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LIDL GB ANNOUNCES THIRD PAY RISE IN 12 MONTHS
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LIDL GB ANNOUNCES THIRD PAY RISE IN 12 MONTHS

  • Editor
  • June 9, 2024
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Lidl GB has announced that it is increasing pay for hourly-paid colleagues to a minimum of £12.40 across the country, up from £12. In London, […]

FREE CRISPS? ALDI LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR ITS FIRST EVER CRISP TASTER
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FREE CRISPS? ALDI LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR ITS FIRST EVER CRISP TASTER

  • Editor
  • June 9, 2024
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Aldi is launching the job of a lifetime —the supermarket is on the hunt for an official Crisp Taster Aldi is on the hunt for […]

Mass Grave Found at Gaza Hospital Held by Israeli Forces, Al Jazeera Reports
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Mass Grave Found at Gaza Hospital Held by Israeli Forces, Al Jazeera Reports

  • Editor
  • April 16, 2024
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Al Jazeera reported that a mass grave was found at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The hospital was under siege by the Israeli army for two […]

Iran Launches First Direct Attack on Israel: Tensions Rise in Middle East
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Iran Launches First Direct Attack on Israel: Tensions Rise in Middle East

  • Editor
  • April 13, 2024
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Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Iran reportedly sent numerous drones towards Israel, a move confirmed by Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated […]

Japanese Farmers Unveil Mouthwatering Creation: Introducing the Lemon Melon
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Japanese Farmers Unveil Mouthwatering Creation: Introducing the Lemon Melon

  • Editor
  • July 15, 2023
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In a stunning breakthrough, Hokkaido farmers have successfully cultivated a brand new fruit that tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible blend of sweetness and sourness. […]

NCA and social media companies work together to tackle organised immigration crime
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NCA and social media companies work together to tackle organised immigration crime

  • Editor
  • April 30, 2023
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Thousands of social media posts, pages and accounts advertising the services of people smugglers have been removed thanks to a landmark agreement between the National […]

UK commits major new aid package to Turkey-Syria earthquake response
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UK commits major new aid package to Turkey-Syria earthquake response

  • Editor
  • February 16, 2023
  • 0

As the situation on the ground moves into in a new phase, from rescue to recovery, the UK is committing a further package of support […]

Virgin Atlantic suspends services to Pakistan
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Virgin Atlantic suspends services to Pakistan

  • Editor
  • February 15, 2023
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Virgin Atlantic announced today that it will be suspending services between London Heathrow and Lahore and Islamabad. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “As we continue […]

Turkiye/Syria – Islamic Relief provides swift emergency medicine, food and shelter to earthquake survivors
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Turkiye/Syria – Islamic Relief provides swift emergency medicine, food and shelter to earthquake survivors

  • Editor
  • February 9, 2023
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Islamic Relief has delivered lifesaving aid to thousands of earthquake survivors in Turkiye and Syria over the past 24 hours. As the number of dead […]

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Recent Posts

  • Egypt’s President Al-Sisi Issues Stern Warning to Ethiopia Over Nile Dam Dispute, Vows to Protect Water Security
  • Galmudug State Arrests Three Suspects in Gruesome Murder of Mother and Three Daughters
  • Somali Businessman Gunned Down in South Africa’s Cape Town
  • Somali Government Issues Warning Over Opposition Protest
  • Sharif’s Political Gamble to Undermine Hassan Sheikh Backfires Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – October 9, 2025 When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it appeared at first glance to be a simple act of charity. But in reality, it was a well-calculated political move. Sharif’s intention was clear: to highlight what opposition leaders call the two greatest failures of the current administration — forced evictions in Mogadishu and nepotistic corruption within the presidency. Yet, the plan seems to have spectacularly backfired. Instead of painting President Hassan as a heartless ruler, the episode unexpectedly boosted the government’s image — showing, at least temporarily, a leadership willing to apply the law equally, regardless of personal ties. A Political Performance Disguised as Charity The woman, Mama Fowsiya, who said she was displaced from government land earmarked for public use, appeared emotionally before an audience organized by Sharif’s opposition party, Himilo Qaran. Tearfully, she told the crowd: “I am Fowsiya. I’m President Hassan’s aunt — his mother and I are sisters. I’ve never spoken about clan, but tonight I’m speaking from pain.” Her emotional speech went viral on social media, striking a chord with frustrated citizens and giving Sharif’s team the perfect opportunity to score political points. Taking the microphone, Sharif responded with calm gravitas: “You can all see her pain. The injustice in this country has reached intolerable levels. Our party has decided to give this family $1,000 in cash, another $1,000 for their daughter’s education, and to cover their monthly rent of $150.” He concluded: “You are not alone. Your rights will be restored, Insha’Allah.” The event, crafted as both a humanitarian gesture and a political statement, was meant to go viral — and it did. Videos of the scene spread rapidly, portraying Sharif as a compassionate elder statesman stepping in where the sitting president, once his ally, had allegedly failed. A Calculated Strike at a Sensitive Moment Sharif’s timing was no accident. Forced evictions in Mogadishu have become one of the city’s most politically charged issues. As the capital expands, entire communities — often poor families or internally displaced people — have been cleared from informal settlements to make way for development projects. The opposition has leveraged these evictions to argue that the government prioritizes concrete over compassion. Sharif’s gesture was meant to amplify that narrative, depicting the administration as cold, elitist, and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. But the move triggered an unexpected twist. Hassan Sheikh’s Calm Counter and a Reversal of Optics President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly addressed the controversy on October 3, distancing his office from the eviction operations. He clarified that land management in Mogadishu falls under the city government, not the presidency: “The land in Mogadishu is under the municipality’s authority — just like in Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Garowe, or Kismayo. If there’s wrongdoing, we correct it. But the president doesn’t allocate land.” He went on to frame the issue in broader urban terms: “Mogadishu will no longer be a disaster zone — a place where Al-Shabaab hides, or where firefighters can’t reach, or where bodies are trapped in rubble. We’re rebuilding, opening roads, and enforcing order.” And, in a striking statement, he added: “I’m not afraid of people protesting. They have that right. Change is never easy, but it’s necessary.” His measured, non-defensive tone flipped the public narrative — turning what could have been a scandal into an example of governance and discipline. When a Political Trap Turns into a Moral Lesson Ironically, the very case that the opposition hoped would expose Hassan Sheikh’s cruelty ended up undermining their moral high ground. For many Somalis, the fact that even someone claiming to be the president’s aunt could be evicted reinforced an unfamiliar but powerful message: no one is above the law. In a political culture where clan loyalty often defines power and privilege, the idea that family ties don’t guarantee immunity felt revolutionary — even refreshing. Whether intentional or not, the outcome strengthened the perception that the president is serious about state discipline, not favoritism. A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry This episode adds another layer to the long-standing rivalry between Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The two men — former allies turned adversaries — first clashed in the 2012 presidential race, where Hassan defeated Sharif. They briefly reunited against Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo during the last political transition, only for their alliance to collapse after Hassan’s 2022 victory. Since then, Sharif and his allies have accused the president of consolidating power and sidelining former partners — echoing the very grievances that now underpin their opposition movement. The eviction issue has become the latest battlefield in that ongoing chess game — one where Sharif’s move to expose moral failure instead gifted Hassan a fleeting moment of moral authority. The Takeaway: Politics, Power, and Perception The story of “Aunt Fowsiya”, as Somalis now call her, exposes the deeply entangled nature of Somali politics — where human suffering, public emotion, and political rivalry often merge into one. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed succeeded in highlighting a real humanitarian problem: the plight of Mogadishu’s displaced poor. But his attempt to use that pain for political leverage boomeranged, momentarily elevating Hassan Sheikh as a leader who enforces rules — even against family. The broader issues — land rights, corruption, and governance — remain unresolved. Yet in this round of Somalia’s never-ending political chess match, a move meant to wound ended up proving the opponent’s strength.

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Sharif’s Political Gamble to Undermine Hassan Sheikh Backfires Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – October 9, 2025 When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it appeared at first glance to be a simple act of charity. But in reality, it was a well-calculated political move. Sharif’s intention was clear: to highlight what opposition leaders call the two greatest failures of the current administration — forced evictions in Mogadishu and nepotistic corruption within the presidency. Yet, the plan seems to have spectacularly backfired. Instead of painting President Hassan as a heartless ruler, the episode unexpectedly boosted the government’s image — showing, at least temporarily, a leadership willing to apply the law equally, regardless of personal ties. A Political Performance Disguised as Charity The woman, Mama Fowsiya, who said she was displaced from government land earmarked for public use, appeared emotionally before an audience organized by Sharif’s opposition party, Himilo Qaran. Tearfully, she told the crowd: “I am Fowsiya. I’m President Hassan’s aunt — his mother and I are sisters. I’ve never spoken about clan, but tonight I’m speaking from pain.” Her emotional speech went viral on social media, striking a chord with frustrated citizens and giving Sharif’s team the perfect opportunity to score political points. Taking the microphone, Sharif responded with calm gravitas: “You can all see her pain. The injustice in this country has reached intolerable levels. Our party has decided to give this family $1,000 in cash, another $1,000 for their daughter’s education, and to cover their monthly rent of $150.” He concluded: “You are not alone. Your rights will be restored, Insha’Allah.” The event, crafted as both a humanitarian gesture and a political statement, was meant to go viral — and it did. Videos of the scene spread rapidly, portraying Sharif as a compassionate elder statesman stepping in where the sitting president, once his ally, had allegedly failed. A Calculated Strike at a Sensitive Moment Sharif’s timing was no accident. Forced evictions in Mogadishu have become one of the city’s most politically charged issues. As the capital expands, entire communities — often poor families or internally displaced people — have been cleared from informal settlements to make way for development projects. The opposition has leveraged these evictions to argue that the government prioritizes concrete over compassion. Sharif’s gesture was meant to amplify that narrative, depicting the administration as cold, elitist, and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. But the move triggered an unexpected twist. Hassan Sheikh’s Calm Counter and a Reversal of Optics President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly addressed the controversy on October 3, distancing his office from the eviction operations. He clarified that land management in Mogadishu falls under the city government, not the presidency: “The land in Mogadishu is under the municipality’s authority — just like in Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Garowe, or Kismayo. If there’s wrongdoing, we correct it. But the president doesn’t allocate land.” He went on to frame the issue in broader urban terms: “Mogadishu will no longer be a disaster zone — a place where Al-Shabaab hides, or where firefighters can’t reach, or where bodies are trapped in rubble. We’re rebuilding, opening roads, and enforcing order.” And, in a striking statement, he added: “I’m not afraid of people protesting. They have that right. Change is never easy, but it’s necessary.” His measured, non-defensive tone flipped the public narrative — turning what could have been a scandal into an example of governance and discipline. When a Political Trap Turns into a Moral Lesson Ironically, the very case that the opposition hoped would expose Hassan Sheikh’s cruelty ended up undermining their moral high ground. For many Somalis, the fact that even someone claiming to be the president’s aunt could be evicted reinforced an unfamiliar but powerful message: no one is above the law. In a political culture where clan loyalty often defines power and privilege, the idea that family ties don’t guarantee immunity felt revolutionary — even refreshing. Whether intentional or not, the outcome strengthened the perception that the president is serious about state discipline, not favoritism. A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry This episode adds another layer to the long-standing rivalry between Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The two men — former allies turned adversaries — first clashed in the 2012 presidential race, where Hassan defeated Sharif. They briefly reunited against Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo during the last political transition, only for their alliance to collapse after Hassan’s 2022 victory. Since then, Sharif and his allies have accused the president of consolidating power and sidelining former partners — echoing the very grievances that now underpin their opposition movement. The eviction issue has become the latest battlefield in that ongoing chess game — one where Sharif’s move to expose moral failure instead gifted Hassan a fleeting moment of moral authority. The Takeaway: Politics, Power, and Perception The story of “Aunt Fowsiya”, as Somalis now call her, exposes the deeply entangled nature of Somali politics — where human suffering, public emotion, and political rivalry often merge into one. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed succeeded in highlighting a real humanitarian problem: the plight of Mogadishu’s displaced poor. But his attempt to use that pain for political leverage boomeranged, momentarily elevating Hassan Sheikh as a leader who enforces rules — even against family. The broader issues — land rights, corruption, and governance — remain unresolved. Yet in this round of Somalia’s never-ending political chess match, a move meant to wound ended up proving the opponent’s strength.

  • Editor
  • October 9, 2025
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Egypt’s President Al-Sisi Issues Stern Warning to Ethiopia Over Nile Dam Dispute, Vows to Protect Water Security

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Galmudug State Arrests Three Suspects in Gruesome Murder of Mother and Three Daughters

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Sharif’s Political Gamble to Undermine Hassan Sheikh Backfires Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – October 9, 2025 When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it appeared at first glance to be a simple act of charity. But in reality, it was a well-calculated political move. Sharif’s intention was clear: to highlight what opposition leaders call the two greatest failures of the current administration — forced evictions in Mogadishu and nepotistic corruption within the presidency. Yet, the plan seems to have spectacularly backfired. Instead of painting President Hassan as a heartless ruler, the episode unexpectedly boosted the government’s image — showing, at least temporarily, a leadership willing to apply the law equally, regardless of personal ties. A Political Performance Disguised as Charity The woman, Mama Fowsiya, who said she was displaced from government land earmarked for public use, appeared emotionally before an audience organized by Sharif’s opposition party, Himilo Qaran. Tearfully, she told the crowd: “I am Fowsiya. I’m President Hassan’s aunt — his mother and I are sisters. I’ve never spoken about clan, but tonight I’m speaking from pain.” Her emotional speech went viral on social media, striking a chord with frustrated citizens and giving Sharif’s team the perfect opportunity to score political points. Taking the microphone, Sharif responded with calm gravitas: “You can all see her pain. The injustice in this country has reached intolerable levels. Our party has decided to give this family $1,000 in cash, another $1,000 for their daughter’s education, and to cover their monthly rent of $150.” He concluded: “You are not alone. Your rights will be restored, Insha’Allah.” The event, crafted as both a humanitarian gesture and a political statement, was meant to go viral — and it did. Videos of the scene spread rapidly, portraying Sharif as a compassionate elder statesman stepping in where the sitting president, once his ally, had allegedly failed. A Calculated Strike at a Sensitive Moment Sharif’s timing was no accident. Forced evictions in Mogadishu have become one of the city’s most politically charged issues. As the capital expands, entire communities — often poor families or internally displaced people — have been cleared from informal settlements to make way for development projects. The opposition has leveraged these evictions to argue that the government prioritizes concrete over compassion. Sharif’s gesture was meant to amplify that narrative, depicting the administration as cold, elitist, and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. But the move triggered an unexpected twist. Hassan Sheikh’s Calm Counter and a Reversal of Optics President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly addressed the controversy on October 3, distancing his office from the eviction operations. He clarified that land management in Mogadishu falls under the city government, not the presidency: “The land in Mogadishu is under the municipality’s authority — just like in Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Garowe, or Kismayo. If there’s wrongdoing, we correct it. But the president doesn’t allocate land.” He went on to frame the issue in broader urban terms: “Mogadishu will no longer be a disaster zone — a place where Al-Shabaab hides, or where firefighters can’t reach, or where bodies are trapped in rubble. We’re rebuilding, opening roads, and enforcing order.” And, in a striking statement, he added: “I’m not afraid of people protesting. They have that right. Change is never easy, but it’s necessary.” His measured, non-defensive tone flipped the public narrative — turning what could have been a scandal into an example of governance and discipline. When a Political Trap Turns into a Moral Lesson Ironically, the very case that the opposition hoped would expose Hassan Sheikh’s cruelty ended up undermining their moral high ground. For many Somalis, the fact that even someone claiming to be the president’s aunt could be evicted reinforced an unfamiliar but powerful message: no one is above the law. In a political culture where clan loyalty often defines power and privilege, the idea that family ties don’t guarantee immunity felt revolutionary — even refreshing. Whether intentional or not, the outcome strengthened the perception that the president is serious about state discipline, not favoritism. A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry This episode adds another layer to the long-standing rivalry between Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The two men — former allies turned adversaries — first clashed in the 2012 presidential race, where Hassan defeated Sharif. They briefly reunited against Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo during the last political transition, only for their alliance to collapse after Hassan’s 2022 victory. Since then, Sharif and his allies have accused the president of consolidating power and sidelining former partners — echoing the very grievances that now underpin their opposition movement. The eviction issue has become the latest battlefield in that ongoing chess game — one where Sharif’s move to expose moral failure instead gifted Hassan a fleeting moment of moral authority. The Takeaway: Politics, Power, and Perception The story of “Aunt Fowsiya”, as Somalis now call her, exposes the deeply entangled nature of Somali politics — where human suffering, public emotion, and political rivalry often merge into one. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed succeeded in highlighting a real humanitarian problem: the plight of Mogadishu’s displaced poor. But his attempt to use that pain for political leverage boomeranged, momentarily elevating Hassan Sheikh as a leader who enforces rules — even against family. The broader issues — land rights, corruption, and governance — remain unresolved. Yet in this round of Somalia’s never-ending political chess match, a move meant to wound ended up proving the opponent’s strength.

  • Editor
  • October 9, 2025
  • 0

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Somali Government Issues Warning Over Opposition Protest

  • Editor
  • October 9, 2025
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The Somali government, led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, has issued a stern warning against the planned opposition protest that was postponed again today. The demonstration, organized by opposition…

Sharif’s Political Gamble to Undermine Hassan Sheikh Backfires Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – October 9, 2025 When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it appeared at first glance to be a simple act of charity. But in reality, it was a well-calculated political move. Sharif’s intention was clear: to highlight what opposition leaders call the two greatest failures of the current administration — forced evictions in Mogadishu and nepotistic corruption within the presidency. Yet, the plan seems to have spectacularly backfired. Instead of painting President Hassan as a heartless ruler, the episode unexpectedly boosted the government’s image — showing, at least temporarily, a leadership willing to apply the law equally, regardless of personal ties. A Political Performance Disguised as Charity The woman, Mama Fowsiya, who said she was displaced from government land earmarked for public use, appeared emotionally before an audience organized by Sharif’s opposition party, Himilo Qaran. Tearfully, she told the crowd: “I am Fowsiya. I’m President Hassan’s aunt — his mother and I are sisters. I’ve never spoken about clan, but tonight I’m speaking from pain.” Her emotional speech went viral on social media, striking a chord with frustrated citizens and giving Sharif’s team the perfect opportunity to score political points. Taking the microphone, Sharif responded with calm gravitas: “You can all see her pain. The injustice in this country has reached intolerable levels. Our party has decided to give this family $1,000 in cash, another $1,000 for their daughter’s education, and to cover their monthly rent of $150.” He concluded: “You are not alone. Your rights will be restored, Insha’Allah.” The event, crafted as both a humanitarian gesture and a political statement, was meant to go viral — and it did. Videos of the scene spread rapidly, portraying Sharif as a compassionate elder statesman stepping in where the sitting president, once his ally, had allegedly failed. A Calculated Strike at a Sensitive Moment Sharif’s timing was no accident. Forced evictions in Mogadishu have become one of the city’s most politically charged issues. As the capital expands, entire communities — often poor families or internally displaced people — have been cleared from informal settlements to make way for development projects. The opposition has leveraged these evictions to argue that the government prioritizes concrete over compassion. Sharif’s gesture was meant to amplify that narrative, depicting the administration as cold, elitist, and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. But the move triggered an unexpected twist. Hassan Sheikh’s Calm Counter and a Reversal of Optics President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly addressed the controversy on October 3, distancing his office from the eviction operations. He clarified that land management in Mogadishu falls under the city government, not the presidency: “The land in Mogadishu is under the municipality’s authority — just like in Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Garowe, or Kismayo. If there’s wrongdoing, we correct it. But the president doesn’t allocate land.” He went on to frame the issue in broader urban terms: “Mogadishu will no longer be a disaster zone — a place where Al-Shabaab hides, or where firefighters can’t reach, or where bodies are trapped in rubble. We’re rebuilding, opening roads, and enforcing order.” And, in a striking statement, he added: “I’m not afraid of people protesting. They have that right. Change is never easy, but it’s necessary.” His measured, non-defensive tone flipped the public narrative — turning what could have been a scandal into an example of governance and discipline. When a Political Trap Turns into a Moral Lesson Ironically, the very case that the opposition hoped would expose Hassan Sheikh’s cruelty ended up undermining their moral high ground. For many Somalis, the fact that even someone claiming to be the president’s aunt could be evicted reinforced an unfamiliar but powerful message: no one is above the law. In a political culture where clan loyalty often defines power and privilege, the idea that family ties don’t guarantee immunity felt revolutionary — even refreshing. Whether intentional or not, the outcome strengthened the perception that the president is serious about state discipline, not favoritism. A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry This episode adds another layer to the long-standing rivalry between Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The two men — former allies turned adversaries — first clashed in the 2012 presidential race, where Hassan defeated Sharif. They briefly reunited against Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo during the last political transition, only for their alliance to collapse after Hassan’s 2022 victory. Since then, Sharif and his allies have accused the president of consolidating power and sidelining former partners — echoing the very grievances that now underpin their opposition movement. The eviction issue has become the latest battlefield in that ongoing chess game — one where Sharif’s move to expose moral failure instead gifted Hassan a fleeting moment of moral authority. The Takeaway: Politics, Power, and Perception The story of “Aunt Fowsiya”, as Somalis now call her, exposes the deeply entangled nature of Somali politics — where human suffering, public emotion, and political rivalry often merge into one. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed succeeded in highlighting a real humanitarian problem: the plight of Mogadishu’s displaced poor. But his attempt to use that pain for political leverage boomeranged, momentarily elevating Hassan Sheikh as a leader who enforces rules — even against family. The broader issues — land rights, corruption, and governance — remain unresolved. Yet in this round of Somalia’s never-ending political chess match, a move meant to wound ended up proving the opponent’s strength.

  • Editor
  • October 9, 2025
  • 0

When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it…

Somalia bets on Swahili to lock itself into East Africa’s future

  • Editor
  • October 7, 2025
  • 0

By Abdirazak Gesey Somalia has announced plans to accelerate the introduction of Swahili into the country’s curriculum for schools and universities as part of its push for integration within the…

Talks Between Somali President Hassan Sheikh and Jubaland Leader Ahmed Madobe End Without Agreement

  • Editor
  • October 6, 2025
  • 0

Negotiations between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, have ended without an agreement after two days of tense discussions…

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Somali Government Issues Warning Over Opposition Protest

  • Editor
  • October 9, 2025
  • 0

The Somali government, led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, has issued a stern warning against the planned opposition protest that was postponed again today. The demonstration, organized by opposition…

Sharif’s Political Gamble to Undermine Hassan Sheikh Backfires Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – October 9, 2025 When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it appeared at first glance to be a simple act of charity. But in reality, it was a well-calculated political move. Sharif’s intention was clear: to highlight what opposition leaders call the two greatest failures of the current administration — forced evictions in Mogadishu and nepotistic corruption within the presidency. Yet, the plan seems to have spectacularly backfired. Instead of painting President Hassan as a heartless ruler, the episode unexpectedly boosted the government’s image — showing, at least temporarily, a leadership willing to apply the law equally, regardless of personal ties. A Political Performance Disguised as Charity The woman, Mama Fowsiya, who said she was displaced from government land earmarked for public use, appeared emotionally before an audience organized by Sharif’s opposition party, Himilo Qaran. Tearfully, she told the crowd: “I am Fowsiya. I’m President Hassan’s aunt — his mother and I are sisters. I’ve never spoken about clan, but tonight I’m speaking from pain.” Her emotional speech went viral on social media, striking a chord with frustrated citizens and giving Sharif’s team the perfect opportunity to score political points. Taking the microphone, Sharif responded with calm gravitas: “You can all see her pain. The injustice in this country has reached intolerable levels. Our party has decided to give this family $1,000 in cash, another $1,000 for their daughter’s education, and to cover their monthly rent of $150.” He concluded: “You are not alone. Your rights will be restored, Insha’Allah.” The event, crafted as both a humanitarian gesture and a political statement, was meant to go viral — and it did. Videos of the scene spread rapidly, portraying Sharif as a compassionate elder statesman stepping in where the sitting president, once his ally, had allegedly failed. A Calculated Strike at a Sensitive Moment Sharif’s timing was no accident. Forced evictions in Mogadishu have become one of the city’s most politically charged issues. As the capital expands, entire communities — often poor families or internally displaced people — have been cleared from informal settlements to make way for development projects. The opposition has leveraged these evictions to argue that the government prioritizes concrete over compassion. Sharif’s gesture was meant to amplify that narrative, depicting the administration as cold, elitist, and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. But the move triggered an unexpected twist. Hassan Sheikh’s Calm Counter and a Reversal of Optics President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly addressed the controversy on October 3, distancing his office from the eviction operations. He clarified that land management in Mogadishu falls under the city government, not the presidency: “The land in Mogadishu is under the municipality’s authority — just like in Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Garowe, or Kismayo. If there’s wrongdoing, we correct it. But the president doesn’t allocate land.” He went on to frame the issue in broader urban terms: “Mogadishu will no longer be a disaster zone — a place where Al-Shabaab hides, or where firefighters can’t reach, or where bodies are trapped in rubble. We’re rebuilding, opening roads, and enforcing order.” And, in a striking statement, he added: “I’m not afraid of people protesting. They have that right. Change is never easy, but it’s necessary.” His measured, non-defensive tone flipped the public narrative — turning what could have been a scandal into an example of governance and discipline. When a Political Trap Turns into a Moral Lesson Ironically, the very case that the opposition hoped would expose Hassan Sheikh’s cruelty ended up undermining their moral high ground. For many Somalis, the fact that even someone claiming to be the president’s aunt could be evicted reinforced an unfamiliar but powerful message: no one is above the law. In a political culture where clan loyalty often defines power and privilege, the idea that family ties don’t guarantee immunity felt revolutionary — even refreshing. Whether intentional or not, the outcome strengthened the perception that the president is serious about state discipline, not favoritism. A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry This episode adds another layer to the long-standing rivalry between Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The two men — former allies turned adversaries — first clashed in the 2012 presidential race, where Hassan defeated Sharif. They briefly reunited against Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo during the last political transition, only for their alliance to collapse after Hassan’s 2022 victory. Since then, Sharif and his allies have accused the president of consolidating power and sidelining former partners — echoing the very grievances that now underpin their opposition movement. The eviction issue has become the latest battlefield in that ongoing chess game — one where Sharif’s move to expose moral failure instead gifted Hassan a fleeting moment of moral authority. The Takeaway: Politics, Power, and Perception The story of “Aunt Fowsiya”, as Somalis now call her, exposes the deeply entangled nature of Somali politics — where human suffering, public emotion, and political rivalry often merge into one. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed succeeded in highlighting a real humanitarian problem: the plight of Mogadishu’s displaced poor. But his attempt to use that pain for political leverage boomeranged, momentarily elevating Hassan Sheikh as a leader who enforces rules — even against family. The broader issues — land rights, corruption, and governance — remain unresolved. Yet in this round of Somalia’s never-ending political chess match, a move meant to wound ended up proving the opponent’s strength.

  • Editor
  • October 9, 2025
  • 0

When former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed publicly donated money to a woman who claimed to be the aunt of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently evicted from public land, it…

Somalia bets on Swahili to lock itself into East Africa’s future

  • Editor
  • October 7, 2025
  • 0

By Abdirazak Gesey Somalia has announced plans to accelerate the introduction of Swahili into the country’s curriculum for schools and universities as part of its push for integration within the…

Talks Between Somali President Hassan Sheikh and Jubaland Leader Ahmed Madobe End Without Agreement

  • Editor
  • October 6, 2025
  • 0

Negotiations between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, have ended without an agreement after two days of tense discussions…

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