Author: Osman Omar

Somalia and Türkiye Deepen Energy Ties as Turkish Drilling Vessels Head to Somali Waters. A high-level Somali delegation, led by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Mr. Dahir Shire Mohamed, recently visited Turkish oil drilling ships in the Black Sea. This visit marks a significant step in the burgeoning energy partnership between Somalia and Türkiye as Turkish vessels, including the renowned Fatih, prepare to embark on exploration missions off the Somali coast.​ The collaboration stems from a hydrocarbon exploration and production agreement signed between the two nations in March 2024. Under this deal, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) secured exclusive…

The Beginning of the End of Secession in Northern Somalia The blue Somali flag, now raised atop a prominent hill overlooking the city of Las Anod and visible from 40 miles away, is more than just a tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives resisting secessionists in Hargeysa. It symbolizes hope and encouragement for those who continue to live under separatist rule yet yearn for the chance to freely express their political preferences—whether to remain part of Somalia or to secede. Raising the Somali flag is a powerful reminder of a fundamental human right: the freedom…

Why Al-Shabaab Cannot Capture Mogadishu – A Comprehensive Analysis

Enhancing the Security of Somali Money Transfer Systems

Somalia’s Strategic Port Offer: A Double-Edged Sword The Somali federal government’s decision to offer the United States control over strategic ports like Berbera and Bosaso presents an opportunity to elevate Somalia’s geopolitical standing. This move could bring significant advantages, including enhanced security cooperation, foreign investment, and a stronger alliance with a global superpower. By aligning with the U.S., Somalia could reinforce its sovereignty claims over regions like Somaliland and Puntland while also gaining technical and military support to combat terrorism and piracy along its coast. However, the proposal also exposes Somalia to significant risks. Offering control of ports outside Mogadishu’s…

Sheikh Sharif’s Controversial Remarks Undermine Somali National Security and Political Future. Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed recently made a controversial statement, later echoed by Al-Shabaab’s spokesperson, asserting that the Somali National Army lacks even a single battalion capable of effective combat. This statement, delivered publicly during an interaction with journalists in Mogadishu, has raised significant concerns regarding Sheikh Sharif’s judgment and its impact on national security and public morale. Sheikh Sharif, who previously garnered widespread public support and admiration for his vocal stance against Al-Shabaab, now faces scrutiny over actions that contradict his former reputation. His earlier leadership…

The Business of Manufactured Narratives: How Online Analysts Profit from Criticizing Somalia In today’s digital era, the internet has become a marketplace where narratives are crafted, sold, and reshaped to fit personal agendas. A peculiar class of self-styled analysts has emerged—individuals who continuously produce misleading articles and commentary about the country despite being far removed from Somalia and lacking firsthand experience of its evolving realities. Their goal? To establish themselves as authorities, secure consulting contracts, and expand their influence. Among the most notable are Rashid Abdi (@Rabdianalyst) and Afyare A. Elmi (@afyre A Elmi), who have turned political commentary into…

Why the Somali Army Needs More Small Drones for Perimeter Defense and Reconnaissance Against Al-Shabaab The Somali National Army (SNA) faces persistent threats from Al-Shabaab, a highly mobile and adaptive insurgency that exploits gaps in surveillance and perimeter security. To effectively counter these threats, the SNA must urgently invest in small drones for real-time reconnaissance and enhanced perimeter defense. 1. Small Drones Provide 24/7 Aerial Surveillance Al-Shabaab militants rely on stealth, mobility, and surprise attacks to infiltrate army bases and ambush patrols. Small drones can provide constant aerial monitoring of military perimeters, detecting suspicious movements before they become a direct…

Recent investigations into online activities have revealed an alarming pattern: individuals and groups who publicly support the secessionist movement in northern Somalia (commonly referred to as Somaliland) are increasingly voicing moral and ideological support for Al-Shabaab on social media platforms, particularly Twitter/X. This phenomenon raises serious questions about the underlying connections between these two seemingly distinct factions. The Evidence of Support During a comprehensive analysis of various social media accounts, multiple profiles associated with Somaliland secessionists were observed openly endorsing and encouraging Al-Shabaab. While these accounts may not directly engage in militant activities, their public expressions of sympathy and moral…

According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, Turkey has officially announced its plan to deploy its latest Bayraktar Akıncı drones to Somalia. If Turkey proceeds with this deployment, it would be a rare and invaluable opportunity for Somalia. These advanced drones will significantly enhance the Somali National Army’s (SNA) capabilities by providing critical intelligence on Al-Shabaab’s movements and destroying their hideouts. Strategic Opportunities for the Somali Government Additionally, the recent declaration by the Hawiye clan to take up arms against Al-Shabaab presents another strategic opportunity for the Somali government. As the most powerful clan in South-Central Somalia, Hawiye’s involvement in…

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than the truth, extremist groups like Al-Shabaab have mastered the art of digital propaganda. Despite efforts to combat their influence, the group continues to manipulate social media and online platforms to spread fear and misinformation. Alarmingly, their ability to operate unchecked raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Somali intelligence agencies, particularly the National Intelligence and Security Agency (@HSNQ_NISA). The Rising Threat of Al-Shabaab’s Propaganda Al-Shabaab has long relied on propaganda to maintain its influence and recruit new members. Their media operatives produce fake videos, doctored images, and exaggerated battlefield reports to spread…