DAVOS, Switzerland – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to receive the Africa Presidential Leadership Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

According to an announcement from Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, the accolade recognizes his efforts in advancing peace, stability, and economic development in Somalia.

The award highlights President Mohamud’s leadership in addressing Somalia’s complex challenges, including conflict resolution, economic recovery, and nation-building. His participation in Davos also provides a platform to showcase Somalia’s progress and outline plans for future growth.

Peace and economic recovery

President Mohamud has prioritized peacebuilding and economic reform since assuming office in May 2022 for his second non-consecutive term.

His administration has worked to stabilize regions affected by conflict, strengthen governance, and attract international investment. These efforts have positioned Somalia as a key player in the Horn of Africa.

A significant milestone under his leadership was Somalia’s recent qualification for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. This achievement in December 2023 marks a major step toward economic recovery, unlocking access to international financing and enabling the government to invest in critical infrastructure and public services.

During his visit to Davos, President Mohamud is expected to deliver a keynote address focusing on Somalia’s economic potential and the government’s plans for sustainable development. Key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and telecommunications are expected to feature prominently in his discussions with global leaders and investors.

Strengthening international partnerships

The World Economic Forum offers Somalia a unique opportunity to strengthen its ties with the international community. President Mohamud is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with global leaders and stakeholders to discuss enhanced cooperation and investment opportunities.

Somalia’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean and its untapped natural resources make it an attractive destination for foreign investment. However, challenges such as insecurity, political fragmentation, and climate change remain significant hurdles.

President Mohamud is also expected to highlight Somalia’s vulnerability to climate change, which has exacerbated humanitarian crises in the country. Recurring droughts and floods have displaced millions, threatening livelihoods and food security.

In his engagements, the President will likely call for increased international support to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes funding for infrastructure projects, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development initiatives.

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia is facing heightened political uncertainty, with former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo warning that the country is entering a “dangerous” phase following a disputed election announcement by the national electoral body.

In a statement issued this week, Farmaajo, who served as president from 2017 to 2022, expressed deep concerns that the current political climate could lead to “instability” and undermine national security. The former leader strongly criticized election plans that he claims are not inclusive and lack consensus.

Farmaajo: “Path to Political Setback”

“Our country has entered a political phase surrounded by many dangers that could lead to a political setback, harm the unity of the country, and cause political turmoil that could undermine the nation’s security,” Farmaajo stated.

The former president, popularly known as “Farmaajo,” has been a vocal critic of current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, particularly regarding proposed constitutional amendments and electoral reforms.

These reforms have been a point of contention between the federal government and some regional states, notably Puntland and Jubaland.

“We have repeatedly warned that any non-inclusive change to the Constitution, which is the only thing that holds the Somali people together, could lead to the disappearance of the legitimacy upon which government institutions are built,” Farmaajo added.

He argued that the Constitution should be the basis for consensus.

The crux of the dispute lies in the electoral process. Farmaajo accuses President Mohamud of pushing for an election that he “unilaterally devised and manages,” a move that the former president believes fails to reflect the country’s political reality.

“The election law, the political parties law, and the election commissions are a process that involves the constitutional institutions, the Federal Member States, and the political leadership,” Farmaajo emphasized.

“Therefore, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s continued insistence on holding an election that he has devised and managed is a step that does not reflect the political situation in the country and could lead to a political setback and turmoil that can be avoided.”

Call for national dialogue 

The former president’s statement further called for a united front among regional governments, former national leaders, and members of both houses of parliament to initiate a national dialogue.

This dialogue, he suggests, is crucial to address the current political situation and avoid “political uncertainty and harm to the unity of the country.”

“Amending the Constitution and holding elections without the participation of Puntland, Jubaland, and the country’s political leadership can only be interpreted as the leadership in power having no regard for the unity and solidarity of the country, which is the national responsibility for which they were elected, and that they have prioritized their personal interests over the common good,” Farmaajo asserted.

A fragile political landscape

Somalia has long struggled with political instability, clan-based conflicts, and the persistent threat of the al-Shabaab Islamist insurgency. The country operates under a complex federal system, with power shared between the central government and federal member states.

The current political tension comes amidst ongoing efforts to finalize a provisional constitution, which has been a work in progress since its adoption in 2012.

The proposed amendments, including changes to the electoral system, have been met with resistance from some regions, particularly Puntland, which has declared itself autonomous from the federal government’s constitutional reform process.

Jubaland, another key regional state, has also expressed reservations about the proposed changes, leading to a widening rift between Mogadishu and some regional administrations.

President Hassan’s stance

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who served as president from 2012 to 2017 and was re-elected in 2022, has defended the electoral reforms necessary for strengthening democracy and ensuring a more inclusive political process.

His administration has emphasized the importance of moving forward with the elections as a crucial step toward consolidating the country’s fragile state-building efforts. However, details on his specific response to Farmaajo’s recent statement are yet to emerge.

The escalating political dispute in Somalia will likely attract attention from the international community, which has invested heavily in supporting the country’s stabilization and development.

The United Nations, the African Union, and various Western partners have consistently called for dialogue and consensus-building among Somali stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition.

HARGAISA, Somaliland – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening his administration’s relationships with Ethiopia and the United States, citing economic, security, and diplomatic benefits.

Speaking at a dinner held for Somaliland’s House of Elders (Guurti) at the Presidential Palace, President Irro emphasized the long-standing ties between Somaliland and its larger neighbor, Ethiopia.

“Ethiopia is a long-time friend, a partner that we cannot do without for economic development, strengthening security, our social stability, and our relations with Africa,” Irro stated.

He further stressed the need to elevate the relationship to new heights. “It is our duty to further improve this relationship and maximize the benefits for both our nations,” he added.

The relationship between Somaliland and Ethiopia has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in the economic sphere. Landlocked Ethiopia relies heavily on the Port of Berbera in Somaliland for access to the sea.

A 2016 agreement saw Ethiopia acquire a 19% stake in the port alongside the Dubai-based DP World, which holds a 51% stake. The development of the Berbera Corridor, a road project connecting the port to the Ethiopian border, is also a key element of this partnership, aimed at boosting trade and regional integration.

Somaliland seeks closer US engagement

President Irro also highlighted growing interest from the United States in engaging with Somaliland.

He welcomed recent calls by members of the US Congress and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for the establishment of a US diplomatic office in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.

“We commend the US lawmakers and the House Foreign Affairs Committee who are calling for the US to open a diplomatic office in Somaliland,” Irro said. “We will pursue every avenue to strengthen this relationship.”

The United States has shown increasing interest in Somaliland, driven partly by strategic considerations in the Horn of Africa, a region facing security challenges including terrorism and maritime piracy. Somaliland’s stable governance and strategic location along the Gulf of Aden make it a valuable partner for the US.

In recent years, US delegations, including military officials, have visited Somaliland. Analysts suggest that establishing a diplomatic presence in Hargeisa could enhance US-Somaliland cooperation on security, trade, and development.

Quest for international recognition

Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic in the Horn of Africa, has been seeking international recognition since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the outbreak of the Somali Civil War.

While Somaliland has established its own government institutions, currency, and security forces and has maintained a relatively peaceful and democratic environment, it has yet to be recognized by any sovereign state.

The administration of President Irro has made gaining international recognition a top priority. Cultivating strong relationships with countries like Ethiopia and the United States is a key part of this strategy.

In conclusion, President Irro indicated that Somaliland is actively pursuing closer ties with other countries. He expressed optimism that these efforts would yield “fruitful results.”

KISMAYO, Somalia – Somalia’s federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has failed to enforce an air blockade on the autonomous region of Jubaland, with multiple unauthorized flights landing in the port city of Kismayo in recent days, sources reported.

The apparent breach of airspace control underscores the persistent challenges Mogadishu faces in asserting its authority over the country’s federal member states, particularly in the politically charged context of Jubaland.

The attempted air blockade, aimed at pressuring Jubaland’s leader Ahmed Madobe to hold a one-person, one-vote election not agreed upon nationally, has backfired. Since yesterday, at least two aircraft have landed in Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubaland.

One plane, reportedly chartered by Madobe, transported him to Nairobi, Kenya, for meetings with international representatives and development agencies. Nairobi is a key diplomatic and development hub in East Africa, with many global partners.

This comes after the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Kenyan ambassador on Thursday to question him about the flight.

The other aircraft arrived in Kismayo on Friday afternoon, carrying Jubaland ministers to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and later transported elders from Addis Ababa to Doolow, a town in the Gedo region of Jubaland.

While the origin and ownership of the aircraft remain unclear, the flights demonstrate an apparent defiance of Mogadishu’s attempted restrictions.

Background: A history of tensions

The current standoff is not an isolated incident but rather the latest episode in a long history of strained relations between Somalia’s federal government and Jubaland.

The Federal Government has repeatedly employed flight bans as a tool of political pressure, notably during the previous administration of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as “Farmaajo.”

The Gedo region, bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, remains a particularly sensitive area. The region has been a major point of contention, with disputes over its administration contributing to the broader tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland.

Jubaland, located in southern Somalia bordering Kenya, is one of Somalia’s five federal member states. Ahmed Madobe, a former Islamist militant who later aligned with the government, has led the region since 2013.

Jubaland is a critical strategic location that is crucial for counterterrorism efforts against al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group that controls large swathes of rural southern and central Somalia. Kismayo, the region’s most populous city, is a significant economic hub and a vital port.

Mogadishu’s limited control

The Somali Federal Government, based in Mogadishu, theoretically controls Somalia’s airspace. However, the unauthorized flights highlight the practical limitations of this control, particularly in regions with strong local administrations like Jubaland.

This situation underscores Somali politics’ complex and fragmented nature, where regional autonomy often trumps central authority.

The ongoing defiance of the air blockade is likely to further inflame tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland. This could potentially destabilize the region and complicate efforts to hold peaceful and credible elections.

The international community, which has invested heavily in Somalia’s state-building process, is watching the situation closely. The outcome of this power struggle will have significant implications for the future of Somalia’s fragile political landscape and its long-delayed democratic transition.

It remains to be seen whether President Mohamud’s administration will be able to effectively enforce its authority or will be forced to negotiate with the increasingly assertive leadership of Jubaland.

No immediate comment was available from the Federal Government of Somalia or the Jubaland administration.