The Somali political space is a marketplace that does not allow for free and fair elections and diminishes the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process, hindering the emergence of democracy in Somalia.
The Federal Government of Somalia has spent the past four years waging a war on federalism, on political pluralism and on democratic norms, but not on Al-Shabaab.
The peace and safety that were the raison d’être of the Kenya Defence Forces’ incursion into Somalia are nowhere in sight a decade after the first boots marched in.
Somali refugees in Kenya should not be held hostage by political disagreements between Mogadishu and Nairobi but must continue to enjoy Kenya’s protection as provided for under international law.
Ten years ago this month Kenyan troops invaded Somalia. Coverage of the incursion by the Kenyan media has consistently and uncritically favoured the Kenya Defence Forces.
Kenya's military intervention in Somalia in October 2011 was the first in the country's since independence outside the peacekeeping operations. But almost a decade later, little, if any, is discussed regarding the role, goals, and the end state of the military adventure. But increasingly, Al Shabaab has shifted and expanded its operational hotspots inside Kenya. The Elephant in conversation with Abdullahi Abdille, an independent researcher and Horn of Africa expert.
The election of a new national leadership in Somalia will offer an opportunity to develop a new common framework for cooperation.
In recent years under President Farmaajo, Somali has tried to steer away from the indirect election in the respective elections for the lower and upper houses. Failure to fix the issues that led to the indirect elections have come back to haunt and as Lead Now co-founder Ruqia Botan spells out, this may just prove to be the journey into the political unknown for a rather versatile and complex Somali society.
Despite marginalisation, systemic subjugation and other burdens, women have played active roles in sustaining communities in Somalia. In fact, argues Ruqia Botan, women are paramount to lasting peace in Somalia.
Although Somalia continues to experience many challenges, its rebuilding progress is undeniable. But this remarkable track record has been somewhat put to the test this electoral season.
Somali's regional and presidential elections and both the lower and upper houses are happening amidst evolving clan, security and regional issues. What is the place of AMISOM, American presence, Al Shabaab, and new electoral systems in this upcoming election? Somali citizens, experts and watchers Ms Rukia Mohammed, Idil Ibrahim, AbdiNassir Yusuf, and Omar Mahmoud, elaborate on what is at stake. A partnership Forum between The Rift Valley Institute, and The Elephant.
Somali's regional and presidential elections and both the lower and upper houses are happening amidst evolving clan, security and regional issues. What is the place of AMISOM, American presence, Al Shabaab, and new electoral systems in this upcoming election? Somali citizens, experts and watchers Ms Rukia Mohammed, Idil Ibrahim, AbdiNassir Yusuf, and Omar Mahmoud, elaborate on what is at stake. A partnership Forum between The Rift Valley Institute, and The Elephant.