Opinion
11Analysis, commentary, guest essays, and expert perspectives on politics, society, business, culture, and issues affecting Somalia and the global Somali community.
Somalia's Grantpreneurship Problem: Why Building Customer-Focused Businesses Matters More Than Grants
Somalia's startup ecosystem needs more than grants. Discover why customer-driven entrepreneurship, patient capital, and faster startup financing are key to sustainable growth.
Somalia’s Youth Need Skills, Not Just Degrees, to Unlock the Country’s Future
With nearly 75% of Somalia’s population under 35, the country’s greatest asset risks becoming its biggest challenge. Mohamed Dahir Farah argues that reforming universities, expanding technical education, and preparing young people for emerging industries such as oil and gas is essential to creating jobs and unlocking Somalia’s future.
From Somali Refugee to Australian Community Leader: A Refugee Week Reflection
Faysel Ahmed Selat reflects on his journey from a Somali refugee displaced by war to a community leader in Australia, highlighting how opportunity, education, and community support can transform lives and strengthen society.
Little to Show for Kenya’s Ten-Year Military Foray Into Somalia
More than ten years after Kenya launched its military intervention in Somalia, the promised security gains remain elusive. While the Kenya Defence Forces helped secure key areas like Kismayo, al-Shabaab has expanded its regional reach, intensifying attacks inside Kenya and deepening questions over the long-term impact of Operation Linda Nchi.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh’s Strengths, Weaknesses and Defining Challenges
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces a defining period marked by constitutional controversy, political divisions and security challenges. In this analysis, scholar Mohamed Haji Ingiriis assesses the president’s strengths and weaknesses, his approach to governance, and the obstacles that could shape the future of his presidency and Somalia’s political transition.
My Country, Somaliland, Recognized
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi reflects on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a historic milestone rooted in shared histoy
A new way forward is needed for Somalia
If donors are to salvage their sizable investments in Somalia, a shift in strategy is urgently needed.
Nation-building lessons after apartheid in SA and genocide in Rwanda
Given their mutually horrific historical backgrounds, what can South Africa and Rwanda learn from each other’s successes and failures?
Why Israel’s recognition of Somaliland backfired
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is a geopolitical move that has backfired, strengthening resistance to secession and reinforcing Somalia’s territorial integrity.
How Somalia’s 2026 Election Risks a Legitimacy Crisis
Somalia’s push toward universal suffrage ahead of the 2026 elections risks triggering a legitimacy crisis as political polarisation, insecurity, and unilateral government actions threaten to unravel fragile political settlements built over the past 25 years.
Trump’s ‘Garbage’ Politics Has a Name
Trump’s dehumanizing attack on Somalis is a warning about who this country is willing to cast out of “We the People.”