Author: Osman Omar

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…

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…

TSA Officials Arrive in Mogadishu to Strengthen Aviation Security and Direct Flight Possibilities. Mogadishu, Somalia: A team of officials from the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has arrived in Mogadishu for a three-day visit to enhance aviation security and facilitate direct flights between Mogadishu and the United States. During their visit, the TSA officials discussed improving airport security and meeting international standards required for flights from Mogadishu to the US with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) leadership. The discussions focused on implementing advanced screening technologies and developing comprehensive security protocols at Aden Adde International Airport. These initiatives aim…

 Talo Soo Jeedin: Sharci Cusub oo Lagu Xakameynayo Siyaasiyiinta Isticmaala Baasaboorada Diblomaasiyadda ee Ka Shaqeeya Dano Shisheeye Dowladda Soomaaliya waxay wajahaysaa xaalado adag oo dhinaca diblomaasiyadda ah, iyadoo qaar kamid ah siyaasiyiinta dowladda ay ka shaqeynayaan danaha waddamo shisheeye. Si looga hortago halista ka dhalan karta arrintaan, waxaa muhiim ah in la qaado tallaabooyin adag si loo ilaaliyo danaha qaranka, loona xakameeyo shaqsiyaadka isticmaala baasaboorada diblomaasiyadda ee ka soo horjeeda danaha Soomaaliya. Sababaha Sharci Cusub loogu Baahan Yahay Siyaasiyiinta qaata baasaboorada diblomaasiyadda ee shaqeynaya danaha waddamada shisheeye waxay halis gelinayaan ammaanka qaranka iyo madaxbannaanida siyaasadeed ee Soomaaliya. Waxaa jira iska…

Why Negotiating with Al-Shabaab Now Would Undermine Somali Government’s Progres In light of recent developments and the internal dynamics within Al-Shabaab, now is not the time to negotiate with the group. Al-Shabaab is not a monolithic organization; it comprises two distinct factions with differing interests. The first faction, primarily motivated by financial gain, operates as a gang involved in various money-making schemes. The second faction, the core Al-Shabaab members, believe they are the sole representatives of faithful Islam in Somalia. This core group exerts control over the gang faction, trying to align their activities with the broader ideological goals of…

Djibouti Signals Strong Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty Djibouti has stepped and hosting key leaders from the SSC-Khatumo and Awdal State regions of Somalia. This gathering underscores Djibouti’s strong alignment with Somalia, amidst escalating regional tensions catalyzed by recent controversial maneuvers by Ethiopia. The core of these tensions revolves around a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister with representatives of the northwestern regions of Somalia, “Somaliland.” This agreement, which aims to enhance cooperation between Ethiopia and the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland, has sparked a wave of criticism. Detractors label the MoU as both “irresponsible” and “illegal,” attributing…

Khudbadda Madaxweynaha ee furitaanka Kalfadhiga 5-aad BFS. Waxaa sharaf iyo karaamo ii ah inaan furo kalfadhigan 5-aad ee BFS oo muhimmad weyn u leh geeddisocodka dowlad dhiska Soomaaliya ee aan ku matalayno shacabkeenna. Ugu horreyntii Waxaan halkan tacsi uga dirayaa xubnahii ka geeriyooday BFS muddadii ka dambaysay furitaanka kalfadhiga afraad, ee kala ahaa: 1- AUN Xildh. Wasiir Khadiija Maxamed Diiriye iyo 2- AUN Senator Abdirisaaq Maxamed Xareed Waxa aan sidoo kale uga tacsiyeynayaa Barlamaanka Somaaliyeed, anigoo horaanba ugu tacsiyeeyay shacabka Soomaaliyeed, geeridii waayeelkii Soomaaliyeed, AUN Maxamaed Sh. Cismaan Jawaari, Guddoomiyahii hore ee Golaha Shacabka BFS. Waxuu ahaa qof ummadda Soomaaliyeed…

The city of Ceerigaabo, also known as Erigavo, is the capital of the Sanaag region in Somalia. Since 1991, the town has experienced significant changes due to local clan dynamics. During the Somali civil wars, each clan withdrew to its respective villages, leaving Ceerigaabo nearly deserted. However, leaders from the Habar Yoonis, Habar Jeclo, Warsangali, and Dulmahante clans have worked to maintain the city’s unity. The historically significant Yube 1 and Yube 2 conferences led to harmony and peace in coexistence under a single administration. Recent open-source intelligence suggests that the unity agreement reached 25 years ago is now threatened…

Potential consequences if Ethiopia sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a secessionist group in Northern Somalia: 1. Increased Threat from Al Shabab: Signing an MoU with a secessionist group in Northern Somalia could potentially create a power vacuum or destabilize the region, leading to an increased threat from the militant group Al Shabab. This could allow Al Shabab to expand its influence into Somaliland, bringing them closer to strategically important military bases in Djibouti, which raises regional security concerns. 2. Mass Refugee Crisis: The political upheaval resulting from this agreement could trigger a significant humanitarian crisis, forcing over one…