Vates - May 01 2025 Lower Shabelle and Hirshabelle access map
January 2026

Not So AUSSOM – Somalia’s Security Mission in Crisis

Analysis of the existential crisis facing AUSSOM following the Apr 2025 Kampala summit, examining the funding shortfall, al-Shabaab territorial gains, SSF capability concerns, and stark…

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Vates - SSC-Khatumo Las Anod map
January 2026

SSC-Khatumo Defeat Somaliland Forces in Las Anod

Analysis of SSC-Khatumo's decisive Aug 25 2023 victory over Somaliland forces at Gojacadde, removing Somaliland's military presence from most of Sool region, and assessing implications…

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Vates - Al-Shabaab Ethiopia border incursion map
January 2026

Al-Shabaab Ethiopia Border Incursion

Analysis of al-Shabaab's unprecedented cross-border incursion into Ethiopia following the July 20, 2022 attacks on Yeed and Ato, assessing the extent of militant penetration and…

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Vates - Camp Simba, Manda Bay, Kenya
January 2026

Al-Shabaab Attack on Manda Bay, Camp Simba Base Camp, Kenya

Analysis of the January 2020 al-Shabaab attack on Manda Bay base that killed three Americans

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Vates - Barawe, Somalia
January 2026

Why the Fall of Barawe May Not Mean the End of Al-Shabaab

Analysis of the strategic implications of al-Shabaab's loss of Barawe, examining the group's command structure, revenue streams, and asymmetric warfare capabilities.

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Vates - Al-Shabaab leader Abu Ubaidah
January 2026

Emir Abu Ubaidah and the Future Threat of Al-Shabaab

Analysis of al-Shabaab's new leadership following the death of Emir Godane, examining the group's residual threat capacity and regional implications.

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Vates oil and gas sector analysis
January 2026

The Future of Somalia Oil & Gas Exploration

Analysis of oil and gas exploration prospects in Somalia, examining investment risks, political challenges, and the regulatory environment.

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Vates - Al-Shabaab foreign fighter recruitment
January 2026

Al-Shabaab vs. Islamic State: Battle for Foreign Fighters

Analysis of competition between al-Shabaab and Islamic State for foreign fighter recruitment and regional implications.

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Vates - Al-Shabaab propaganda analysis
January 2026

Al-Shabaab Statement on Jerusalem: Threat Assessment

Analysis of al-Shabaab's response to U.S. recognition of Jerusalem, including threat implications for Western interests in East Africa.

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Vates - Somalia national flag
January 2026

AMISOM Draw Down: Analysis and Implications

Assessment of AMISOM's phased troop reduction, transition challenges, and implications for Somalia's security sector reform.

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