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WHO urges global action to strengthen Somalia’s health system amid growing challenges
  • Somalia

WHO urges global action to strengthen Somalia’s health system amid growing challenges

  • Editor
  • November 13, 2024
  • 0

A World Health Organization (WHO) official has urged the international community to support Somalia in maintaining its health services, safeguarding public health gains, and building […]

Al-Shabab militants kill two Southwest state soldiers in Lower Shabelle ambush.
  • Somalia

Al-Shabab militants kill two Southwest state soldiers in Lower Shabelle ambush.

  • Editor
  • November 12, 2024
  • 0

Two soldiers from Somalia’s Southwest State were ambushed and killed by al-Shabab militants on Tuesday while travelling by motorcycle between Wanlaweyn and Afgoye districts in […]

Kenyan warplanes drop Warning leaflets in Gedo ahead of assault
  • Somalia

Kenyan warplanes drop Warning leaflets in Gedo ahead of assault

  • Editor
  • November 9, 2024
  • 0

Mogadishu, Somalia – Kenyan warplanes have conducted overnight operations in the Gedo region of southern Somalia, dropping warning leaflets over the Faxfaxdun area, local sources […]

Police arrest 12 after clan-based attack on Mogadishu police station
  • Somalia

Police arrest 12 after clan-based attack on Mogadishu police station

  • Editor
  • November 3, 2024
  • 0

Somali police arrested 12 individuals on Saturday following a coordinated attack on a police station near the Ex-Control Afgoye intersection in Mogadishu. The attack, which […]

Somali foreign minister, UN envoy discuss new UN mission and election plans
  • Somalia

Somali foreign minister, UN envoy discuss new UN mission and election plans

  • Editor
  • November 3, 2024
  • 0

Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the United Nations in Mogadishu, on Saturday to discuss the […]

Somalia hails UN resolution for Transition of Assistance Mission
  • Somalia

Somalia hails UN resolution for Transition of Assistance Mission

  • Editor
  • October 31, 2024
  • 0

Somalia has praised the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) unanimous adoption of Resolution 2753 (2024), which sets in motion the transformation of the United Nations […]

Somalia to hold local elections in June 2025 and parliamentary elections in September 2025
  • Somalia

Somalia to hold local elections in June 2025 and parliamentary elections in September 2025

  • Editor
  • October 31, 2024
  • 0

Somalia’s political landscape is set for a significant shift as leaders have agreed to conduct local government elections in June 2025, followed by parliamentary elections […]

Somalia to decide on Ethiopian role in AUSSOM mission, says UK ambassador
  • Somalia

Somalia to decide on Ethiopian role in AUSSOM mission, says UK ambassador

  • Editor
  • October 31, 2024
  • 0

Somalia holds the authority to determine the involvement of Ethiopian troops in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), scheduled to […]

UN Security Council votes to withdraw political mission from Somalia after a decade
  • Somalia

UN Security Council votes to withdraw political mission from Somalia after a decade

  • Editor
  • October 30, 2024
  • 0

The UN Security Council voted on Wednesday to initiate a two-year withdrawal of its political mission in Somalia, which has operated in the country for […]

Somali Foreign Minister Meets Saudi Counterparts in Riyadh to Boost Trade and Investment Ties
  • Somalia

Somali Foreign Minister Meets Saudi Counterparts in Riyadh to Boost Trade and Investment Ties

  • Editor
  • October 29, 2024
  • 0

In a diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening economic and trade relations, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Maalim Faqi, held high-level talks in Riyadh on […]

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  • 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
  • 0

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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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