Author: Abdihakim Siyad

2025 was one of the most dramatic years in Somalia’s recent history marked by landmark democratic reform, escalating security conflict, and a geopolitical shock that reverberated across the Horn of Africa.  From Mogadishu’s first direct elections one man one vote in decades to Israel’s controversial recognition of Somaliland, Somalia found itself at the center of both domestic transformation and global diplomacy. 🗳️ Democratic Reform — Historic Local Elections in Mogadishu For the first time since 1969, residents of Mogadishu participated in direct local elections, replacing the long-standing clan-based selection model. District council representatives were chosen through universal suffrage voting, widely…

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has strongly dismissed accusations by a section of ODM leaders that he is meddling in the party’s internal politics ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaking during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who died earlier this month in a road accident, Uhuru said that although he is a retired president, he should not be provoked or disrespected. “Mimi ni mstaafu, lakini kusema mstaafu sio kusema uniingize kidole kwa macho. Pia mimi nitakuingiza kwa sababu hatuogopi,” he said. He further urged political leaders to build their own parties, develop clear policies, and engage directly with…

Ankara In a highly anticipated press conference, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Turkey and Somalia, emphasizing Turkey’s unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and development efforts. Erdogan Condemns Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu President Erdogan strongly condemned recent actions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that: “We defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Somali people. We will not allow any interference from Netanyahu. This is a violation. Benjamin has killed 70,000 Palestinians and attacked seven countries in the Islamic world. This is an outright violation.”…

What began as a little-noticed political dispute in the early 1990s has now evolved into one of the most sensitive geopolitical developments in the Horn of Africa. The self-declared Republic of Somaliland has operated as a de-facto independent region since 1991 yet internationally, Somalia remains recognised as a single sovereign state. Recent developments from Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, to growing instability in northern Somalia have now pulled global powers, regional blocs, and the UN Security Council directly into the dispute. This article traces the story from Somaliland’s breakaway to today’s global diplomatic confrontation. A…

At just 26 years old, Hon. Umulkheir Harun made history in 2022 as one of Kenya’s youngest Members of Parliament. Today, as she campaigns for the Garissa County Women Representative seat ahead of the 2027 general election, she continues to demonstrate that leadership is defined not by age or privilege, but by impact, vision, and dedication to public service. Early Life and the Roots of Leadership Born and raised in southern Garissa County, Umulkheir fondly called “Umi” grew up in a family that deeply valued education. Her father, Harun Mohamed, a former principal of Garissa High School, instilled discipline, resilience,…

Kenya’s Political Landscape in 2025 Kenya’s political scene  is at a pivotal point. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has proposed a constitutional referendum to address unresolved legal and structural gaps in governance. Coupled with the passing of opposition leader Raila Odinga, the nation faces major political shifts, coalition realignments, and debates over its constitutional future. Musalia Mudavadi’s Call for a Constitutional Referendum Why a Referendum is Considered Necessary Mudavadi has emphasized that Kenya is at a constitutional crossroads. He argues that unresolved issues in the 2010 Constitution particularly electoral boundaries, gender representation, and governance structures  must be addressed to ensure the credibility…

A Region in Crisis North Eastern Kenya is experiencing one of the most severe droughts in decades, pushing millions of pastoralists, herders, and rural families to the brink of famine. Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera  the three counties that make up the region  are facing prolonged dry spells, failed rains, depleted water sources, and devastating livestock losses. These conditions have serious social, economic, and environmental consequences for the largely pastoral communities. The Current Drought Situation Failed Rainfall Seasons and Climatic Impact Meteorological data indicate that the October–December 2024 rains failed, followed by the March–May and October–December 2025 seasons. This lack of precipitation has…

Somalia’s presence in the international diplomatic stage has always been shaped by its diplomats, and at the forefront of this mission stands Abukar Osman, Somalia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, known for his eloquence, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, Osman has become a key figure in defending the country’s interests on the global stage particularly in response to Israel’s policies regarding Somaliland Recognition. Biography of Abukar Osman Abukar Osman has dedicated his career to diplomacy and international relations.  Born and raised in Somalia. He is reported to have studied political science and international law, building…