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Somali Opposition MPs Accuse President Hassan Sheikh, Speaker Madoobe of “Hijacking Parliament”
  • Somalia

Somali Opposition MPs Accuse President Hassan Sheikh, Speaker Madoobe of “Hijacking Parliament”

  • Editor
  • September 20, 2025
  • 0

Mogadishu, – Opposition lawmakers from Somalia’s National Salvation Council on Saturday accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Parliamentary Speaker Sheikh Adan Madoobe of “hijacking” the […]

Somalia and China Discuss Counterterrorism, Support for AUSSOM
  • Somalia

Somalia and China Discuss Counterterrorism, Support for AUSSOM

  • Editor
  • September 20, 2025
  • 0

Mogadishu/Beijing, – Somalia and China have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, with a focus on counterterrorism, regional stability, and support for the African Union Transition […]

National Communications Authority Conducts Consultation on Somalia’s Adoption of the One Network Area (ONA)
  • Somalia

National Communications Authority Conducts Consultation on Somalia’s Adoption of the One Network Area (ONA)

  • Editor
  • September 18, 2025
  • 0

Mogadishu, 18 September 2025 — The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somalia conducted a national consultation on the implementation of the One Network Area (ONA), […]

Puntland Opposition Figure Hassan Shire Launches Anti-Deni Meetings in Garowe
  • Somalia

Puntland Opposition Figure Hassan Shire Launches Anti-Deni Meetings in Garowe

  • Editor
  • September 18, 2025
  • 0

Garowe, – Former Puntland Finance Minister Hassan Shire Abgaal, a vocal critic of President Said Abdullahi Deni, is set to arrive in Garowe on Thursday […]

Arab and Islamic Summit Issues Strong Communiqué on Israeli Attack Against Qatar
  • Somalia

Arab and Islamic Summit Issues Strong Communiqué on Israeli Attack Against Qatar

  • Editor
  • September 16, 2025
  • 0

Doha, Qatar – Leaders of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an emergency summit on September 15, 2025, in Doha, […]

President Al-Sharaa Breaks 60-Year Ban with Planned UN General Assembly Attendance
  • Somalia

President Al-Sharaa Breaks 60-Year Ban with Planned UN General Assembly Attendance

  • Editor
  • September 16, 2025
  • 0

Damascus, Syria – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month, marking […]

Somalia’s First Female Boxer Ramla Ali Returns Home with Historic Gold Medal
  • Somalia

Somalia’s First Female Boxer Ramla Ali Returns Home with Historic Gold Medal

  • Editor
  • September 14, 2025
  • 0

Mogadishu erupted in celebration today as Ramla Ali, Somalia’s trailblazing boxer, returned home with the country’s first-ever international gold medal won by a female athlete. […]

Traditional Elder Killed in Airstrike in Sanaag
  • Somalia

Traditional Elder Killed in Airstrike in Sanaag

  • Editor
  • September 13, 2025
  • 0

Badhan, Sanaag – A prominent Somali elder, Nabadoon Omar Abdillahi Abdi, was killed on Saturday in an airstrike near El-buh in the Sanaag region, according to local residents. […]

UK Donates Military Vehicles and Equipment to Somali Armed Forces
  • Somalia

UK Donates Military Vehicles and Equipment to Somali Armed Forces

  • Editor
  • September 12, 2025
  • 0

The Federal Government of Somalia has received a significant delivery of military vehicles and advanced equipment from the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening the Somali […]

Somali Government Pledges Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in National Politics
  • Somalia

Somali Government Pledges Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in National Politics

  • Editor
  • September 11, 2025
  • 0

Mogadishu – The Somali government has announced that persons with disabilities will be given a meaningful role in the country’s political process, particularly in the […]

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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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Somali Government Issues Warning Over Opposition Protest

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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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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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