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11/05/2026

U.S. Warns Against Suppression of Protesters as Somalia Faces Rising Political Tensions

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — The United States has warned against the suppression of peaceful protesters in Somalia while urging Somali political leaders to resolve ongoing disputes through dialogue, compromise, and peaceful engagement rather than confrontation.

In an exclusive interview with Dawan Africa published on May 11, acting U.S. envoy to Somalia, Justin Davis, stressed that violence against peaceful demonstrators is “never acceptable” and emphasized that Somalia’s political future should ultimately be determined by Somalis themselves.

“Our position has not changed: The Somali people should choose their own leaders, and the specific process and timelines of elections are up to them,” Davis stated during the interview.

The remarks come amid escalating political tensions in Somalia, where opposition groups have announced planned demonstrations and accused the federal government of undermining political consensus and constitutional agreements.

According to Davis, the United States has been engaging both the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition representatives in an effort to encourage communication and compromise, while making clear that international actors will not directly resolve Somalia’s internal political disputes.

“We support peaceful resolution of political disputes and urge sides to be open to dialogue and compromise,” he said.

The U.S. diplomat also warned that worsening instability or political violence could negatively impact Somalia’s security, governance progress, and international partnerships.

Political observers say Washington’s statements reflect growing international concern over the risk of confrontation in Mogadishu as disagreements continue over:

elections,
constitutional amendments,
federal-state relations,
and broader questions surrounding Somalia’s political transition.

The interview further highlighted continued U.S. priorities in Somalia, including:

counterterrorism cooperation,
regional stability,
economic development,
governance reforms,
and support for democratic processes.

Davis noted that a peaceful political environment remains essential for Somalia’s future and for continued international engagement with the country.

“Peace, opportunity, and prosperity should win the next battles,” he added.

11/05/2026

Somalia Political Report Raises Concerns in Washington Over Turkish Agreements

MOGADISHU/WASHINGTON — Reports circulating among regional political and diplomatic sources claim that a document concerning Somalia’s recent strategic agreements with Turkey has allegedly been submitted to members of the United States Congress.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the report reportedly raises concerns regarding agreements involving military cooperation, security facilities, and offshore oil exploration arrangements between the Federal Government of Somalia and Turkish authorities.

The claims further suggest that regional administrations including Puntland, Jubbaland, as well as political opposition figures and regional intelligence-linked actors from Kenya and Ethiopia may have contributed information or concerns referenced in the reported discussions.

At this stage, no official confirmation has been issued by the U.S. government, the Somali Federal Government, or congressional committees regarding the authenticity or status of the alleged report.

Political observers note that any congressional review of foreign agreements involving Somalia would likely focus on:

regional stability,
counterterrorism cooperation,
maritime security,
energy agreements,
transparency,
and the broader geopolitical balance in the Horn of Africa.

Sources claim that additional political developments or statements may emerge around May 15, although this remains unconfirmed.

10/05/2026

Shirqoolkii uu ka badbaaday Hogaaiyaha weyn Khaliif Cabduqadir Macalin Nur Maxamed Siyaad ee Turkey

12/03/2026

Government Arrests Bajaj Drivers Protesting Rising Fuel Prices in Mogadishu

Security forces in Mogadishu have arrested several young Bajaj drivers who staged protests against rising fuel prices, reflecting growing frustration among Somalia's youth over economic hardship and unemployment. The demonstrations were organized by Bajaj drivers who depend on the three-wheel taxis....

12/03/2026

Somali Government Arrests Youth Protesting Rising Fuel Prices in Mogadishu.
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Authorities in Mogadishu have arrested several young Bajaj drivers after protests erupted over the sharp rise in fuel prices, highlighting growing frustration among Somalia’s youth over economic hardship and unemployment.

The demonstrations were organized by Bajaj drivers, many of them young people who rely on the three-wheel taxis as their primary source of income. The drivers say the continuous increase in fuel prices has made it nearly impossible for them to earn a living.

Witnesses say the protests were aimed at drawing attention to the rising cost of fuel and the broader economic difficulties facing ordinary residents in the capital.

Among those arrested is Sadia Moalin Ali, a university graduate who reportedly financed her own education before turning to Bajaj driving as a means of survival in Mogadishu’s difficult job market.

Youth Frustration Growing

Somalia continues to face severe unemployment among young people, particularly in urban areas like Mogadishu. With limited job opportunities available, many youth rely on informal work such as driving Bajaj taxis, small trade, or daily labor.

However, the recent increase in fuel prices has significantly reduced the income of Bajaj drivers, prompting many to organize protests.

Participants in the demonstrations say their goal was to raise awareness about the economic pressures they face, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

Arrests After Demonstrations

Following the protests, security forces reportedly detained several drivers who had participated in the demonstrations. The arrests have sparked criticism from some members of the public who argue that young people expressing economic grievances should be heard rather than punished.

Observers say the incident reflects deeper challenges facing Somalia’s youth, including unemployment, rising living costs, and limited economic opportunities.

Broader Concerns

Many young Somalis continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, often risking dangerous migration routes.

Local activists say the situation highlights the urgent need for policies that address youth unemployment, economic inequality, and the rising cost of living in Somalia.

For many observers, the case of Sadia Moalin Ali and other detained drivers represents a broader struggle faced by a generation trying to build a future amid economic uncertainty.

17/02/2026

Ninkii Farxiya Fiska garaacay oo halsano iyo bilo lagu xukumay Hargeysa iyo xaalada taagan

14/02/2026

Mahad Salad muxuu ku dhigay Raysuwasare Rooble ? By Dahir Alasow

05/02/2026

Horn and East Africa: War Crimes and Election Repression Deepen Human Rights Crisis

By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist

A new report by Human Rights Watch warns that civilians across the Horn and East Africa are facing escalating war crimes, widespread abuses, and shrinking civic space as governments and armed groups act with near-total impunity.

In its World Report 2026, Human Rights Watch documents grave violations in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, and other countries, where conflicts and political repression have severely undermined civilian protection, free expression, and democratic processes.

“Brutal attacks against civilians by unaccountable military forces and armed groups are becoming normalized in the Horn and East Africa,” said Mausi Segun, executive Africa director at Human Rights Watch. She urged regional and international actors to impose targeted sanctions on abusive commanders and support accountability mechanisms.

Sudan: Civilians Deliberately Targeted

The report highlights widespread laws-of-war violations in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces are accused of deliberately attacking civilians, destroying infrastructure, and conducting indiscriminate bombardments.

Human Rights Watch documented mass killings, attacks on displacement camps, and the siege of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. When RSF forces captured key areas, they reportedly carried out widespread executions and looting.

South Sudan: Renewed Conflict and Election Delays

In South Sudan, renewed fighting in Upper Nile state has led to hundreds of civilian deaths. Government aircraft allegedly dropped incendiary weapons on populated areas, actions that may amount to war crimes.

Following another postponement of national elections, authorities tightened restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arresting opposition leaders and suppressing dissent.

Ethiopia: War Crimes and Media Crackdown

Government forces and allied Fano militia in Ethiopia’s Amhara region committed war crimes and other serious abuses, the report states. Meanwhile, Eritrean troops continue to abuse civilians in areas of Ethiopia’s Tigray region under their control.

With national elections scheduled for June 2026, Ethiopian authorities have targeted journalists, closed independent media outlets, and introduced legal measures that further restrict civil society.

Repression Around Elections in East Africa

Across East Africa, governments intensified crackdowns on protests and political opposition:

In Kenya, security forces used lethal force against demonstrators.

In Tanzania and Uganda, authorities jailed opposition figures, restricted media, and violently dispersed protests ahead of elections.

Tanzania imposed nationwide internet restrictions during election-related demonstrations.

Uganda reinstated military trials for civilians despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring them unconstitutional.

Regional Bodies Fail to Act

Human Rights Watch criticized the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for failing to take meaningful action to protect civilians or hold perpetrators accountable, despite their mandates.

Call for Accountability

Human Rights Watch called on concerned governments to:

Impose targeted sanctions on abusive military and militia leaders.

Support independent media and civil society organizations.

Strengthen international investigative and accountability mechanisms.

The organization warned that without decisive international action, patterns of mass atrocities and political repression will continue to deepen across the region.

28/01/2026

Minneapolis Police Identify Suspect in Chemical Spray Attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar During Public Town Hall

Minneapolis, Minnesota — Minneapolis police have identified and charged a 55-year-old man after he sprayed an unknown liquid at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar during a public town hall meeting focused on immigration and federal enforcement policies.

Authorities said the suspect, Anthony James Kazmierczak, was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with third-degree assault. The incident occurred Monday evening as Rep. Omar was addressing constituents about immigration issues and the conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to police and eyewitnesses, Kazmierczak stood near the front of the audience and sprayed Rep. Omar with a liquid from a syringe-like device while shouting, “You need to resign.” Security personnel and attendees quickly restrained the suspect, allowing officers to place him under arrest.

Officials described the substance as having a strong odor, similar to ammonia or vinegar. Specialized hazmat and forensic teams collected samples from the scene, and laboratory testing is underway to determine the chemical composition of the liquid.

At this stage, authorities say there is no confirmed evidence that the substance was a lethal toxin. Rep. Omar did not require immediate medical treatment and continued her remarks after the incident, drawing praise from supporters for her composure.

In a brief statement, Rep. Omar condemned political violence and intimidation, emphasizing that disagreements must be expressed through peaceful and democratic means.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly denounced the attack, calling it “an unacceptable act of political violence” and affirming that threats and assaults against elected officials have no place in the city.

“We can disagree passionately, but we must never resort to intimidation or violence,” Frey said. “Minneapolis will not tolerate attacks that endanger public servants or undermine democracy.”

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating to assess whether the incident constitutes a broader security threat. The U.S. Capitol Police have also been notified.

The attack comes amid heightened national concern over the safety of lawmakers, as threats and hostile encounters targeting elected officials have increased in recent years.

Further details about the chemical analysis and possible additional charges are expected once laboratory results become available.
By Dahir Alasow
Investigative Journalist – Waagacusub.net

12/01/2026

Somalia’s Break with the UAE Signals a New Gulf Power Equation — and a High-Risk Reset

By Dahir Alasow | Waagacusub.net — Opinion / Analysis

Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia’s decision to annul all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—including security and defence-related arrangements—represents one of the most consequential foreign-policy turns Somalia has taken in years.

It is not merely a bureaucratic cancellation of memoranda. It is a strategic message: Mogadishu is reasserting sovereignty through diplomacy, and it is willing to absorb the political and security shock that may follow.

The decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers, reportedly brought forward ahead of schedule—an indication that the government wanted to signal urgency and national resolve.

1) A sovereignty argument — but also a political line in the sand

Somalia’s leadership has framed the cancellation as a sovereignty-protection move. This framing matters. In Somalia’s political context, the word “sovereignty” is not symbolic—rather, it is tied to:

who controls security operations,

who funds and influences armed forces,

who negotiates external partnerships, and

whether regional administrations act independently of Mogadishu in international security matters.

Somalia has long struggled with the “dual power” problem: a federal government responsible for the international face of the country, while some federal member states maintain direct external relationships—sometimes economic, sometimes political, sometimes security-related.

In that environment, external security partners can unintentionally (or intentionally) empower fragmentation.

Thus, Somalia’s Cabinet appears to have made a firm calculation: security agreements must not translate into parallel authority structures.

2) President Hassan’s pivot: from Abu Dhabi to Doha and Riyadh

What makes this move even more striking is the political history. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously navigated relationships with Gulf actors pragmatically. The UAE, for years, was one of the most active external players in Somali security and political networks.

Now, the government is clearly shifting the regional anchor:

Saudi Arabia — a strategic heavyweight with diplomatic and economic gravity

Qatar — a political operator that has invested heavily in state-to-state relationships

If Doha indeed steps into the UAE’s former role—especially regarding salary support for forces—then Somalia will not only have changed partners, it will have changed the entire influence architecture surrounding national security.

This is a pivot that signals:

Somalia wants “state-to-state” support, not “network-to-network” arrangements.

3) The Gulf rivalry is moving deeper into Somali territory

Somalia has never been isolated from Gulf competition, but the arena is shifting. Previously, Gulf rivalries played out through:

media narratives

political endorsements

elite financing

development branding

indirect security engagements

Now, the rivalry is increasingly tied to who pays for security and who shapes decision-making.

That is why this decision will not remain a Mogadishu headline. It is likely to:

deepen pressure on regional leaders,

trigger diplomatic outreach campaigns,

and intensify strategic competition in security institutions.

In simple terms: Somalia is becoming a more decisive battleground of Gulf influence—not less.

4) The federal member state factor: the real test is internal cohesion

A key challenge is the UAE’s historical influence with certain Somali federal member states. Some regional leaders have reportedly been visiting Dubai—an important detail not because travel itself is controversial, but because it signals ongoing channels of alignment.

Somalia’s federal structure already suffers from weak coordination. When external actors have direct influence over sub-national leaders, the result can be:

parallel negotiations,

conflicting security agendas,

competing armed units,

and increased mistrust of Mogadishu.

This is the central risk following the Cabinet’s decision:
a foreign-policy cancellation can rapidly become an internal political confrontation.

If mishandled, it could expand the distance between the federal government and some regional administrations.

5) Security consequences: can Somalia replace UAE support fast enough?

Security agreements are not just papers. They translate into:

logistics, training, equipment

stipends, allowances, payments

intelligence-sharing networks

operational coordination

If UAE support exits rapidly, Somalia must answer a practical question:

Who fills the vacuum — and how quickly?

If the gap is not filled, the risks are clear:

weakened force morale if salaries/stipends stall

operational disruption

fragmented command structures

militant groups exploiting uncertainty

This is why any pivot must come with a clear continuity strategy. It is not enough to cancel agreements; Somalia must show a replacement framework for stability.

6) A new phase: Somalia wants respect — not dependency

There is a larger theme behind this decision. Somalia is signaling that:

it wants partners, not patrons,

cooperation, not competition inside its politics,

investment, not leverage,

respect, not conditional influence.

This is a legitimate national ambition.

But ambitions require discipline. Somalia must ensure that new partnerships—whether with Qatar or Saudi Arabia—do not become a repeat of the same problem under a different flag.

Conclusion: a brave reset, but it must be managed with precision

This policy shift is bold. It is historic. It may be necessary.

Yet, it is also risky.

Somalia is stepping into a new Gulf equation where diplomacy will be sharper, competition will be deeper, and internal Somali unity will be tested.

If Mogadishu executes this decision with strategic clarity—protecting cohesion, ensuring security continuity, and maintaining a unified foreign policy—Somalia could emerge stronger and more sovereign.

If not, the country may enter another cycle of fragmented influence and competing alignments.

Somalia’s sovereignty must be defended—but sovereignty also requires strong institutions.
This decision has created a moment of national reset. Now the real work begins.

19/12/2025

Xogta shirka Kismaayo saadaasha Dahir Alasow waxa Muqdisho ka dhici doona iyo falanqada

Xogta shirka Kismaayo -saadaasha Dahir Alasow waxa Muqdisho ka dhici doona iyo falanqadaJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/chan...