Author: scswe

The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with the discussions came during a meeting on Thursday between the Acting Head of UNSOS, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, and the UK Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, where the two sides reviewed cooperation under the Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund and ongoing support to security operations in the country. According to UNSOS, the talks focused on the office’s logistical and operational assistance to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali Security Forces, both of which remain central to efforts to counter Al-Shabaab…

The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with videos widely circulated on social media show extensive destruction caused by the fighting, including homes set ablaze and armed militia members openly celebrating their actions. One of the videos recorded inside Jalalaqsi features a man speaking directly to the camera, describing his alleged involvement in incidents that occurred during the clashes. The burning of civilian homes and the mobilization of armed militias underscore the seriousness of the situation in the town. So far, neither the Federal Government of Somalia nor the Hirshabelle State administration has issued an…

The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with according to preliminary reports, a vehicle driven by the suspect collided at high speed with a three-wheeled taxi (bajaj) carrying five passengers. All five occupants were killed at the scene. Police said the suspect was apprehended after a manhunt that lasted several hours. Investigations are currently underway to establish the exact cause of the crash and determine any criminal liability arising from the incident. Deeq Jeesow is known on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he has built a sizeable following. Local reports also indicate that he…

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between AUSSOM and UNMAS to address the persistent danger posed by landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other explosive remnants of war, which continue to undermine security and stability in the country. The two officials emphasized the need to accelerate mine action and explosive ordnance disposal operations, particularly in areas affected by attacks carried out by armed groups. They also agreed on the importance of expanding the “Train-the-Trainers” programme to help build sustainable national capacity and enable Somali security institutions to independently manage and respond to explosive threats. Kavuma stressed the need to equip…

The delegation was led by Deputy Commander of the Somali Police Force, Brig. Osman Abdullahi Mohamed (Kaniif), and included the Commander of Galmudug Police Division, Col. Mohamed Dahir Abdulle, Commander of the Somali National Army’s 21st Division, Col. Mohamed Dhagaweyne, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Commander for Galmudug, Col. Dubad, and other senior security officers. The visit focused on evaluating the overall security conditions in Hanabuure, a community that is recovering from earlier inter-clan clashes involving neighboring communities living in the area. During the visit, the security officials held meetings with traditional elders, community leaders, and representatives from…

The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with in a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the operation targeted locations where Al-Shabaab leaders and militants were reportedly present. The government, which commonly refers to the group as “Khawaarij,” said 14 militants were killed during the raid. According to the statement, troops also destroyed weapons, explosives and other equipment allegedly used by the group to plan and execute attacks against civilians and government targets. The Ministry of Defence said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Somali National Armed Forces to weaken and…

After more than a decade of technical review, multi-stakeholder consultation, and contested political negotiation, Somalia’s Federal Parliament voted by a decisive two-thirds majority to bring the constitutional process to completion. The moment was the product of sustained collective effort — spanning two administrations, multiple oversight bodies, federal member states, civil society, traditional leaders, and international partners — anchored across the two presidential terms of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose political leadership bookended the entire process. The completion of the constitution carries profound legal, political, and historical significance. For more than three decades, Somalia struggled to rebuild a functioning state following the…

The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with nISA said its operatives tracked the materials for an extended period before intercepting them in the Jilib Marka area of Lower Shabelle region, a territory where the militant group has long maintained a presence. The spy agency released photographs showing armed officers standing over yellow containers excavated from the ground, saying the militants had buried them after realising security forces were closing in. Al Shabaab has for years used improvised explosive devices to target government troops, African Union peacekeepers and civilians across the country. The agency said…

By Ibrahim Hirsi Somali poetry has long occupied a central place in Somali cultural life, serving as a primary mode of expression within an overwhelmingly oral society. It encompasses a vast range of forms and functions, including lullabies, work songs, dance songs, religious verse, praise poetry, and political commentary. Despite this diversity, the dominant trends in the collection, study, and canonisation of Somali poetry have disproportionately centred works produced by nomadic pastoralist communities, particularly those from the north. This imbalance is neither accidental nor purely aesthetic; it is rooted in historical, political, and ideological processes that have shaped both Somali…

US-IRAN TALKS IN MUSCAT: Managing Risk amid High Tension When Iranian and American officials meet in Muscat on Friday, global attention will focus on a stage long associated with high-stakes diplomacy. The venue is set, but the format, agenda, and potential for a substantive outcome remain uncertain. This ambiguity is not incidental; it reflects the reality of US-Iran relations today, where cautious negotiation coexists with the constant threat of confrontation. Oman’s selection as host is both practical and symbolic. Muscat has historically offered a discreet channel for adversaries unable to meet openly, from the back-channel diplomacy that helped pave the…