Somalia Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Analysis: Voting on Changes to the Somali Constitution

Somalian Lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved the national Constitution after a "sweeping" review of critical chapters, hailing the vote as a historic milestone toward finalizing the country's constitutional framework and strengthening…

March 6, 2026Somalia

Democracy Geopolitics Governance National Security

Somalia Deepens Ties With Russia: Strategic Motives and Global Implications

Somalia’s deepening ties with Russia are more than transactional; they reflect frustration with existing security frameworks and a global contest for influence in Africa. For Moscow, Somalia is both a…

June 14, 2025Russia, Somalia, USA

Conflict Governance

Tension Rises Between Somalia And Jubbaland

Somalia's federal government has formally requested an Interpol Red Notice to arrest Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as "Madobe." The Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu authorized the request,…

November 29, 2024Al Shabaab, Jubbaland, Kenya, Somalia

Geopolitics

Ethiopia’s Fears of Losing regional Influence

The tension between Ethiopia and Egypt appears to have escalated as Cairo extends support to Somalia's peace mission and an offer of security personnel to replace the African Union-backed force,…

September 2, 2024Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland

Geopolitics Peacekeeping

Türkiye seeks to maintain a balance against the potential disruption of geostrategic interests

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in a hard-hitting televised speech on the evening of 17 August that his country would not hold further talks with Ethiopia unless it "recognises the sovereignty…

August 23, 2024Ethiopia, Somalia, Turkiye

Governance

In a major shakeup at the top of Somalia’s intelligence apparatus, Sanbaloshe, has been appointed as the new Director NISA.

In a major shakeup at the top of Somalia’s intelligence apparatus, MP Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, known as “Sanbaloshe,” has been appointed as the new Director of the Somali National Security…

April 4, 2024Somalia

Governance

Somalia-Khatumo State focuses on autonomy, with risk of tribal clashes and separatist moods in the rest of the country

The decision of SSC-Khatumo state based in Las Anod city, Somalia not to be the part of the 2024 Puntland elections, insisting on being a separate state may set a precedent for other Somalian regions with similar aspirations. Following a…

December 26, 2023Puntland, Somalia, Somaliland

Democracy Governance

Agreement to Reshape Political System pushes Somalia for autocracy with power concentrated in one hand

With weak state institutions dependent on multiple clans interests, and lack of strong checks and balances Somalia will drift towards autocracy with federal and state power concentrated in one hand, following changes proposed by the National Advisory Council of Somalia. The National Consultative Council, which includes the…

May 30, 2023Somalia

Governance Terrorism

Rising insecurity in Somalia increases terrorist risks in the region

The dispute over Sool and Sanaag in Somalia provides a potential risk of violent extremist organisation infiltration or utilisation of the area. The longer and more divisive a dispute between Somaliland and…

February 9, 2023Puntland, Somalia, Somaliland

Democracy Governance

Presidential election in Somalia: corrupt indirect voting to hit prospects for positive change

Presidential election in Somalia neither offers potential for substantial changes in the country, nor reduces corruption. After three rounds of voting by 328 MPs and senators, former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emerged victorious in the final…

May 19, 2022Somalia

Somalia