On Apr 15, Islamic State media wing, al-Furat Media Foundation, released a Terrorist Propaganda Video, “The Camp of Abu Noman the Martyred Commander, Soldiers of the Caliphate in Somalia”. The 16.46min Somali and Arabic language video features approx. 15 fighters in a training camp showing them undertake physical fitness exercises,…

After a four month standoff, on Apr 03, a breakthrough was achieved between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Puntland in support of the 2016 electoral process. The deal is an important achievement, and is complemented by the mandate extension of UNSOM until Mar 17, 2017, to support preparation…

Election Special #5 examines the latest political and security developments and what it means for Somalia’s elections in 2016. Throughout the election series, we have analysed a myriad of political and security challenges that may undermine Somalia’s ability to transition through elections in 2016, with a view that we would…

This fourth election special report for clients receiving our Somalia Situational Analysis reporting, assesses al-Shabaab, current Counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies, and other security factors or threats which may influence the political path towards elections. With less than six months before scheduled elections, the flurry of high level political events focused on…