Author Archives
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Can Somalia Seal the Galmudug-ASWJ Peace Deal?
As part of his tour of Somali regional states, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmaajo” visited Dhusamareeb this week to validate the December 2017 peace agreement between the Galmudug administration and Sufi militia Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a (ASWJ). ASWJ, as a multi-clan… Read More ›
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Around the Horn: Dadaab’s Decline, Kenyan Political Violence, and More
This month, UNHCR is reporting that more than 70,200 Somali refugees have been repatriated from Dadaab, and over 17,400 are registered as “willing to return” to Somalia. An interesting note in the report was that returns to Baidoa had been “suspended… Read More ›
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Around the Horn: Al-Shabaab showcase looted weapons from Jubaland raid and more
Somalia: On 9 September, al-Shabaab released photos of supplies it looted during its 3 September attack on Buulo Gaduud, just outside Kismayo. It claimed to have killed over two dozen Somali troops in the raid. The group appeared to capture vehicles,… Read More ›
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PHOTOS: Al-Shabaab and AFRICOM dispute outcome of drone strikes
Al-Shabaab and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) dispute the nature of casualties following a series of drone strikes in Somalia’s Jubaland region — part of an ongoing competition to shape public information in the fog of war. According to… Read More ›
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Interactive Map: Post-election death toll at least 26 in Kenya
Below is an interactive map that traces dozens of the post-election deaths in Kenya among protesters and alleged looters, as well as several local incidents of voter fraud. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announcement of incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta’s… Read More ›
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Kenya Election Round-Up: Historic Results, Protests, and Anomalies
The tallying of votes after national elections in Kenya has kicked off, and the Kenyan Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is posting updates live on its website. Local media outlets are providing breathless coverage, as well explanations of how the… Read More ›
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Around the Horn: Kenyan Elections, Somalia Airstrike, AMISOM Withdrawal
Kenyan Elections Today National elections in Kenya are today. Finally, there will be answer for who will be victorious in the presidential race between incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta and his perennial challenger in Raila Odinga. In 2013, Kenya’s predominately peaceful polls… Read More ›
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U.S. Assists into Counter-Terror Operations in Central Somalia, Posing Risks Again
This week, the United States provided “limited tactical advisory support” in the arrest of five al-Shabaab suspects in the central Somalia town of Galkayo, including a known facilitator named Abdirizak Hussein Tahliil who held a U.S. green card and lived… Read More ›
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Around the Horn: “Fake News” In Kenya Elections, AMISOM Challenges, and Al-Shabaab Tax on Refugees
Here is a brief overview of some of the inter-related stories in Kenya and Somalia the last week: AMISOM CHALLENGES IN SOMALIA Somalia’s Traffic Police Commissioner General Ali Hersi blamed AMISOM for being involved in approximately 500 traffic accidents and… Read More ›
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Will the Gulf Crisis Impact Conflict and Development in Somalia and East Africa?
Does the Gulf crisis between Qatar and its rivals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others others have the potential to impact conflict and development in the Horn of Africa? The UAE-Saudi alliance has accused Qatar of funding terror groups… Read More ›
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Ways to Improve Somalia’s Plans to Take Over Security from Foreign Troops
Earlier this month, Somalia’s National Leadership Forum (NLF) announced a new effort to overhaul the country’s security sector with a new security architecture to define how the government, regional leaders, police, and the army could operate more effectively. The plan lacks specifics in many areas… Read More ›
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Somali Forces Tackle Pirates, Tanzanian Security Mystery, and Weekend Longreads
Piracy Somali pirates suffered some notable defeats in a week that also highlighted the capacity of Somali forces to contribute to counter-piracy operations. However, many of the factors that motivate piracy — including foreign illegal fishing, availability of weapons, perceived corruption over foreign fishing… Read More ›
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Piracy, Drought, and Security Shakeups in Somalia
SOMALI PIRATES SEIZE FOURTH VESSEL SINCE MID-MARCH. On 3 April, pirates hijacked the Salama 1 near the Socotra Island and it was later moved to Ceel Huur. Last month, a Reuters report found local frustration in Puntland region over licensing with foreign fishermen… Read More ›
