The prospect of AMISOM forces leaving Somalia in the coming years depends on the capacity of the country’s regional and federal military forces to finally cooperate and unite under a Somali National Army that looks much differently than the current… Read More ›
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Analysis: Is al-Shabaab Stronger or Weaker after Godane’s Death?
Since al-Shabaab chief Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed in US airstrikes in early September 2014, one of the biggest questions was how this would affect the strength of the group. The strengths and weaknesses of al-Shabaab can be assessed from three… Read More ›
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Analysis: Puntland Details Conditions for Talks with Somalia’s Federal Government
Somalia’s Puntland region “re-suspended relations” with Somalia’s federal government after a controversial agreement hailed by the international community was signed to form an interim Central State administration with Mudug and Galgaduud regions. The interim Central State administration would ostensibly set the… Read More ›
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Somali Officials and Al-Shabaab Hold Rival Public Health Interventions
This week, Somalia’s Banadir government and al-Shabaab held what appeared to be rival public relations stunts–or public health interventions depending on the interpretation. Authorities in Mogadishu said they seized expired aid imported by the World Food Programme during inspections at its warehouses. In addition, 14… Read More ›
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Somalia’s New Federalism Deal Is A Disaster (And It’s Everyone’s Fault)
On 30 July 2014, Somali government officials and foreign diplomats officially inaugurated their third straight fiasco during the country’s controversial federalism process. A ceremony was held in Mogadishu to announce the intent to form an interim Central State administration consisting of Mudug… Read More ›
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Eid in Jilib: Al-Shabaab Organize “Fun Day”
Marking the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan, al-Shabaab organized games for youth in the town of Jilib in Middle Juba region. Similar to other fun days the group has organized, the events involved egg-and-spoon races, sack racing, and… Read More ›
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Press Freedom or Property Dispute? Somalia’s Radio Jowhar Served with Eviction Notice
Below is a press release from NUSOJ condemning the ordered eviction of Radio Jowhar on behalf of the Middle Shabelle government. Similar action was taken against Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu in October 2013 because the station was using government-owned property, though political tensions… Read More ›
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Tribal Violence, Crime, Or Terror? Coast Attacks Confuse Kenyan Police
A late night robbery and shooting at Sega bar in Mombasa on Tuesday has sparked new questions about whether armed tribalists, criminals, or “terrorists” are responsible for violence on Kenya’s coast. Witnesses and police accounts said their description of the gunmen… Read More ›
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