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Al-Shabaab’s
sophisticated system for monitoring aid, the demands placed on aid agencies and
the consequences of failed negotiations are revealed in this research.
Drawn from over 80 interviews with former Al-Shabaab officials, aid workers and
civilians, this research details difficulties faced by aid agencies attempting
to operate in Al-Shabaab controlled areas during the 2011 famine. Al-Shabaab’s
Humanitarian Coordination Office forced aid agencies to complete registration
forms and other documentation that laid out general conditions for access, with
negotiations with the militant group also resulting in payments of registration
fees (as much as $10,000). The consequences for breaking the rules were
extreme: outright hostility, expulsions, attacks and harassment.
The joint report from the Humanitarian Policy Group of the Overseas Development
Institute (ODI) and Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS), highlights
the international community's eagerness to respond to humanitarian crises -
over a billion dollars were committed to humanitarian aid in Somalia and the
simultaneous obstacles put in place that prevent the delivery of this
desperately needed aid.
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation. Full Article
Serious allegations have emerged against two Somali TikTok users reportedly based in the United States, identified by their usernames @BeerxaaniBoy (Noor Shilow) and @Ongoye77 (Abukar Ibrahim), after a disturbing livestream featured an armed individual believed to be linked to the militant group Al-Shabaab. Full Article
AASHEEDGUURTA, a Somali-American entrepreneur, has emerged as one of the most respected philanthropic figures on TikTok, widely recognized for her compassion, calm public demeanor, and consistent financial support to vulnerable Somali communities. Her name, "AASHEEDGUURTA," symbolically reflects moderation, patience, and a composed approach to society—qualities that many supporters say are clearly visible in her humanitarian work and online conduct. Full Article
LAS ANOD, Somalia/Somaliland contested area — Somali Police Force Commander General Asad Diyaano has emerged as a nationally respected security figure, praised for professional leadership, discipline, and measurable reforms within the Somali Police Force, while also maintaining close operational coordination with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud amid heightened security challenges. Full Article
Somalia's political reorientation in the Gulf region is becoming increasingly visible, as Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a high-level meeting in Doha with Somali officials — just days after the Somali government announced it had terminated key security and cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Full Article
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. Full Article
Across Europe, North America, and other regions, Somali communities living in the diaspora are increasingly confronting a serious and troubling challenge: the widespread use of online blackmail and digital abuse targeting women and children on social media platforms. Full Article
A powerful debate erupted online today after tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly endorsed an opinion warning that Europe will "face its own extinction" if it fails to open its doors to migrants. The message, originally shared by Australian activist Drew Pavlou, referenced a strongly worded article by British columnist George Monbiot, who argues that demographic decline across the continent makes migration not only useful, but essential for Europe's survival. Full Article
Mogadishu – Somalia's Military Court has officially begun the trial of a senior al-Shabaab official, in a case that is being viewed as one of the most significant legal proceedings against the militant group in recent years. Full Article
The Hague – The Government of the Netherlands has announced a significant increase in emergency humanitarian assistance to Sudan, pledging an additional €10 million to support millions of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict and widespread displacement. The new funding comes on top of previous Dutch humanitarian contributions to Sudan, and it aims to provide urgent relief in areas such as food security, healthcare, clean water, shelter, and protection for vulnerable groups — including women, children, and internally displaced families. Full Article
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups.
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation.
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups.
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia – As Somalia approaches planned demonstrations on June 4, concerns continue to grow over the state of human rights, freedom of expression, and civic space in the country. Full Article
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers. Full Article
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
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Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
Humanitarian negotiations with Al-Shabaab
Somalia is one of the most dangerous environments in the world for aid workers and humanitarian organisations. A formidable obstacle to reaching people in need of humanitarian assistance is the militant group Al-Shabaab.