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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.
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
The First Grade Court of Mudug Region in Gaalkacyo has issued an order mandating the immediate court appearance of two defendants: Hodan Maxamud Diiriye (34) and Cabdicaasiis Nuur Xaashi Calas (65). Both individuals are accused in a case filed by complainant Marxuumad Saabiriin Saylaan Cabdille Wees & DPL and her family. Full Article
Mogadishu (Waagacusub Media) – A major crisis has erupted at Aden Adde International Airport after Favori LLC, the Turkish company managing the airport, suspended and dismissed several Somali employees without explanation, causing near-total paralysis of airport operations. Full Article
Tel Aviv – Waagacusub News International -The Israeli television network i24NEWS has for the first time published a detailed explanation of why Israel strongly opposes any potential Turkish presence inside Gaza. Full Article
Syrian President Ahmed Sharac made a surprising public appearance, seen playing basketball with several senior U.S. military officers, including Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Full Article
Laura Loomer, a controversial Trump ally, granted press access as mainstream reporters face restrictions. By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Washington D.C. (Waagacusub.net) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an unprecedented step to marginalize the independent press, replacing professional journalists with far-right activists and social media influencers who openly support him. 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
But Al-Shabaab derives the bulk of its funding for its operations from taxing business people and most lucrative companies in Mogadishu and control of most businesses in rural Somalia. 51 -Over the years, the terrorist group has established a well-structured and oiled taxation infrastructure supported by courts, road tolls, and loyal revenue payers. At the edge of the knife, the group's operatives demands that all business people and companies pay tax to its agents. Full Article
Al-Shabaab is more than just a terrorist group. In 2011, its annual revenue was in the region of $70–100 million per year. In 2018, the President of the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) confirmed that Al-Shabaab collected an estimated $20 million dollars from South Somalia alone. Full Article
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.
By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Sports Journalist Amsterdam – 18 November 2025 =The Dutch national football team is celebrating a historic achievement after officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Monday night.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy."
Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the city's large Somali diaspora.
Waagacusub.net - Turkey has openly indicated that 2026 could become the historic year in which Somalia officially begins oil drilling and exploitation of its natural resources—a move that, if implemented, could fundamentally reshape the country's economic future. Full Article
Waagacusub.net – An Israeli military officer identified as Thomas Adzegaouskas, who reportedly took his own life last week, left behind a disturbing suicide note describing severe psychological trauma he claims began after the events of October 7th, 2023, according to Israel's Haaretz newspaper. Full Article
Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisalam Omer Dhaay has quickly become one of the most promising and effective young diplomats to emerge in recent years. In a political landscape too often dominated by internal disputes and inconsistent foreign policy, Dhaay stands out for his professionalism, clarity, and modern diplomatic approach. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - Somali-British boxing champion Ramla Ali has revealed that the United States government denied her entry into the country, preventing her from participating in a major match scheduled for 19 December. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - The security landscape of the Horn of Africa has entered a new and alarming chapter after the government of Israel — for the first time in history — publicly pointed to Somalia as a "growing strategic threat" to its national security. 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
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
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.