Author Archives
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Al-Shabaab, the KDF, and Kenya’s Dangerous Cycle of Violence
The violence in Kenya is developing into a familiar pattern. The frequency of al-Shabaab (AS) sympathizer attacks remains steady, but the retaliatory violence by Kenyan security forces and civilians should be of great concern to observers. On 18 November 2012,… Read More ›
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Uganda Withdrawal Threat A Reality Check for Somali Security
Uganda’s Security Minister Muruli Mukasa has stated that the country intends to withdraw its troops from Somalia and other conflict hotspots in response to the UN’s allegation that Uganda is supporting M23 rebels in DRC. Ugandan forces in Somalia—estimated to be at… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab’s Changing State in Somalia
What began as a plan in July 2011 to push al-Shabaab from its bases in the capital Mogadishu turned quickly into a larger scale operation–with the help of Kenyan and Ethiopian forces and proxy militias–to force al-Shabaab out of all… Read More ›
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In Somalia, Kenya Must Avoid Political Landmines
Three days after al-Shabaab’s most significant “tactical withdrawal” to date, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), its counterparts in AMISOM, Ras Kamboni, and the Somali National Army (SNA) finally entered the port city in the first week of October to fill… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab, Jubbaland, and the Future of Kismayo
A flurry of reports are filling news outlets on the ongoing advance of Somali government troops and international forces toward the port of Kismayo, as they move to oust the Islamic militant group al-Shabaab from its most lucrative source of… Read More ›
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Somalia’s New President A Symbol of Hope Amid Challenges
Against all likely odds, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emerged as victorious in Somalia’s presidential selection on 10 September 2012, held in Mogadishu’s Aden Adde airport. The results from the first round of voting seemed to favor the controversial incumbent Sheikh Sharif… Read More ›
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In Somalia, A Presidential Battle and Country’s Future Looms
After weeks of delays and controversies, Somalia’s new parliament successfully elected 66-year old Afgoye native Mohamed Osman Jawaari as the new Speaker of Parliament. Jawari, who hails from the Digil/Mirifle (Rahanweyn) clan, served as Minister of Transport and Minister of Labor… Read More ›
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Commission Organized to Elect Somali Parliament Speaker
On 21 August 2012, Somalia’s new parliament met in Mogadishu’s police headquarters at the School Polizio to organize the commission that will oversee the selection of the upcoming Speaker of Parliament. The meeting was chaired by interim Parliament Speaker General Musa… Read More ›
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Formation of Somalia’s New Parliament Delayed By Disqualified Candidates
The process to select Somalia’s new 275-member parliament from a list candidates submitted by 135 traditional elders has been delayed because the list contains at least 50 former warlords and candidates with insufficient educational qualifications. UN Special Representative to Somalia… Read More ›
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[IN PICTURES] Supporters of Ex-PM Farmajo Rally in Mogadishu as Clashes Occur
Supporters of Somalia’s former Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmajo) held a welcome rally today in Mogadishu at the Sayidka monument grounds to support his bid for presidency. Farmajo was formerly PM from 31 October 2010 – 19 June 2011. Reports… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab Sack Kismayo Administrator, May Add to Tensions among Leaders
In January 2012, Somalia Report reported that al-Shabaab had sacked its Kismayo administrator, Sheikh Hassan Yacqub, but it was unclear at that time who was to take his place. New reports indicate that al-Shabaab have appointed Sheikh Abu Habeeb to… Read More ›
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Constitutional Delegate Murdered in Mogadishu after al-Shabaab Threat
According to emerging reports, an armed group in Mogadishu targeted and killed an elder that was working as part of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA)–which recently ratified the draft version of the country’s constitution. An elder by the name of Baliil,… Read More ›
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Somalia’s Sharif Problem
On 20 July 2012, President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed declared his candidacy for presidency at the City Palace Hotel in Mogadishu. Many supporters–from traditional elders to politicians, women, and youth–turned out for the event. However, based on the United Nation’s Roadmap… Read More ›
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