Podcast appearances and mentions of hassan sheikh mohamud

Somalia's state media reports that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was in the country's capital Mogadishu on Thursday to hold discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The visit follows what analysts say is a thaw in icy relations between the two neighbors. The relationship soured in January 2024 when Ethiopia announced plans to lease a stretch of coastline in Somalia's breakaway Somaliland region. Edgar Githua, an International Security and Diplomatic Expert at the US International University in Nairobi, tells VOA's Douglas Mpuga, the two countries realize that as neighbors they need to have good relations.

Makala hii imejadili hatua ya rais wa Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud kusaini sheria ya kufuta makubaliano kati ya Ethiopia na eneo lililojitenga la Somaliland, hii ikiashiria kutoridhishwa na matumizi ya bandari ya Berbera, uamuzi unaoibua hofu ya kutokea mgogoro baina ya pande hizo mbili.Mwandishi wetu Ruben Lukumbuka ameangazia hili pamoja na mchambuzi wa siasa za kimataifa akiwa Washington Marekani, Abdullahi Boru pamoja na profesa Macharia Munene ni mchambuzi wa siasa, na mtaalamu wa maswala ya kidiplomasia akiwa Jijini Nairobi hapa Kenya

For almost two decades, Somali forces, backed by the international community, have been fighting al-Shabab.But despite international support, the armed group remains influential in the south and centre of Somalia.Now, the government is launching a sweeping offensive to retake al-Shabab territory. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is personally leading the fight, but that is not the only challenge facing the government.Long years of drought, political divisions and the rise of autonomous regions pose significant problems.These are some of the topics the Somali prime minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, talks to Al Jazeera about.Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribeFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/AJEnglishFind us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aljazeeraCheck our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile@AljazeeraEnglish#Aljazeeraenglish#News

Congress recently voted against pulling American troops out of Somalia. Officially, U.S. forces number 900 and are there in an advisory role to help the government of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud combat terrorist forces such as Al-Shabab.Yet our guest today states that U.S. boots on the ground in Somalia are doing nothing but serving as a recruiting tool for jihadists, their presence provoking widespread resentment among the people of the resource-rich but war-torn African nation.Ann Garrison is a journalist and a contributing editor to The Black Agenda Report. You can also find her at The Grayzone and on Pacifica Radio. Her latest article, “Ilhan Omar Voted to Withdraw from Somalia, but She's No Anti-Imperialist,” assesses the Minnesota Congresswoman's record on opposing U.S. actions in the Horn of Africa.Garrison notes that Washington has little interest in genuinely opposing radical jihadist groups in the region and is instead focused on maintaining control of a strategically important part of the world. Somalia sits on the Red Sea, across a narrow strait from Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Around 40% of world seaborne trade passes by its waters on the way to or from the Suez Canal. Moreover, the nation is believed to possess over 100 billion barrels of untapped offshore oil reserves. “Securing African resources is an existential imperative” for the U.S., Garrison said.The United States has spent the past decade bullying and intimidating countries in North East Africa. From the bombing of Libya and the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 to its attempts to isolate Eritrea economically and politically to bombing Somalia and supporting the insurgency of the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front against Ethiopia, Washington's actions have led many in the region to sour on the United States altogether.While Garrison welcomed the campaign led by Florida Republican Matt Gaetz to get everyone in Congress on record as to whether they support or oppose ending the seemingly endless war in Somalia, she cautioned that Gaetz is not a committed anti-imperialist, but a strong China hawk, and sees U.S. conflicts like the one in Somalia as a sideshow to the real showdown against Beijing.Support the showMintPress News is a fiercely independent. You can support us by becoming a member on Patreon, bookmarking and whitelisting us, and by subscribing to our social media channels, including Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to MintCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud. Also, be sure to check out the new Behind the Headlines channel on YouTube and subscribe to rapper Lowkey's new video interview/podcast series, The Watchdog.

Over recent months, the Somali army, backed by clan militias, has recaptured areas in central Somalia from Al-Shabaab militants. Profiting from local anger at Al-Shabaab's predation, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government has deployed Somali forces to Hirshabelle and Galmudug states, just north of the capital, Mogadishu, to fight militants. The campaign has reversed some of Al-Shabaab's gains of the past few years, forcing the militants out of several areas, including some important towns. Yet big challenges remain. Al-Shabaab continues to mount resistance in parts of central Somalia. In recaptured areas, the government must ensure disputes among clans do not flare up again and show locals its value – in the short term by delivering aid and over time by reestablishing services like health and education. Fighting Al-Shabaab in its southern strongholds – the government's planned next phase of operations – will likely be a tougher slog. The al-Qaeda linked insurgency has weathered previous offensives only to bounce back. This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard Atwood speaks with Omar Mahmood, Crisis Group's senior analyst for East Africa, about this latest fight against Al-Shabaab and the challenges that lie ahead. They discuss the clan politics in central Somalia that have enabled the government's offensive. They look at the challenges in stabilising recaptured areas and curbing Al-Shabaab's formidable revenue generation, including its parallel tax system. They look at the drought blighting parts of the country and how Al-Shabaab's predation, in combination with water shortages, has forced a wave of displacement. They also discuss fighting – separate to the war with Al-Shabaab – on the edge of Somaliland, a northern region that declared independence in 1991. They ask whether the latest offensive against Al-Shabaab stands any hope of dealing the Islamists a decisive blow, or whether it is better seen as a way to weaken the group and force it to negotiate. For more in-depth analysis of the topics discussed in this episode, make sure to check out our recent briefing, Sustaining Gains in Somalia's Offensive against Al-Shabaab and our Somalia country page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Horn of Africa's resurgent jihadists of al-Shabab pose the biggest problem to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He tells us his plans—political, economic and principally ideological—to calm tensions. Western pilots have been training their Chinese counterparts, to widespread consternation. And looking back on the best footballers never to have appeared in a World Cup.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Horn of Africa's resurgent jihadists of al-Shabab pose the biggest problem to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He tells us his plans—political, economic and principally ideological—to calm tensions. Western pilots have been training their Chinese counterparts, to widespread consternation. And looking back on the best footballers never to have appeared in a World Cup.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US has blacklisted several individuals in Somalia accused of giving the Islamist al-Shabab group financial and other material assistance. Washington says they are part of a network that has engaged in smuggling weapons from local and foreign sources. This comes a day after the Somali authorities warned businesses in the capital, Mogadishu, against paying taxes to the al-Qaeda affiliate. Al-Shabab frequently extorts businesses in Mogadishu raising tens of millions of dollars for their militant activities in Somalia and neighbouring countries. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared an all-out war against al Shabab and sought international support to defeat the militants.

With support from allied militia, Somalia hunts al-Shabab+++ Apple music honors Nigeria's musical history with a month long campaign+++Kenya's glass blowing company thrives amid pandemic+++The impact of Europe's energy crisis on African businesses

Mvemba is joined by His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The newly elected President came into office for the second time in May 2022 promising a more inclusive government and greater stability. They discuss the challenges his government faces, including countering Al-Shabaab, food scarcity during one of the worst droughts in decades, and a rising cost of living.   This episode is a recording from a live event with President Mohamud, held at CSIS on September 16, 2022.

At a camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, Somalia, Lisho Iman Ali shoved long, thin branches into the hard earth — the foundation of a temporary shelter she was helping to build. She arrived at the camp three months ago after fleeing her village. “Because of the drought,” she said. “And because of insecurity.” As the United Nations warns Somalia is nearing a famine, millions of people like Ali find themselves caught between twin crisies: the worst drought to hit the region in more than 40 years, and ongoing insecurity caused by terrorism.For more than a decade, Somalia has been fighting against a deadly insurgency of al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate that controls large swaths of land and wages deadly attacks against civilians and officials alike.This is creating a challenge for officials and organizations trying to deliver critical aid. In her village, Ali recalls how al-Shabab militants demanded the she dressed more modestly according to their interpretations of Islam. “I didn't have the money for new clothes,” she said. A family sits outside their makeshift camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, Somalia. A million people have been dispalced by ongoing drought.  Credit: Halima Gikandi/The World Fearing for her safety, and without food, Ali came to this camp for displaced people. But even here, she has struggled to find food or water for her family. “Maybe I eat once a day,” Ali said. “Sometimes, I have to beg for food.” Most people at the camp have said they have yet to receive humanitarian aid. Despite a heavy presence of African Union peacekeeping troops in Baidoa, local officials have said al-Shabab is making it difficult to help communities in need."Al-Shabab. They are the ones who are causing the humanitarian disaster. Because they are preventing people [from exercising] their livelihood activities, including farming,” said Abdirahman Abdishakur, Somalia's special presidential envoy for drought.He added that the group is heavily taxing farmers in rural areas and targeting humanitarian workers. Earlier this month, al-Shabab militants attacked a truck convoy carrying food supplies in central Somalia, killing 20 people, including women and children. "It is tragic,” Abdishakur said. “Because people are already suffering the impact of the drought, and they are doubling the suffering.”  Medical workers speak with a patient at a pediatric ward at Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia.  Credit: Halima Gikandi/The World Since taking office earlier this year, Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has taken a hard line against terrorism. Some humanitarian workers have quietly worried this approach could negatively impact aid delivery. But Abdishakur disagreed. "Unless we remove that security threat, it is extremely difficult to save those who are dying because of hunger,” he said.This week, Abdishakur briefed member states of the United Nations about the drought in Somalia, urging for more funding and for sustainable, local solutions. "Our long-term goal is to break free from this constant cycle of suffering, hunger, and crisis. Billions of dollars have been spent on aid in our country and billions more will be spent until we go beyond emergency measures."He said Somalia needs investment and financing to help communities become more resilient to climate shocks like droughts, which experts say are becoming more frequent.In parts of the country, humanitarian organizations have been trying some sustainable approaches on the ground.The International Committee of the Red Cross, for example, has been assisting agricultural cooperatives in hard-to-reach areas by providing drought-resistant seeds."With the drought-resistant seeds we have been distributing, they were able to go back to their land and farms and be able to produce, even in this difficult situation,” the ICRC's Mohamed Ibrahim said. But for the 1 million people already displaced by drought, these solutions might be too late.“Receiving seeds would help,” said Fatuma Osman, a farmer who fled to a camp once her crops failed. “But only if the rains come.”The upcoming rainy season is projected to fall short for the fifth time in a row.Related: 'No more food in my village': Aid needed to avert a famine in Somalia

At a camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, Somalia, Lisho Iman Ali shoved long, thin branches into the hard earth — the foundation of a temporary shelter she was helping to build. She arrived at the camp three months ago after fleeing her village. “Because of the drought,” she said. “And because of insecurity.” As the United Nations warns Somalia is nearing a famine, millions of people like Ali find themselves caught between twin crisies: the worst drought to hit the region in more than 40 years, and ongoing insecurity caused by terrorism.For more than a decade, Somalia has been fighting against a deadly insurgency of al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate that controls large swaths of land and wages deadly attacks against civilians and officials alike.This is creating a challenge for officials and organizations trying to deliver critical aid. In her village, Ali recalls how al-Shabab militants demanded the she dressed more modestly according to their interpretations of Islam. “I didn't have the money for new clothes,” she said. A family sits outside their makeshift camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, Somalia. A million people have been dispalced by ongoing drought.  Credit: Halima Gikandi/The World Fearing for her safety, and without food, Ali came to this camp for displaced people. But even here, she has struggled to find food or water for her family. “Maybe I eat once a day,” Ali said. “Sometimes, I have to beg for food.” Most people at the camp have said they have yet to receive humanitarian aid. Despite a heavy presence of African Union peacekeeping troops in Baidoa, local officials have said al-Shabab is making it difficult to help communities in need."Al-Shabab. They are the ones who are causing the humanitarian disaster. Because they are preventing people [from exercising] their livelihood activities, including farming,” said Abdirahman Abdishakur, Somalia's special presidential envoy for drought.He added that the group is heavily taxing farmers in rural areas and targeting humanitarian workers. Earlier this month, al-Shabab militants attacked a truck convoy carrying food supplies in central Somalia, killing 20 people, including women and children. "It is tragic,” Abdishakur said. “Because people are already suffering the impact of the drought, and they are doubling the suffering.”  Medical workers speak with a patient at a pediatric ward at Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia.  Credit: Halima Gikandi/The World Since taking office earlier this year, Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has taken a hard line against terrorism. Some humanitarian workers have quietly worried this approach could negatively impact aid delivery. But Abdishakur disagreed. "Unless we remove that security threat, it is extremely difficult to save those who are dying because of hunger,” he said.This week, Abdishakur briefed member states of the United Nations about the drought in Somalia, urging for more funding and for sustainable, local solutions. "Our long-term goal is to break free from this constant cycle of suffering, hunger, and crisis. Billions of dollars have been spent on aid in our country and billions more will be spent until we go beyond emergency measures."He said Somalia needs investment and financing to help communities become more resilient to climate shocks like droughts, which experts say are becoming more frequent.In parts of the country, humanitarian organizations have been trying some sustainable approaches on the ground.The International Committee of the Red Cross, for example, has been assisting agricultural cooperatives in hard-to-reach areas by providing drought-resistant seeds."With the drought-resistant seeds we have been distributing, they were able to go back to their land and farms and be able to produce, even in this difficult situation,” the ICRC's Mohamed Ibrahim said. But for the 1 million people already displaced by drought, these solutions might be too late.“Receiving seeds would help,” said Fatuma Osman, a farmer who fled to a camp once her crops failed. “But only if the rains come.”The upcoming rainy season is projected to fall short for the fifth time in a row.Related: 'No more food in my village': Aid needed to avert a famine in Somalia

When Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was sworn into office in May, one of his first acts was to formally create a federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. He chose Khadija Mohamed al-Makhzoumi, Somalia's former ambassador to Iraq and Pakistan, to head the department.While Makhzoumi doesn't come from a science background, she does have experience building institutions from scratch as she grew Somalia's diplomatic presence abroad.The creation of this ministry comes amid Somalia's worst drought in more than 40 years, and as the United Nations warns that famine is at the door."The reason that the president has established this ministry is because of the problem and the situation that people are suffering in Somalia," she said. "Humanitarian issues and disaster — it's climate change. It's affecting so many areas in Somalia.” Environmental disasters like drought are not new to Somalia. But some experts are saying a combination of climate change and widespread deforestation is leading to extreme climate events with more frequency. "The world, they think [the] only problem that Somalia has is security issues," Makhzoumi said. But the biggest problem in the country now is climate change, she said: "We need to take climate change issues seriously."One of the first things on Makhzoumi's to-do list is a fact-finding trip around the country to areas that have been hit worst by environmental crisis, including the current drought, and to raise international awareness."Globally, everyone is talking about climate change, but nobody is talking about how Somalia [is] impacted," she said."We need to have support in that area," she said, pointing to financing infrastructure projects and overall climate financing that can help Somalis adapt to their changing environment."If we don't respond now there will be more disasters and more issues will come up later,” she said. Related: Drought, high temps in Somalia are pushing people to move to other townsCorrection: An earlier version of this story incorrectly referred to Khadija Mohamed al-Makhzoumi's ambassador territory and also incorrectly attributed the photo credit. It has been corrected.

When Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was sworn into office in May, one of his first acts was to formally create a federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. He chose Khadija Mohamed al-Makhzoumi, Somalia's former ambassador to Iraq and Pakistan, to head the department.While Makhzoumi doesn't come from a science background, she does have experience building institutions from scratch as she grew Somalia's diplomatic presence abroad.The creation of this ministry comes amid Somalia's worst drought in more than 40 years, and as the United Nations warns that famine is at the door."The reason that the president has established this ministry is because of the problem and the situation that people are suffering in Somalia," she said. "Humanitarian issues and disaster — it's climate change. It's affecting so many areas in Somalia.” Environmental disasters like drought are not new to Somalia. But some experts are saying a combination of climate change and widespread deforestation is leading to extreme climate events with more frequency. "The world, they think [the] only problem that Somalia has is security issues," Makhzoumi said. But the biggest problem in the country now is climate change, she said: "We need to take climate change issues seriously."One of the first things on Makhzoumi's to-do list is a fact-finding trip around the country to areas that have been hit worst by environmental crisis, including the current drought, and to raise international awareness."Globally, everyone is talking about climate change, but nobody is talking about how Somalia [is] impacted," she said."We need to have support in that area," she said, pointing to financing infrastructure projects and overall climate financing that can help Somalis adapt to their changing environment."If we don't respond now there will be more disasters and more issues will come up later,” she said. Related: Drought, high temps in Somalia are pushing people to move to other townsCorrection: An earlier version of this story incorrectly referred to Khadija Mohamed al-Makhzoumi's ambassador territory and also incorrectly attributed the photo credit. It has been corrected.

Mali: Is the military junta trying to get rid of MINUSMA? +++ AU urges farmers to increase food production +++ Somalia's President Hassan Sheik Mohamud visits Kenya and Eritrea +++ First-ever Marburg outbreak in Ghana +++ Sports

Analistas "veem com bons olhos" acordo de extradição assinado entre Moçambique e Ruanda. Novo Governo de iniciativa presidencial toma hoje posse na Guiné-Bissau. Presidente da Somália pede ajuda internacional para combater a fome no país que enfrenta a pior seca em 40 anos. Conheça a história de um cantor de ópera ucraniano que teve de fugir da guerra e hoje vive em Bona, na Alemanha.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is Somalia's first-ever reelected president. In an interview with our correspondent, he lays out his second-term ambitions for beating back jihadist insurgents and repairing relations with his neighbours. Why adapting to climate change is harder for people with less education. And why the film industry has high hopes for this summer's blockbusters. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is Somalia's first-ever reelected president. In an interview with our correspondent, he lays out his second-term ambitions for beating back jihadist insurgents and repairing relations with his neighbours. Why adapting to climate change is harder for people with less education. And why the film industry has high hopes for this summer's blockbusters. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected on the slogan: “Somalia at peace with itself and at peace with the world”. As Somalia's former leader returns to power after five years, the country faces immense challenges. For one, the Islamist group Al-Shabaab continues to control significant swathes of territory, as the new leadership tries to regain ground and make improvements in the security sector. Looking beyond Somalia's borders, Hassan Sheikh has promised a reset in foreign policy, seeking to mend ties with both its neighbours and traditional partners further afield in the Gulf and the West.This week on The Horn, Alan talks to Abdi Aynte, a former journalist who served as Somalia's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation in Hassan Sheikh's previous administration between the years 2015 and 2017. Joining from Mogadishu, Abdi talks about the mood in the capital after a protracted election process and people's hopes for what the new presidency might bring. They dissect President Farmajo's record over the last five years, and discuss the prospects for improving the country's security outlook amid the stalemate with Al-Shabaab. In terms of foreign policy, they discuss the numerous issues facing the incoming administration in the Horn and further afield, from repatriating 5,000 Somali soldiers stranded in Eritrea, to finalising the country's international debt relief program.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out Crisis Group's extensive analysis on our Somalia country page. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On 15 May, Somali lawmakers voted in new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The peaceful vote and transfer of power drew a line under what had been a fraught, long-delayed and sometimes violent electoral process that repeatedly threatened to tip into a major political crisis. Defeating the incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as “Farmajo”, Hassan Sheikh became the first Somali to hold the presidency twice – having already served between 2012 and 2017. The new president promises reconciliation among Somalis and a new era of peace. But he faces daunting challenges. Foremost among them are deep divisions among Somali political elites, particularly between the capital Mogadishu and Somalia's federal member states, or regions, and the long struggle against the Islamist militant group and al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab. This week on Hold Your Fire! Richard Atwood is joined by Omar Mahmood, Crisis Group's Senior Somalia Analyst, to talk about what the change in power means for Somalia. They discuss how it might impact domestic politics, notably the fraught dynamics between Mogadishu and federal member states. They look at how Somalia's foreign relations might evolve: in the Horn of Africa, where Farmajo had forged tight links to Ethiopia and Eritrea; in the Gulf, where Farmajo's close ties to Qatar had alienated the United Arab Emirates; and with Western governments that had grown impatient with his election delays. They then talk in depth about a forthcoming Crisis Group report on prospects for dialogue with Al-Shabaab. Omar and Richard map out the many challenges to such engagement: the troubled history of dialogue with Al-Shabaab, the group's uncompromising nature, unpopularity and foreign ties, political fractures among other Somalis and resistance in regional capitals. They examine why, despite all the challenges, it would be worth President Hassan Sheikh testing the water with the group's leaders to see what sort of compromise might be feasible. For more on Somalia, check out Crisis Group's extensive analysis on our Somalia country page and keep an eye out for our upcoming report “Testing the Water: Considering Political Engagement with Al-Shabaab in Somalia”. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Somali legislators have elected former leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country's tenth president, following a long-overdue election on Sunday in the troubled Horn of Africa nation. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who governed Somalia between 2012 and 2017, is facing a series of economic and security challenges, including a long-running drought and threats of terrorism. Meanwhile, the US has approved the redeployment of troops to Somalia to support the fight against the militant group al-Shabab. An attack on an African Union base earlier this month killed 10 peacekeepers. President Mohamud also pledged to continue to work with Turkiye on the security front, praising Ankara's previous support. Guests: Elem Eyrice Tepeciklioglu Political Analyst David Otto Political Analyst

President Biden has authorized the deployment of hundreds of American Special Operations forces to Somalia to assist the Somali government in its fight against al-Shabaab.  According to the New York Times President Biden has also authorized a Pentagon plan to step up airstrikes against al-Shabaab leadership.  This increased US military engagement in Somalia comes at a time of transition in Somalia. After years of political wrangling, Somalia's Parliament has elected a new President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who took office on May 15th. Meanwhile, the African Union's about 20,000 strong peacekeeping force in Somalia is beginning a process of winding down.  My guest today, Harun Maruf, is a veteran journalist and editor at VOA Somali Service. I kick off by asking him how news of increased US military involvement in Somalia is being received in Mogadishu and beyond. We then have an extended conversation about the security situation in Somalia today. 

Rais wa Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud anaanza muhula wake wa miaka minne akikabiliwa na masuala makuu yanayojulikana ikiwemo mgawanyiko wa kisiasa nchini humo na kuongezeka kwa mashambulizi yanayofanywa na kundi la uasi la Al-Shabaab lenye uhusiano na al-Qaida

Hundreds of US troops could soon be returning to Somalia after President Biden approved their deployment. It's nearly 18 months since American forces left, which was the decision of former President Trump. In that time, the militant group al-Shabab is said to have gained strength and attacks against government and peace keeping forces have increased. It has been a busy few days in Somalia, with a new president - Hassan Sheikh Mohamud - elected on Sunday. So, what do these latest developments mean for Somalia and the fight against al-Shabab? #AfricaDaily

On this edition of Straight Talk Africa, Haydé Adams discuss the challenges ahead for the newly elected president of Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will face chronic problems such as an ongoing drought, fighting al-Shabab and the country's troubled federal system. We also looks at the role social media influencers play in the upcoming elections in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

JJ Cornish brings us the latest African news that includes Hassan Sheikh Mohamud coming back after five years to lead Somalia, and Mali quitting the G5 group in the Sahel - just as it was about to assume the leadership of the group fighting jihadis.

JJ Cornish brings us the latest African news that includes Hassan Sheikh Mohamud coming back after five years to lead Somalia, and Mali quitting the G5 group in the Sahel - just as it was about to assume the leadership of the group fighting jihadis.

JJ Cornish brings us the latest African news that includes Hassan Sheikh Mohamud coming back after five years to lead Somalia, and Mali quitting the G5 group in the Sahel - just as it was about to assume the leadership of the group fighting jihadis.

It's a return to Somalia's top job for former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has been elected to lead the country for a second time. Turning waste into cash in Ghana with a new project to monetise cocoa pulp. And the reasoning behind the two leading presidential tickets in Kenya, Raila Odinga and Martha Karua taking on William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua.

*) Ukraine prepares for new Russian Donbass push Ukraine is preparing for a new Russian push in the eastern Donbass region, as Kiev said its army's counterattack around Kharkiv has gained momentum. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is preparing for new attempts by Russia to attack Donbass and intensifying its movement in the south of the country. Zelenskyy said, "the occupiers still do not want to admit that they are in a dead-end.” *) Sweden delegation to arrive in Türkiye to discuss NATO membership Sweden will send a delegation of diplomats to Türkiye to discuss the Scandinavian country's decision to apply for NATO membership. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde confirmed that the delegation will visit Ankara very soon to evaluate the ruling Social Democratic Party's decision in favour of joining NATO. On Russia's reaction to Sweden's application for NATO membership, Linde said Russia “violated our confluence area” and made disinformation campaigns against Swedish people. *) Palestinians mark Nakba Day amid tension with Israel Palestinians rallied to mark the "Nakba," or catastrophe, on Sunday with condemnation spreading over a police raid on the funeral of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Demonstrations were held in several countries on the Nakba Day when nearly 800,000 Palestinians were driven out of their homes by then Zionist Israeli paramilitaries in 1948. During rallies in occupied West Bank and besieged Gaza, protesters flew balloons bearing the names of cities occupied by Israel. Some protesters held pictures of journalist Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American, who was killed last week by Israeli troops *) Ex-Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wins presidency Somalia has handed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud the presidency for a second time following a long-overdue election in the troubled Horn of Africa nation. After a marathon poll involving 36 candidates, parliamentary officials counted over 165 votes in favour of former president Mohamud. Mohamud faces a daunting task in the country of 15 million people which is suffering drought, hunger and seemingly never-ending conflict. And, finally... *) Box Office: 'Doctor Strange 2' rules again as 'Firestarter' flames out "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is again the Number 1 movie at the North American box office. In its second weekend of release, the latest instalment in Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe has collected $61 million from over 4,500 theatres. Universal's disturbing remake of Stephen King's "Firestarter" fizzled with $3.8 million from more than 2,400 screens while landing simultaneously on Peacock.

Somalia elects Hassan Sheikh Mohamud new president+++Experts in South Africa warn of a possible fifth wave of Covid+++Nigeria: Student's brutal killing triggers protests

The new president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, says he will try to move his country forward by healing the grievances which run through Somali society. Mr Mohamud says the Nation have to move ahead and not need grudges. His election in a vote delayed by over a year means a $400m aid package from the International Monetary Fund now won't automatically expire this month.

The desire to hold free and fair elections in the country has been questioned by a number of stakeholders, with the union of presidential candidates announcing its decision to boycott ongoing parliamentary elections, citing massive fraud. Led by former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the team accused outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo […]

From August 9, 2014: Washington was abuzz this week as more than 50 African leaders were in town for the first U.S.-Africa Summit. On August 8, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, spoke at Brookings on the future of his country. In his talk, President Mohamud addresses the challenges to democracy that Somalia faces, and how Somalia, the African Union, and other international partners can work together to ensure security, foster development, and promote stable state-building in the country. President Mohamud also addresses the challenges his state faces in its ongoing battle against Al-Shabab militants—a mission that the U.S. has contributed more than half a billion dollars to since 2007. President Mohamud provides a realistic assessment of that threat, while highlighting the efforts his country is taking to bring democracy to Somalia. Michael E. O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy at Brookings, provides introductory remarks and moderates the conversation.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK government has urged for restraint and called for dialogue as fighting broke out in Somalia's capital Mogadishu.Rival units in the security forces and some former warlords and clan leaders clashed on Sunday.The British embassy in Somalia said the violence reports were "deeply concerning".The international community has been calling for dialogue on the election impasse in the country after parliament extended President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's term by two years.Former Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur said pro-government soldiers had attacked their homes.The government has since denied the accusations. Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble called for negotiations after Sunday's violence.