After turbulent efforts to form regional governments in Jubaland and southwestern Somalia, the country is heading toward another political quagmire while trying to establish the Interim Administration for the Central Regions (IACR). The IACR process is currently underway in Adado to form an administration below Puntland. It is hoped… Read More ›

federalism
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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
Jubaland Reborn: A Look at Jubba and Somalia Post-Addis Agreement
The Somalia Federal Government (SFG) led by State Minister for the Presidency Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir and the Jubba delegation headed by Ras Kamboni leader Ahmed Madobe recently concluded a deal that on paper was one step intended to resolve the… Read More ›
Jubaland and the Future of Federalism in Somalia
Though the Somali government has been looking to lead the country’s rebirth, the maturation of events in Kismayo has jeopardized Mogadishu’s ability to take a leading role. The Jubaland conference supported by Kenya and IGAD finally bore fruit with the… Read More ›
Lifting The Arms Embargo in Somalia: A Brief Outlook
Lifting the arms embargo is seen by some observers as a means to address the force capacity of Somali security forces and to reassert Somalia’s sovereignty. However, the internal and strategic factors limiting the effectiveness of Somali security forces and… Read More ›
Mohamud’s U.S. Visit Foreshadows Federalism Debate
One issue that stuck out during President Mohamud’s largely successful first visit to the United States was the future of federalism in Somalia. After a warm reception in the Washington, D.C. area, Mohamud encountered significant protests in his subsequent visit to… Read More ›
Jubaland Close to Becoming Somalia’s Next State
Brief Background on Jubaland Jubaland historically comprised of Lower and Middle Juba states. But military dictatator and ex-President Siad Barre split up the region in 1975, adding Gedo (created as an enclave for Barre’s Darod-Marehan clan members), Bay, and Bakool… Read More ›