Author: Osman Omar

Ethiopia Continues to Smuggle Illegal Weapons into Somalia On July 16, 2024, a significant shipment of illegal weapons from Ethiopia made its way into Somalia, specifically into the Galgaduud region. These weapons, initially intended for unknown purposes, were quickly looted by clan militias and have since flooded Somalia’s black market. Yesterday, Mogadishu Police Commissioner Macalin Mahdi displayed several of these illicit weapons, which were recently confiscated in an illegal arms market. According to authorities, these weapons were part of the same shipment that crossed into Somalia from Ethiopia in mid-July. The weapons were looted by militias and sold off to…

Rising Tensions in Bookh District The district of Bookh, located in the Doolo region of the Somali region in Ethiopia, a tense situation has developed last night and continue to grow and that could lead to a military confrontation between Puntland forces and armed clan militias. These militias are currently blocking three vehicles carrying weapons, ammunition, and military supplies destined for Puntland President H.E. Said Abdullahi Deni, according to reliable sources. Earlier this afternoon, Ethiopia’s New Police forces brought these vehicles, which were loaded with supplies for President Deni, to Bookh. However, the vehicles were intercepted by armed youth who had prior…

Opinion: Abiy Ahmed’s Leadership is Steering Ethiopia Toward Collapse Ethiopia is currently facing a critical juncture, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the center of its turmoil. The situation on the ground speaks volumes: an average of 40 lives are lost daily due to ongoing conflicts, not to mention the countless others who die from hunger and inadequate healthcare. These are not just statistics but a reflection of a leadership failure that demands urgent attention. Promises of peace and reform initially marked Abiy Ahmed’s tenure. However, the reality has been starkly different. The violence and instability in Ethiopia have escalated…

Somalia 2023 GDP Hits USD 10.969 Billion” SNBS is pleased to announce the release of the much-awaited Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report for 2023, providing an insightful overview of Somalia’s economic performance amidst global challenges. The 2023 GDP report reveals Somalia’s robust economic resilience, with GDP reaching USD 10.969 billion, marking a significant 4.2% increase from 2.7% in 2022. This growth was driven by thriving sectors such as construction, investment, and resilient livestock exports, underpinning Somalia’s capacity to seize emerging opportunities. Despite global uncertainties, Somalia maintains stable international trade dynamics, prominently supported by resilient livestock exports. Equally, household consumption saw a notable 4.5% rise,…

GOBANNIMADA QARANKA SOOMAALIYEED Waajibka kowaad ee maanta iyo goor walba oo la joogo naga saaran jiilasha naga dambeeya waa in aan ku sinno Soomaaliya oo mid ah, xor ah, kheyraadkeeduna bad qabo. Wax walba oo kale oo aan ka gaabinno waa naloo cafin karaa, balse waajibka na saaran waa in aan ammaanadi ay awowyaasheen nagu soo simeen aan u wareejinno si dhammeystiran oo nadiif ah. Ma jiro qof xaq u leh in ku takrifalo gobannimada, midnimada iyo danaha qaranka soomaaliyeed. Waxaa si gaar ah sharaf noogu ah aniga iyo inta ila midka ah in aan doonta siyaasadda iyo u adeegista…

The third phase of negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, mediated by Turkey, is expected to resume in Ankara on September 17th.According to diplomatic sources, the foreign ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia are expected to travel to Ankara soon, where indirect negotiations between the two countries will take place.The Turkish government has already mediated two previous rounds of indirect negotiations between the two nations in Ankara, but those rounds ended without any results.Somalia has insisted that Ethiopia first withdraw from its maritime agreement with Somaliland so that the negotiations can succeed. At the same time, Ethiopia has demanded clarity on what…

Turkey and Somalia signed the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Agreement. Turkey and Somalia signed the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Agreement.’ and maritime security cooperation. The agreement grants Turkey exclusive rights to explore and produce oil in three blocks within Somali territorial waters. Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Fatih Dönmez, and Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, signed it. The exploration project will involve conducting comprehensive 3D seismic surveys in the strategically located blocks. The first phase will begin in late September or early October using Turkey’s seismic vessel, Oruç Reis, and a fleet of…

Al-Shabaab’s Departure from Islamic Principles The ongoing battles against Al-Shabaab have shockingly demonstrated that their actions and beliefs are not in alignment with true Islamic principles, as highlighted by Somali Islamic scholars. This group, often referred to as Khawarij—meaning “seceders” or “those who exit the community”—has repeatedly shown through its behavior that it has strayed far from Islamic teachings. One glaring example is the cultural taboo they violate by displaying tattoos. In Somali culture and Islamic tradition, tattoos are considered forbidden. There is no word for “tattoo” in the Somali language, underscoring its cultural and religious prohibition. Al-Shabaab fighters, however,…

Investigation Report: The Arms Trade in Somalia The Arms Trade in Somalia. Over the past 24 hours, I investigated the origins of a recent influx of weapons. This inquiry revealed a complex and challenging arms trade involving multiple countries and regional actors. One of the critical questions I sought to answer was why Ethiopia, despite being embroiled in its conflict, is supplying weapons to smugglers. To gain insights, I spoke with numerous individuals involved in the arms trade in Somalia, including about ten smugglers. Among them was a man who goes by the name “Ali Daynuunaay.” Ali Daynuunaay provided…

Clan Influence in Social Media and Al-Shabaab’s Exploitation Clan affiliations have always played a significant role in Somali politics, economy, and leadership, particularly in the struggle for power and influence. In recent years, social media has amplified these dynamics, becoming a tool for Al-Shabaab to spread its propaganda, capitalizing on the vulnerabilities of the Somali people. For Somali politicians, clan identity is often the primary means to gain or maintain power. A recent example is Said Abdullahi Dani, the president of Puntland, who, during the Puntland elections on January 8, 2024, explicitly stated on social media that the president of…

Al Shabab Core Group Losing Momentum, Recent reports indicate that Al Shabab, the notorious militant group in Somalia, is experiencing a significant loss of momentum. Al Shabab comprises two distinct factions: one that operates like gangsters, driven by profit, and the other, a core group driven by ideological beliefs. The ideological faction of Al Shabab is committed to its cause, with a primary objective of killing or capturing its enemies. In contrast, the profit-driven faction engages in drug trafficking and other illicit activities to generate income for Al Shabab. Motivated by money rather than ideology, these members often disassociate from…