Suhaib Mahmoud

As Somalia teeters on the brink of collapse—with political infighting intensifying, international backing fading, and al-Shabaab exploiting federal missteps—its backsliding is no longer in question.

Somalia’s bid to offer the US access to base in Somaliland was a last-minute attempt by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to assert control as he senses a shift in Washington. `

For decades, Somalia has been the global symbol of state failure, with widespread hunger, terrorism, and bickering elites. This has attracted a long list of foreign actors who claim to want to help, but are their efforts fuelling the country’s problems? 

Suhaib Mahmoud examines Africa’s pivotal election year, where nearly a third of the continent’s countries went to the polls, turning up several surprises outcomes.

Nageeye’s Vendetta, by Somali novelist Ibrahim Hawd, explores the death and collapse of the Somali state through the competing perspectives of its victims and those responsible for its downfall.

Several reports and analytical articles have been circulating, alleging possible ties between Israel and Somaliland. Suhaib Mahmoud traces how these claims have moved from the fringes to the mainstream.

The smooth conclusion of Somaliland’s election and Irro’s promises of change have raised public expectations for what the incoming administration will bring. However, Somaliland requires deep, not superficial, reform.

Politicians and public figures in Somaliland have turned to name-calling and populist rhetoric. This diverts attention and energy away from the more serious discussions that need to take place about the country’s future. 

Suhaib Mahmoud reflects on the literature and reception of British-Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah, whose literary work tells the stories of Africa’s Indian Ocean region.