Georgetown Security Studies Review ’s Post

I wanted to share a brief overview of the current political situation in Somalia, particularly the growing tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Ahmed Madobe of the Jubaland region. As you may be aware, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who hails from the Hawiye clan, has claimed to be leading the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab. However, many observers argue that his actions are influenced by clan-based politics, particularly in relation to his stance against President Ahmed Madobe, who represents the Darod clan and governs the Jubaland region. These two leaders are involved in a political and tribal struggle that has the potential to destabilize the region further. Despite the national government’s claim of neutrality, President Hassan’s actions seem to have exacerbated tensions, risking a broader tribal conflict in the country, similar to historical struggles seen in the 1990s. The key issue lies in the fact that President Hassan, as the leader of the Somali government, should ideally remain neutral and work toward national unity. However, his alignment with the Hawiye clan is perceived as a betrayal by those from other clans, especially in Jubaland, where Ahmed Madobe holds significant power. The situation is delicate, and many worry that the ongoing tribal tensions could undermine efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and bring stability to Somalia. These tribal divisions are not just political; they have deep roots in Somalia’s history, and it remains to be seen whether the country can overcome these divisions and build a cohesive future. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to discussing this further and sharing more insights as the situation develops.

I wanted to share a brief overview of the current political situation in Somalia, particularly the growing tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Ahmed Madobe of the Jubaland region. As you may be aware, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who hails from the Hawiye clan, has claimed to be leading the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab. However, many observers argue that his actions are influenced by clan-based politics, particularly in relation to his stance against President Ahmed Madobe, who represents the Darod clan and governs the Jubaland region. These two leaders are involved in a political and tribal struggle that has the potential to destabilize the region further. Despite the national government’s claim of neutrality, President Hassan’s actions seem to have exacerbated tensions, risking a broader tribal conflict in the country, similar to historical struggles seen in the 1990s. The key issue lies in the fact that President Hassan, as the leader of the Somali government, should ideally remain neutral and work toward national unity. However, his alignment with the Hawiye clan is perceived as a betrayal by those from other clans, especially in Jubaland, where Ahmed Madobe holds significant power. The situation is delicate, and many worry that the ongoing tribal tensions could undermine efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and bring stability to Somalia. These tribal divisions are not just political; they have deep roots in Somalia’s history, and it remains to be seen whether the country can overcome these divisions and build a cohesive future. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

President Bola Tinubu Delegates UN General Assembly Duties Amid Domestic Focus President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, delegating the responsibility to Vice President Kashim Shettima. This decision underscores the President's commitment to addressing pressing domestic issues. Having returned to Nigeria last Sunday after official visits to China and the United Kingdom, President Tinubu is prioritizing urgent national concerns. His focus is particularly sharp on the severe flooding that has recently impacted various regions of the country, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective responses to the crisis. By entrusting the delegation to Vice President Shettima, President Tinubu aims to ensure that Nigeria is still represented at the international level while dedicating his efforts to local challenges. This strategic decision reflects a broader approach to governance, highlighting the importance of addressing immediate national issues, especially in the wake of natural disasters. The upcoming UN General Assembly presents a critical platform for global discourse, yet the President's absence signals a preference for concentrating on revitalizing domestic stability and addressing humanitarian needs. As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the leadership transition of representation at the UN serves as a reminder of the balancing act between international obligations and national priorities.

Ethiopia vs. Somalia: Internal Conflict and State Building In the comparison between Ethiopia and Somalia, the internal conflicts reveal stark differences in the nature of the division and government structures. - Ethiopia's conflict centers around a direct clash between an ethnic group and the central government, maintaining a structured system that enables the government to retain considerable power amid the turmoil. - On the contrary, Somalia grapples with a more intricate issue involving various clans rather than a single ethnicity, complicating efforts to establish a unified state. The government's foundation on a fragile selection of clan representatives, marked by historical conflicts, hinders the creation of a robust central authority. Key Differences: 1. Nature of the Conflict: Ethiopia exhibits a clearer ethnic vs. government divide, while Somalia navigates a complex web of clan rivalries. 2. Strength of the Central Government: While Ethiopia's government manages to uphold more authority despite the conflict, Somalia's governance struggles due to its clan-based structure. Despite both countries confronting internal conflicts, the distinct characteristics of the divide and governmental frameworks delineate contrasting paths towards achieving peace and stability.

In evaluating post-pandemic successes, the focus often shifts to extremes: Sweden's no-lockdown approach versus China's prolonged lockdowns, for instance. The global narrative tends to focus on these to represent either the triumphs or shortcomings of these approaches to managing the pandemic. However, Alessia Tortolini’s Strategic Crisis Leadership in the Middle East: Covid-19 and Lebanon nudges us to confront a more obscure reality in a failed state like Lebanon, where crisis management during the pandemic was heavily influenced by the competition for legitimacy between an embattled government and Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy. MEI Research Associate Evangeline Cheng Cheng offers her review of this book, which assesses the differing responses of the Lebanese government and Hezbollah to the pandemic and how these efforts were perceived by the public. https://lnkd.in/gh3neFiy

Horn of Africa Forum Opens in Djibouti Amid Somalia-Ethiopia Tensions The 8th Horn of Africa Forum began Monday in Djibouti, bringing together Somali scholars, politicians, and leaders to discuss regional stability. The event organized by Somalia's Heritage Institute for Policy Studies has drawn 300 delegates, including regional experts, to address pressing issues. Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia dominate the forum as Ethiopia's recent port deal with Somaliland—a breakaway Somali region—has sparked controversy. Read details here:https://lnkd.in/eyYaA4gh

Cyril Ramaphosa’s Bold Leadership: A Gamble for South Africa’s Future President Cyril Ramaphosa is navigating uncharted waters with his Government of National Unity (GNU), an ambitious coalition of political adversaries aimed at addressing South Africa’s most pressing challenges, from unemployment to corruption. Recent moves, including the formation of an expert economic advisory panel for the G20 and key Cabinet reshuffles, reflect a leader focused on reshaping the country’s trajectory. While the GNU brings together opposition parties in the hope of finding common ground, the real test will be in the delivery. With critical ministries like Education, Agriculture, and Home Affairs now under opposition control, Ramaphosa is relying on a pragmatic approach to governance, delegating responsibility but still positioning himself as the ultimate decision-maker. The success of this coalition government could mark a defining moment for Ramaphosa’s legacy and South Africa’s future. But with many political hurdles to overcome, the road ahead is anything but predictable. #SouthAfrica #GovernmentOfNationalUnity #Ramaphosa #Leadership #EconomicGrowth #PolicyReform #PoliticalStrategy

Title: "Building a Brighter Future for Sudan: Embracing Comprehensive Solutions" As Sudan navigates through its tumultuous journey towards stability and prosperity, it's imperative to recognize the multifaceted nature of its challenges and the need for holistic solutions. In my latest article, I delve into the complexities of Sudan's crisis and propose a roadmap towards comprehensive and integrated political solutions. From longstanding conflicts and governance failures to economic collapse and humanitarian crises, Sudan's path to progress is strewn with obstacles. Yet, amidst this adversity, there lies an opportunity for transformative change – one that requires unwavering commitment from Sudanese stakeholders and robust support from the international community. In "Understanding the Crisis," I dissect the root causes of Sudan's predicament, highlighting the intersectionality of social, political, and economic factors. By delving into historical grievances and systemic injustices, we gain insight into the intricate web of challenges facing the nation today. However, the article doesn't dwell solely on the problems; it also presents a vision for the future. Through "The Way Forward: Comprehensive and Integrated Political Solutions," I outline a series of actionable steps – from ceasefire agreements and political reforms to economic reconstruction and regional cooperation – designed to pave the way towards peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. But words alone are not enough; action is needed. That's why I call upon all Sudanese citizens, government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners to join hands in this endeavor. Together, we can transcend divisions, foster reconciliation, and build a brighter future for Sudan. So let's share this message far and wide. Let's ignite conversations, spark collaborations, and inspire positive change. Together, let's stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan as they embark on this transformative journey towards a better tomorrow. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/demrzipi #Sudan #Peace #Development #Hope #Unity #InternationalSupport #Change #Future #Solidarity #keepeyesonsudan #sudancrisis Call-to-action: Share this post and join the conversation on building a brighter future for Sudan!

🌍 African progress backslides as coups and war persist Nearly half of Africa's citizens live in a country where governance has worsened over the past decade as deteriorating security erodes progress, according to a new report. The annual Ibrahim Index of African Governance report found despite positive progress in 33 countries, overall governance was worse in 2023 in 21 countries, accounting for just under half of Africa's population, compared with 2014. For several countries, including densely populated Nigeria and Uganda, the deterioration in overall governance had worsened over the second part of the decade, according to the report released by Sudanese-British billionaire businessman Mo Ibrahim's foundation. "We can see a huge arc of instability and conflicts and the deterioration, and security and safety of our people, is the biggest driver of deterioration and governance, putting everything down in general," Ibrahim told Reuters in an interview. Ibrahim pointed to the coups in West Africa and war in Sudan, and said poor governance also fostered violence and instability. #Africa

President William Ruto has misread the all problems. Why one ethnie is seeking hegemony amongst 400 hundreds tribe. 2. FDLR is dead long ago and who’s reviving those bad memories 3. UN report have pointed out Rwanda involvement, why dismiss them all. 4. Why a neighbor should a rebel group to attack a neighbor 5. Is Rwanda not benefiting from illicit mining in the eastern DRC ? 6. Uhuru Kenyatta has correctly read the situation 7. I invite President William to visit Ituri, Noth Kivu to get reality on the ground; 8. President William Ruto must bear in mind that Kenya ha striving banking sector in the DRC and must stop alienating some of us to exit those banks