Somalia Federal Government Archives - Kaab TV

The Illusion of Power: Who Really Governs Somalia?

Staff Reporter — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:29:24 +0000

A new report by Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) argues that Al-Shabaab’s greatest strength is no longer measured by the territory it controls, but by its ability to function as a parallel government across large parts of Somalia.

The report, titled Beyond the Map: Why Al-Shabaab’s Shadow Administration Redefines Ethiopia’s Strategic Stakes, says the group’s influence stems from its administrative reach rather than its military presence alone.

According to the report, Al-Shabaab has established a sophisticated “shadow administration” that collects taxes, controls the movement of people and goods, gathers intelligence, settles disputes, and enforces its own rules in areas where the Somali government’s authority is weak.

The report stresses that military victories alone do not determine success, as the group’s networks often remain active even after it loses control of towns or districts.

The IFA also notes that in some government-held areas, Al-Shabaab continues to influence local governance through taxation, judicial services, and informal administration.

It argues that the group’s ability to maintain these parallel structures allows it to generate a steady flow of revenue, intelligence, and logistical support despite ongoing military pressure.

A key finding of the report is that some traders and residents turn to Al-Shabaab’s systems because they are viewed as more predictable than state institutions, particularly in areas affected by corruption or inconsistent enforcement.

While the report emphasizes that this does not confer legitimacy on the group, it warns that such perceptions strengthen Al-Shabaab’s resilience and undermine state authority.

The report further highlights the role of Al-Shabaab’s courts, which continue to attract some businesses and civilians seeking quicker dispute resolution than government institutions can provide.

However, it stresses that these courts operate through intimidation, coercion, and harsh punishments rather than the rule of law.

The report concludes that defeating Al-Shabaab will require more than military operations. It argues that the Somali government and its partners must strengthen governance, public institutions, justice systems, and service delivery in areas vulnerable to the group’s influence.

Without addressing these governance gaps, the report warns, Al-Shabaab is likely to retain its parallel administrative network even where it loses control on the battlefield.

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Federal Government, Opposition Hold High-Stakes Talks in Mogadishu

Staff Reporter — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:59:47 +0000

High-level political talks between the Somali Federal Government and the opposition coalition opened in Mogadishu on Tuesday, in what is being widely viewed as one of the most consequential negotiations in recent years over the country’s electoral process, constitutional dispute, and political transition.

The closed-door meeting is taking place under an unprecedented international mediation and guarantee framework, with Turkey, ambassadors from several Western countries, the European Union, and the United Nations directly participating as facilitators and observers. Journalists have not been granted access to the negotiations.

The involvement of major international partners reflects growing concern over Somalia’s prolonged political impasse and increasing pressure on both sides to reach a comprehensive agreement on elections, constitutional reforms, and the country’s broader political future.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the negotiations are centered on several critical issues, including the framework for the next national elections, constitutional disagreements, power-sharing arrangements, and the management of Somalia’s ongoing political transition.

The talks come amid heightened political tensions following months of disputes over electoral reforms and governance. Domestic political actors and international partners have repeatedly urged Somali leaders to resolve their differences through dialogue and consensus in order to prevent further instability.

The Future Council, which brings together Puntland, Jubaland, and the National Salvation Forum, enters the negotiations with significantly greater political leverage than in previous rounds. The coalition has increasingly been recognized by international partners as a key stakeholder whose participation is considered essential to any sustainable political settlement.

That recognition marks a notable shift from the Federal Government’s earlier position, which had resisted granting the opposition formal political status in negotiations concerning Somalia’s future governance.

Observers say the active role being played by Turkey and Western partners is intended not only to facilitate dialogue but also to provide international guarantees that any agreements reached will be implemented, rather than remaining political commitments without enforcement.

Diplomatic analysts also view the meeting as evidence that Somalia’s political crisis has entered a new phase, where major national decisions are increasingly being shaped through international engagement alongside domestic negotiations.

The outcome of the talks is expected to have far-reaching implications for Somalia’s electoral roadmap, constitutional reforms, institutional legitimacy, and political stability. With deep divisions remaining between the government and opposition, many observers consider the negotiations a critical opportunity to prevent further political polarization and lay the groundwork for a broader national consensus on the country’s future.

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Tensions Rise as SSC-Khatumo Deputy Leader Rejects FGS Interference

Kaab TV News Editor — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:52:14 +0000

LAASCAANOOD (Kaab TV) – The Deputy Leader of the SSC-Khatumo administration, Mohamed Abdi Ismail (Shiine), has publicly opposed a planned conference spearheaded by the Federal Government of Somalia, aimed at bringing together stakeholders from the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions to unite under SSC-Khaatumo.

In a press conference held in Laascaanood, Shiine criticized the federal government’s involvement, describing it as interference driven by political interests, and stated that SSC-Khatumo would not recognize any meeting that precedes the major conference they have planned themselves.

“There is no conference we recognize before our main summit. Therefore, we cannot be part of it,” Shiine said.

He emphasized that while the federal government may support and facilitate, it should not directly interfere in the internal affairs of SSC-Khatumo.

Shiine’s remarks mark the highest-level rejection from within the SSC-Khatumo leadership since the federal government formally recognized the entity as a provisional administration.

He further accused SSC-Khatumo leader Abduqadir Aw-Ali [Firdhiye] of aligning with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s political party, and attempting to advance partisan interests in the SSC regions.

“Mr. Cabduqaadir Aw-Cali has joined a political party with its own agenda, which he now seeks to implement here—one that is not in line with the interests of the people or the region,” Shiine added.

Veteran politician Cabdirisaaq Khaliif, a founding member of SSC-Khatumo and former lawmaker from Somaliland, stood alongside Shiine during the press event.

Khaliif played a key role in the Dhulbahante uprising during the 2023 Laascaanood conflict.

The controversy arises as the federal government pushes ahead with plans to host a major reconciliation conference for Sool and Sanaag, scheduled to take place on July 15.

The meeting is expected to bring together elders, politicians, and community leaders from both regions.

However, local opposition to the initiative is growing.

Reports suggest that armed factions and political figures have recently arrived in Sanaag, causing unrest among the local population, who reportedly rejected the move.

At the same time, Puntland, which retains partial control over parts of Sanaag, has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s role in organizing the conference.

The rising tensions reflect the fragile political landscape in northern Somalia and signal a potential rift within the SSC-Khatumo leadership, despite federal efforts to foster regional unity.

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Somalia Parliamentary Session Overdue Amid Impeachment Motion Against President and PM

Kaab TV News Editor — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 22:02:27 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s parliament has been unable to convene for over two weeks, as the scheduled resumption of its session has now passed without a clear start.

The federal parliament’s bicameral houses have been in recess since December, with lawmakers originally expected to resume on February 1, 2025.

However, parliamentary sources and opposition MPs told Kaab TV that the Speaker of the House is unable to commence the session due to an overwhelming impeachment motion against Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

According to sources within the Office of the Speaker of the Lower House (People’s House), Speaker Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madobe) is deeply concerned about the growing number of MPs supporting the impeachment motion, which could lead to instability if the parliament reconvenes.

“The Speaker is trying to resolve the matter before any session is opened. That is why the parliamentary session has been delayed,” said the source.

Opposition MPs, speaking anonymously, warned that over 200 MPs are prepared to take countermeasures if Speaker Madobe does not open the parliament or allow the impeachment motion to be discussed.

One possible course of action, according to the MPs, involves starting a parallel parliamentary session in a safer location within the country.

Such a move could set the stage for a parallel process ahead of the 2026 elections, as the current administration’s term is set to end in May 2026.

The MPs are accusing the Prime Minister and President of serious constitutional violations, corruption, and human rights abuses, and are demanding their removal from office.

The federal parliament’s bicameral houses held their last joint session in November 2024 before entering recess in December. Lawmakers were originally expected to resume on February 1, 2025.

Both Jubaland and Puntland have reportedly endorsed the impeachment motion.

A source at Villa Somalia, the President’s office, revealed that President Hassan Sheikh has been working to defuse the situation, possibly by negotiating the removal of the Prime Minister and bringing in a new candidate.

One potential successor is Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Doodishe, the former Minister of Internal Security, who is from the same Daarood clan as the current Prime Minister.

According to the 2012 Provisional Constitution of Somalia, the House of the People is required to hold two regular sessions each year, each lasting a minimum of four months.

In March 2024, the parliament amended the constitution to extend the parliamentary term from four to five years, effective from the current legislature that began in April 2022.

If parliamentary sessions are overdue, it may be due to extraordinary circumstances, including political instability, security concerns, or logistical challenges.

In such cases, the Speaker of the House of the People may call for an extraordinary session, or at least 20% of the members can request one in writing.

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Somaliland President Hopes for Trump’s Recognition, Expects UK to Follow Suit

Kaab TV News Editor — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:40:17 +0000

DUBAI, UAE (Kaab TV) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro leveraged his platform at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday to advocate for Somaliland’s international recognition.

Addressing representatives from over 30 world governments, he emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location and governance as key factors warranting global recognition.

The summit, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together world leaders, business executives, influential figures, tech entrepreneurs, and investors.

During a panel discussion alongside Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, which holds a 51% stake in Somaliland’s Port of Berbera, President Irro reiterated Somaliland’s geopolitical importance.

“Given the current situation in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland holds a highly strategic position with 850 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Aden. Somaliland gained independence on June 26, 1960, but later chose to merge with Greater Somalia. However, on May 18, 1991, we decided to reclaim our sovereignty,” he stated.

Somaliland President @Abdirahmanirro leveraged his platform at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday to advocate for Somaliland’s international recognition. pic.twitter.com/yoVZgZY5t1

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 12, 2025

Despite the lack of formal recognition, Irro highlighted that many nations already engage with Somaliland as a separate entity.

“Somaliland is a democratic nation that holds elections and ensures peaceful transfers of power. We expect recognition from the international community based on our governance and stability,” he added.

Prospects of U.S. Recognition

President Irro also addressed the possibility of U.S. recognition, mentioning the anticipated stance of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We have strong relations with the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Given our democratic governance, we hope the international community will acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty,” he said.

“We hope that the United States may be the first country to recognize Somaliland,” he added.

Speaking at the same session, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem clarified DP World’s business-driven approach to its investment in Berbera Port.

“Our decision to invest in Berbera was not political; it was purely based on business potential. Africa is essential for us—Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia are key trade partners for Dubai, and significant exports go to these countries,” he explained.

Notably, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not invited to the summit. Adding to the diplomatic strain, three Somalia Federal Government ministers were reportedly disinvited after their names were mistakenly labeled as “Somaliland ministers,” sparking outrage in Mogadishu.

Relations between Somalia and the UAE have been tense, with Abu Dhabi scaling up direct engagement with both Somaliland and Puntland, bypassing the Somali federal government.

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