Jigjiga Mirror

14/07/2025

The Clan Trap: How Tribal Politics Undermines Somali Region

In Somali Region, clan identity has long been the thread that weaves communities together, a source of belonging, continuity, and shared pride. This complex kinship system once acted as a lifeline in challenging environments, helping to preserve traditions and provide collective security. However, as the world has modernized, this cultural legacy has taken a darker turn. What used to be a unifying force has transformed into clannism, a toxic political ideology that places tribal loyalty above everything else, tainting the foundations of justice, democracy, and progress.

The shift from cultural identity to a political tool didn’t occur in a day. Much like termites slowly eating away at a grand baobab tree, clannism has quietly undermined the region's governance systems. Today, it poses the biggest challenge to creating a fair and inclusive society. You can see the signs everywhere: public offices turning into family legacies instead of roles earned through hard work; talented young professionals from the "wrong" clans facing sudden roadblocks in their careers; and the painful rifts that pit neighboring communities against each other, all vying for limited political favors.

You can really see this dynamic play out in the corridors of regional power. The Somali Regional Government operates under an unspoken yet unyielding rule; leadership is reserved for certain bloodlines. A select few clans hold a tight grip on important positions, using a complex system of tribal calculations that would make even medieval politics look modest. This isn’t just a case of favoritism; it’s a deeply ingrained system of exclusion, where who you’re born to matters more than your talent, and connections often overshadow actual skills. The outcome? A government that feels more like an exclusive club than a public institution.

The real tragedy is the missed opportunities all around us. Take Oromia, for instance, where leaders from West Guji, Borana, Arsi, Bale, Wellega and Shawa have emerged not because of their family ties, but due to their vision and skills. Their achievements show that Oromia's rich diversity can actually be a source of strength instead of a dividing line.

Unfortunately, in the Somali Region, this valuable lesson seems to fall on deaf ears as political families hold onto power, treating public resources like their own personal inheritance. The consequences are dire, development is stunted, instability is chronic, and a whole generation of talent is either leaving or completely disengaging.

When the oppressive regime fell in 2018, many of us dared to dream of change. Maybe this was the time when merit would finally take precedence over lineage. But breaking old habits is tough. While the faces in power have changed, the underlying system--those unspoken rules about who gets ahead and who gets sidelined--has remained frustratingly the same. Today, leadership still flows through narrow tribal channels instead of being accessible to anyone who could serve with excellence.

The consequences spread far and wide. Bright, ambitious individuals turn away from public service, fully aware that the odds are stacked against them. Communities splinter along clan lines, perceiving politics as a zero-sum game where one group must either dominate or be dominated. Meanwhile, the region's potential slowly fades away, its people divided, its institutions weakened, and its future tied to tribal politics.

Breaking this cycle takes real courage. It means understanding that public office isn’t a birthright but a sacred trust that must be earned through vision and service. It involves creating institutions that are robust enough to resist the lure of tribal favoritism. Most importantly, it calls for leaders who view the Somali Region not as a battleground of competing clans but as a shared homeland where every citizen has an equal chance to contribute.

The stakes are incredibly high. If we continue down this current path, clannism will devour the region's future, leaving behind only deeper divisions and lost potential. But if we choose a different route, the Somali Region could become a shining example of how diverse societies can flourish when they rise above tribal politics.

History will judge us harshly if we let this moment slip by. Yet for those who can envision a future beyond clan divisions and have the courage to pursue that vision, an alternative future is still within reach, one where leadership is defined not by lineage but by what one builds, heals, and unites. The tools to create that future are already at our disposal. The real question is whether we have the will to use them.

Jigjiga Mirror

14/07/2025

SRS Government Prepares Major Administrative Restructuring: New urban centers Rankings, Councils, and Woredas to Be Announced

Jigjiga Mirror has obtained data from reliable sources within regional leadership indicating that, next week, the regional government is scheduled to approve the rankings of 40 urban centers within the region. These rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of demographic, resource, and infrastructural metrics, utilizing various percentages and numerical data.

Prominent urban centers listed include Jigjiga, Godey, Dh/buur, K/Dhar, Tog-Wachale, K/bayah, Dolo-ado, among others.

The ranking system employed a weighted scoring model that evaluated the following criteria:
✅ Population metrics
✅ Economic vitality
✅ Infrastructure development
✅ Public service access
✅ Strategic location

For example, Jigjiga ranks highest with a population of 186,415 residents and a score of 95%. Other key towns include Godey (80.6%), Dh/buur (72.8%), K/Dhar (70.3%), Dolo-ado (67.6%), Tog-Wachale (60.55%), K/bayah (51.75%), Shiniile (45.41%), Hargelle (42.34%), and Wardheer (39.55%). These figures reflect substantial population sizes and comparable percentage metrics, highlighting their importance within the regional landscape.

The rankings incorporate multiple factors, such as population size, revenue generation, economic vitality, strategic location and access to essential services like banking facilities, airports, electricity and other infrastructure. This holistic approach offers a clear view of each town’s relative development, significance, and contribution to the region’s overall growth.

Our sources also suggest that the region is likely to approve a new council administration and additional woredas in the near future. Jigjiga Mirror will be closely monitoring these developments.

Jigjiga Mirror

10/07/2025

Subagle is facing a political dilemma

Abdirahman H**e, also known as Mr. Subagle is caught in a political bind. His journey in politics was meant to be a story of redemption, a man rising from the depths of poverty to take on a leadership role, proving his worth to those who once dismissed him. But instead, it has turned into a cautionary tale about how deep-rooted insecurities, when combined with power, can lead to self-destruction.

His entire political identity has been shaped by his impoverished upbringing and crippling self-doubt. Every interaction is viewed through a lens of perceived inferiority; he believes others see him as weak, unworthy, or incompetent. This has resulted in a leadership style that is erratic and militant, marked by a hypersensitivity to criticism and an obsessive need to prove himself.

Psychological studies suggests that people with low self-esteem often overcompensate with aggressive ambition or blind loyalty to more powerful figures. Subagle’s initial alignment with Mustafa Agjar, a shrewd and Machiavellian leader, was no coincidence. He was seeking validation from a strong mentor, hoping Agjar would help him rise. However, Agjar, always the strategist, recognized Subagle’s instability and viewed him as a potential liability, much like Abdi Iley.

For a brief moment, Subagle thought he could step into Agjar's shoes as the next regional president. He spun a tale that Agjar was grooming him to be the rightful successor, only to realize too late that Agjar had no plans to hand over the power. Instead, Agjar had already thrown his support behind Hussein Kassim, leaving Subagle out in the cold politically.

In a desperate bid to save his position, Subagle did a complete turnaround, swearing allegiance to Adan Farah and the Somali Prosperity Party (SPP) leadership. He boldly proclaimed himself a "party man," trying to distance himself from Agjar and even scrubbed his social media of any posts praising him. But this abrupt change only fueled suspicion. Shale and his faction within the SPP saw Subagle as a mole for Agjar, and trust was hard to come by. Meanwhile, Agjar’s camp, now fully aware of Subagle’s betrayal, cut ties with him entirely.

Now, Subagle finds himself stuck in a political limbo, distrusted by both Agjar’s supporters and the SPP leadership. His efforts to prove his loyalty have backfired, leaving him feeling isolated and irrelevant. Reports suggest that Subagle, sensing the end of his political career, is contemplating stepping away from politics for good. He’s even asked for sponsorship to pursue further studies, a clear sign that he’s come to terms with the fact that his political ambitions are over.

This sudden retreat is telling. Subagle’s aspirations were never built on a solid foundation; they were merely a product of Mohamed Agjar’s influence. Now, as he’s being used and then tossed aside, the Dunning-Kruger effect--where a lack of competence is masked by overconfidence--has left him ill-prepared for the cutthroat world of Somali regional politics. His dreams of taking Agjar’s place now seem far-fetched, and his grip on his current position is slipping away.

Subagle’s political journey is a powerful reminder that unresolved personal trauma and unchecked insecurity have no place in leadership. Power doesn’t heal deep wounds; it only brings them to the surface. His struggle to reconcile his past with his political ambitions led to hasty decisions, misplaced loyalties, and ultimately, self-sabotage.

As Subagle slips into political obscurity, his downfall serves those who chase power to fill an inner void often find themselves consumed by it. Genuine leadership demands not just ambition, but also self-awareness, stability, and trust-qualities that Subagle never truly possessed.

Jigjiga Mirror

09/06/2025

Preaching Water But Drinking Wine....

While we truly believe that looking ahead, embracing inclusive dialogue, and pursuing peaceful politics are vital for real progress, it’s deeply disappointing to see the current revisionist approach of the ruling Prosperity Party. Regrettably, their actions often seem superficial--just symbolic gestures like toasting with wine and preaching water--without genuinely addressing the deep-rooted issues that Ethiopia faces.

When you take a closer look at Prosperity Party's ideology, it becomes clear that it’s a true reflection of revisionism-simply copying the old Dergue system, filled with hollow rhetoric and lacking any real originality or meaningful reform. This absence of a fresh vision or sincere commitment to change raises serious doubts about their ability to build a better future.

Real progress demands more than nostalgic posturing or empty slogans; it calls for honest reflection, accountability, and the courage to break free from the cycles of the past. Only then can we hope to create a future rooted in inclusivity, respect, and shared prosperity for all.

Jigjiga Mirror

08/06/2025

Spilling the beans…

While publicly slamming the Ethiopian opposition with a post he shared on his X (Twitter) account, President Mustafe is actually working behind the scenes very closely with the same opposition groups that have been rallying lately. That post seems to be a strategic move to divert Abiy’s attention and to make it look like he’s fully aligned with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, but the reality is quite different.

During a recent virtue meeting of the opposition movement, Jawar made a bold proposal that they should consider engaging with disgruntled members within the Prosperity Party’s leadership. This suggestion alludes to a potentially deeper and more troubling conspiracy, with some top officials, suspected of involvement in clandestine plots and possibly coordinating with opposition groups.

As previously reported, there is growing efforts to establish a post-Abiy transitional government, with President Mustafe Omar widely hinted as a leading candidate to assume its leadership.

Right now, trust in Amahara, Oromo, and Tigray leaders is at an all-time low. Some members of the Oromo and Amahara opposition believe that Mustafe should step in temporarily to lead Ethiopia after Abiy, until true, free, and fair elections can be held. They see him as someone who could help spark the rapid change Ethiopia desperately needs.

Anyone who’s connected with the Ethiopian opposition knows the real story. And those who’ve spoken privately with Mustafe are well aware of what’s really going on behind the scenes. The truth is often more complex than it appears on the surface.

Jigjiga Mirror

06/06/2025

Agjar Meltdown: Navigating Growing Political Uncertainty

Since the last Prosperity Party meeting, Mustafa Caqjar appears to be facing a significant personal and political crisis. Insider sources who attended the recent PP meeting revealed that Agjar received some harsh criticism from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which visibly rattled him.

Shortly after that, Mustafa jetted off to Dubai for medical treatment, sparking a wave of speculation about his health and overall stability. His next destination was Kenya, where he participated in a rather low-key ceremony in Garissa. This was followed by a series of political rallies aimed at rallying Somali communities in Nairobi, seemingly part of his strategy to reclaim his influence amid the rising uncertainties.

In a candid discussion with members of the Somali diaspora, Agjar didn’t hold back, declaring that Ethiopia’s economy is essentially in freefall, even going as far as to label the nation "bankrupt." He attributed the downturn to what he perceives as Prime Minister Abiy’s poor leadership and the ongoing conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions. His comments certainly grabbed attention of observers, not just for their bluntness but also for the noticeable shift in his demeanor.

Mustafa has reportedly poured millions into building connections and relationships with influential Amhara YouTubers, media personality and political leaders, all in a bid to enhance his image as a reformist and a potential future leader of Ethiopia.

However, his outreach hasn’t gone unnoticed, and reactions have been mixed. Some elements within the Amhara elite, who are already at odds with Prime Minister Abiy, are trying to leverage Mustafa’s support to challenge the current government. They’re even positioning him as Ethiopia’s potential savior, someone who could step in and take Abiy’s place, stirring the political waters even further.

Despite all this, Mustafa remains quite unpopular in the Somali Regional State (SRS) and still heavily depends on Addis Ababa’s support. His criticisms of the federal government, along with his recent actions, paint a picture of a complex and fragile political situation.

Since Agjar returned to Jijiga, things seem to have taken a troubling turn for him. Those close to him describe a man who looks frail, emotionally shaken, and increasingly paranoid. The vibrant energy he once had has faded, leaving behind a gaunt figure with sunken eyes, hinting at a decline in both health and mental well-being.

Insiders suggest that Agjar is consumed by fears for his safety, convinced that the federal government might be plotting to assassinate him. Some of his close associates have shared that he hardly ever stays in Addis Ababa anymore, avoiding meals there out of fear of being poisoned, even going so far as to bring his own food to national meetings.

Agjar's worries haven't slipped under the radar in diplomatic circles. Insiders have shared that he’s opened up to a few diplomats about his concerns for his safety and his growing discomfort with Prime Minister Abiy. Rumors are circulating behind closed doors that he might be considering stepping down, feeling increasingly isolated and vulnerable as the days go by.

To cover up his mounting frustrations and the deepening rift with PM Abiy, Mustafa has been ramping up his reshares of the Prime Minister’s posts on social media lately. Some interpret this as a move to display solidarity and alignment with PM Abiy, or maybe just a way to divert attention from his own internal battles and uncertainties.

A reliable source has shared with Jijiga Mirror that Prime Minister Abiy has been discreetly mulling over a leadership change in the Somali region for some time now. It seems the premier has found a candidate he truly trusts, someone who has shown loyalty and dependability.

This change might help explain Agjar’s recent unpredictable behavior and odd actions. There’s even some buzz that Agjar might not stick around until the end of 2025, which has sparked rumors about a possible sudden exit.

As the political landscape continues to evolve and tensions between Abiy and Mustafa Agjar escalate, the pressing question is: will Agjar’s crisis spiral even further, or can he find a way to regain his footing? For now, all signs point to a man under immense pressure, grappling with emotional, political, and possibly even physical strain. The days ahead will reveal whether he can navigate through this storm.

Jigjiga Mirror

23/05/2025

BREAKING: Somali Region Politician Survives Assassination Attempt in Addis Ababa

Reports from Addis Ababa confirm that Mr. Gurey Fidaar, a prominent Somali political figure, was attacked by unidentified individuals in the Ethiopian capital. Preliminary information indicate that Mr. Fidaar sustained injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical care.

According to initial findings, the incident appears to be politically motivated. Sources suggest that internal tensions and rivalries between opposition factions and the Somali Regional leadership may have played a role.

The timing of the attack coincides with recent meetings held by prominent opposition figures in Addis Ababa, during which they condemned the Somali Regional Government over escalating political instability and human rights concerns within the region.

The federal government has launched a formal investigation, which remains ongoing. Further details are expected to be disclosed as the investigation advances in the coming days.

Jigjiga Mirror

11/05/2025

Fact Check: Mustafa Caqjar’s continued association with the notorious media outlet Cakara News, now rebranded as SDM, reveals a troubling pattern of continuity. Historically, Cakara News was known for its propagandistic content and disinformation campaigns under the previous regime, including graphic images and videos depicting ONLF members being dragged through the streets.

However, SDM now appears to function as a tool for the current regime’s attacks on political opponents. Caqjar persistent reliance on a platform with a questionable reputation raises serious concerns about the regime’s integrity and its ongoing use of brutal tactics to suppress dissent.

Recently, Cakara News, also known as SDM, accused Jigjiga Mirror of posting AI-generated content. However, a reputable AI detection tool verified that the SDM post alleging this was, in fact, itself an AI-generated. The app SDM employed, Justdone, is unreliable and frequently misclassifies genuine posts as AI-created; for example, even random Somali content from SDM is flagged as AI-generated.

For accurate verification, trusted media outlet and validated tools should be used. Relying on unreliable methods only spreads misinformation and undermines credibility. The link below may assist in accurately detecting AI-generated content.

https://www.duplichecker.com

- Jigjiga Mirror

03/05/2025

Beyond the Headlines: The Somali Region’s Silent Crisis

As the global community commemorated World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, honoring the indispensable role of a free press in democracy, the Somali Region stood as a grim emblem of repression under President Mustafa Cagjar’s administration. This day, meant to champion journalistic integrity, instead served as a reminder of the systemic erosion of free expression and independent media in the region.

The dream of a vibrant independent media in the Somali Region has been decimated. Over 15 media outlets have shuttered under government pressure, leaving state-controlled SRTV as the sole television broadcaster in the capital, Jigjiga. SRTV, widely perceived as a propaganda arm of the regime, monopolizes the airwaves, stifling dissent and depriving citizens of impartial news. This deliberate silencing has created an informational vacuum, where critical discourse is replaced by state-sanctioned narratives.

The human toll of this crackdown is immense. Journalists face relentless harassment, surveillance, and threats, severely hindering their reporting. Some have been forced into exile, fearing persecution or imprisonment, while others bravely remain, operating in a climate of terror where even routine journalism risks reprisal.

The administration’s playbook for stifling dissent includes arbitrary arrests, invasive surveillance, and legal harassment. Security forces routinely detain journalists without charge, while vague anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws are weaponized to criminalize investigative reporting. Newsrooms face abrupt raids, equipment seizures, and forced closures - a clear strategy to paralyze independent journalism through fear.

President Mustafa Cagjar’s government stands accused of orchestrating this assault on press freedom. Advocates argue that the crackdown is not incidental but a calculated bid to consolidate power by controlling public discourse.

The silencing of the press has dire societal ramifications. Without independent media, citizens lack access to information critical for holding power to account. Misinformation proliferates, civic engagement withers, and marginalized voices are erased. This erosion of transparency breeds corruption and unchecked authority, undermining the region’s democratic foundations.

As the world marked World Press Freedom Day, the grim reality in the Somali Region serves a rallying cry. The international community – governments, press freedom organizations, and multilateral bodies – must act against this suppression.

The crisis in the Somali Region is a microcosm of a nationwide struggle. Press freedom is not a privilege, but a pillar of democracy and its defense demands unwavering resolve. On this World Press Freedom Day, let the Somali Region’s journalists remind us that the pen, when free, remains mightier than the sword.

- Jigjiga Mirror

03/03/2025

The question is whether Ethiopia’s leaders will heed this cry before the Somali Region’s collapse destabilizes the nation further. As Al-Shabaab grows, famine spreads, and ethnic grievances boil, the cost of indifference may soon prove too high.

In the dusty outskirts of Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, Amina Hassan queues for hours under the blistering sun,

27/02/2025

Prime Minister Abiy Arrives in Somalia for Official Visit

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, arrived at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu today, leading a high-level delegation. Upon landing, Abiy was warmly welcomed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who personally greeted the Prime Minister and his team. The welcoming ceremony included an honor guard composed of special units from the Somali National Army, underscoring the significance of this visit.

The arrival of Prime Minister Abiy marks a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia. Following the visit, the two governments released a joint statement highlighting the progress made during recent discussions. This diplomatic engagement signals a commitment to promote reconciliation and strengthening the bond between the two nations.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of promoting common interests and addressing regional challenges. The joint statement emphasized the importance of cooperation in enhancing peace and security and improving bilateral relations to benefit both nations and the broader Horn of Africa region.

“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two sides for mutual benefit,” the statement read. Furthermore, it acknowledged the deep historical ties that connect the peoples of Somalia and Ethiopia and the shared borders that link them.

Recognizing these connections, the leaders emphasized the importance of building trust through enhanced cooperation in diplomacy, economics, and social affairs.

As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed engages with Somali officials, this visit has the potential to reshape cooperation in the Horn of Africa. The commitment to mutual interests and regional collaboration paves a hopeful path for both nations toward peace, development, and unity.

- Jigjiga Mirror

23/02/2025

In Somali Region, Speaking Out is an Act of Revolution

Timely, accurate information is the cornerstone of democracy, empowering citizens to make informed choices that shape their lives and communities. However, in Ethiopia’s Somali region—a landscape scarred by decades of repression and systemic inequality—this essential resource is systematically weaponized.

Successive corrupt leaders monopolize narratives, suppress dissent, and silence free media. This troubling trend is evidenced by the Ethiopian Media Authority’s recent expulsion of 15 foreign media outlets from the region and the arbitrary arrests of local journalists who dare to expose government corruption.

This repression undermines democracy and the public's right to information, as authorities intimidate critics, stifling transparency and deepening mistrust. Propaganda floods the airwaves, distorting facts into tools of control while dissent is brutally suppressed. Each act of suppression—be it banning media or jailing reporters—strengthens a regime that values power over people, replacing civic discourse with fear.

George Orwell’s timeless admonition— “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”—pierces the heart of this struggle. Ordinary citizens—journalists exposing corruption, activists combating enforced disappearances, farmers sharing tales of state neglect—are labeled enemies of the state, their voices silenced to uphold a regime that stifles accountability and suffocates communities. Their defiance reflects Orwell’s revolution: a steadfast refusal to allow darkness to prevail.

Amidst this bleak backdrop, the Jigjiga Mirror stands defiant. Our mission goes beyond journalism; it is a form of resistance. We debunk lies with precision, amplify marginalized voices, and equip citizens with verified truths as tools of liberation. Each investigation—whether exposing corruption or chronicling grassroots defiance—fights against authoritarianism. We advocate for transparency to combat corruption, promote accountability to restore trust, and empower the people to reclaim their sovereignty and power.

Regardless, in a world where disinformation is tyranny’s oxygen, we carve pathways of enlightenment. For democracy, good governance and free speech to thrive, power must flow from the people's right to know, not from the barrel of a gun. The Jigjiga Mirror ignites the revolutionary spark Orwell envisioned—one truth at a time.

- Jigjiga Mirror