Somalia's new president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, begins his term with the daunting tasks of addressing the country's political divisions and the threat from the insurgent group al-Shabab. The political system, based on the clan-based 4.5 system, requires him to form a government that represents different tribes, focusing on meritocracy. The president is expected to appoint a new prime minister who will then form a Cabinet, pending parliamentary approval. Security challenges from al-Shabab persist, with experts like Abdurahman Sheikh Azhari from the Mogadishu-based Center for Analysis and Strategic Studies suggesting limited options for dealing with the group. Dialogue with al-Shabab is considered a potential strategy, despite their recent successful attacks. The U.N.-authorized African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is also a key factor in the country's security, with its mission ending in 2024. The return of U.S. forces could aid in the fight against al-Shabab and strengthen Somalia's national army.

In a landmark case for Somaliland, a 14-year-old girl named Hawa Isack Adan has been granted a divorce from a forced marriage that was arranged when she was 11. Hawa was engaged to 38-year-old Aftin Abdi Adan and married him in January. After escaping and seeking refuge with her grandmother, she returned to her husband's home to secure her mother's release from arrest. Hawa then filed for divorce on her own initiative. The court proceedings revealed that she had been forced into the marriage without her consent and was underage at the time of engagement. Despite the Sexual Offenses Act, which criminalizes forced marriage, the court did not impose jail terms on Hawa's father or her husband, citing the future harmony of the family. After the divorce, Hawa expressed her desire to resume her education.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led a public rally in Mogadishu to unite citizens against the Islamist militant group al-Shabab. The rally supported the government's offensive, which has reclaimed territory from al-Shabab. However, the group remains a threat, having recently killed over 40 government forces and conducted a deadly bombing in Mogadishu. Analysts like Samira Gaid emphasize the importance of public support in the fight against militants. Meanwhile, political tensions with the semi-autonomous state of Puntland threaten to undermine security efforts. Puntland has suspended cooperation with the federal government, potentially affecting the battle against al-Shabab. Despite these challenges, the Somali government reports significant progress, with over 2,000 militants killed and their financial networks disrupted since the offensive began in July.

The United States has pledged $9 million in military aid to Somalia to support its fight against al-Shabab militants. This move comes as U.S. forces have returned to Somalia and the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared an 'all-out war' on the militant group. The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu delivered military equipment to the Somali government, which is seen as a vote of confidence in the Somali military's ability to manage the weapons responsibly. Somali forces, with the help of local militias, have been making progress against al-Shabab in central regions, despite the group's counterattacks. The U.S. is a major supporter of the Somali National Army and its Danab Special Forces. Security experts believe the new military aid is crucial for the Somali army, which has been limited in its arsenal and faces challenges in outgunning al-Shabab.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced the hiring of 3,000 new teachers as part of an ambitious education campaign, following a significant increase in the education budget for 2023. The Ministry of Education's Director General, Mohamed Hassan, highlighted the acute shortage of teachers and the low access to education, with only a quarter of school-age children attending school. The recruitment will prioritize areas with limited educational access, especially those recently liberated from the Islamist militant group al-Shabab. Despite the budget increase to $34 million, critics argue that it is insufficient to address the educational needs of Somali children, with around 70% not attending school due to factors including poverty and the predominance of private schools. The UNICEF reports that three million Somali children are out of school, indicating a severe educational crisis in the country.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed that out of 5,000 government employees, 3,500 are 'ghost workers' who do not actually work or are not in the country. This disclosure has sparked outrage among Somalis, with calls for action against these non-performing employees. The national budget of Somalia, heavily reliant on donor support, is at risk due to this issue. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has ordered ministries to ensure staff compliance with working hours. Experts and citizens alike are calling for reforms in the civil service, including transparent recruitment processes. Somalia is also seeking debt relief from the IMF and World Bank, which requires strict fiscal management, potentially jeopardized by the ghost worker problem.

The Somali government has allegedly issued a directive to local media outlets to submit content for approval before broadcasting. This has raised concerns about censorship and press freedom among journalists. At least four media outlets received calls from an individual claiming to be a communications officer at the presidential office, instructing them to comply. The managing director of Risaala Media Corporation, Mohamed Abdiwahab, criticized the directive, viewing it as a threat to media freedom. The Somali Journalists Syndicate has also protested the directive, and its secretary-general has faced arrests. The government's actions, including the recent deportation of award-winning British-based freelancer Jamal Osman, highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Somalia.

The Somali National Army, in collaboration with allied clan militia, has reportedly killed 88 al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region, according to Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala. The operation led to the recapture of Juhay village. Abdisalam Guled of Eagle Range Services highlighted the success of the campaign but expressed concerns over the government's role being overshadowed by tribal forces. He emphasized the need for a government-led plan for future operations. Prime Minister Hamza Barre encouraged the pursuit of militants, while Abdiaziz Hussein Issack from the Hamad Bin Khalifa Civilization Center supported the government's stance on targeting militants in mosques. The federal government claims that recent offensives have resulted in over 600 al-Shabab militants killed and the capture of numerous villages.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the recapture of the town of Adan Yabal from al-Shabab by Somali army troops and the Community Defense Forces, without resistance from the Islamist group. The town had been under al-Shabab control since 2016 and was a strategic location. Security analysts, including Matt Bryden of Sahan Research and Samira Gaid, emphasized the importance of the victory and the effective collaboration between government forces and clan militia. However, they also expressed concerns about the Somali government's ability to hold the recovered territories and establish local administrations. The government's strategy includes targeting al-Shabab's finances and ideological warfare, with support from clerics to counter extremist narratives. Other regional governments are preparing to open new fronts against al-Shabab.

The Somali government has issued a directive instructing journalists to refer to the militant group al-Shabab as 'khawarij,' a term meaning 'a deviation from Islam.' Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Adala stated this change is based on advice from Islamic scholars. However, journalists like Samia Ali and Maryan Seylac, the executive director of the Somali Media Women Association, have expressed concerns that this directive could increase the risk to journalists' safety. Somalia is already one of the most dangerous countries for media workers. The directive has been criticized for potentially compromising the neutrality of the media and putting journalists at greater risk of being targeted by al-Shabab. The government's move comes after a recent protest by Somali media against a separate order on coverage of al-Shabab and the arrest of Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate, on security-related charges.

The United Nations has reported that the Somali militant group al-Shabab has expanded its revenue sources, now including illegal taxation of properties and construction in Somalia. Despite efforts by the Somali government to crack down on these activities, al-Shabab continues to demand so-called taxes from residents, under threat of violence. The group is estimated to spend around $1 million monthly on fighter salaries. The U.N. report highlights that al-Shabab can still move funds through local and Islamic banks, often in amounts just under $10,000 to avoid detection. The Somali government has recently closed several bank accounts linked to al-Shabab and is receiving tips from the public on the group's financial operations. Former officials emphasize the importance of cutting off funding to al-Shabab and suggest that the government should also focus on building the capacity of investigative agencies to track financial flows more effectively.

The Somali government executed two Islamic State militants who were convicted of assassinations linked to the al-Shabab terrorist group. This event marks the continuation of Somalia's aggressive stance against Islamist militants, with these being the second set of executions within a week. The executed individuals were involved in the killings of civilians and officials in Somalia. Experts like Professor Abdiwahab Abdisamad and security analyst Abdi Hussein commented on the executions, noting the government's duty to protect its citizens and the potential for increased attacks by al-Shabab as a form of reprisal. The article also mentions recent Somali military operations, including the killing of 17 al-Shabab members and an attack by al-Shabab that resulted in at least nine deaths.

The article reports on the recent siege at the Tawakal hotel in Kismayo, Somalia, which is part of a series of attacks by the militant group al-Shabab. The attack is a sign of al-Shabab's capability to strike anywhere, as noted by Abdisalam Guled, director of Eagle Ranges Services. Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for over 15 years, and the current offensive involves the Somali National Army and allied militias. The article includes comments from Yusuf Hussein Osman, Jubaland’s regional state minister for security, and Abdiaziz Hussein Issack, a security analyst, on the situation and the need for a long-term strategy to combat al-Shabab, especially in Jubaland, which is considered a stronghold for the group. The article also references a previous deadly attack in 2019 that resulted in the death of a Somali-Canadian journalist among others.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate, has been re-arrested by officers from the Somali National Intelligence Agency (NISA) just two days after being released on bail. He was detained at the airport while en route to Nairobi for medical treatment. Mumin's initial arrest on October 11 was on security-related charges, including instigating disobedience, contempt of the state, and failure to obey orders. The Somali Journalists Syndicate is calling for his unconditional release and condemns the government's actions as harassment of the media. Journalists in Somalia are also concerned about a government directive that bans media coverage of the militant group Al-Shabab, viewing it as a suppression of freedom of expression. Amnesty International has criticized the Somali government for its disregard for the rule of law and freedom of expression, and Reporters Without Borders has identified Somalia as the most dangerous country for media in Africa.

The governor of Hiiraan region in central Somalia, Ali Jeyte, has announced financial rewards for killing members of the Islamist militant group al-Shabab, with amounts ranging from $5,000 for a fighter to $25,000 for top leaders. Additionally, Jeyte controversially called for the killing of the wives and mothers of al-Shabab members. This directive has raised concerns among rights groups and security experts, with Amnesty International highlighting that targeting families violates international humanitarian law. Security analyst Abdiaziz Hussein Issack from the Hamad Bin Khalifa Civilization Center warned that such actions could inadvertently garner support for al-Shabab from the clans of targeted families. Despite these concerns, Issack noted that bounties could motivate soldiers and militias to intensify their efforts against the group, and such measures have been used internationally, including by the United States.

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is facing pressure from the Somali government, with attempts to enter its offices and the arrest of its secretary-general, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin. This follows a government directive prohibiting media from covering the militant group al-Shabab, which has led to the blocking of social media accounts and websites. The SJS and other media organizations protested the directive, fearing it could be used to suppress independent media and endanger journalists. The government claims the arrest is for security reasons, but this is disputed by media stakeholders. Journalists and security analysts are concerned about the implications for press freedom and the potential misuse of the directive to limit free speech while also recognizing the need to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda.

Somalia, with the support of Ethiopia and Uganda, is campaigning for the lifting of a U.N. Security Council arms embargo to better combat the al-Shabab terrorist group. The embargo, in place since 1992 due to civil war and factional violence, restricts Somalia from acquiring high-caliber weapons and military vehicles without U.N. approval. The Hiraal Institute reported that the embargo does not prevent al-Shabab from obtaining weapons illegally. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have issued a joint statement calling for the removal of sanctions. Despite the embargo, Somali forces have made recent gains against al-Shabab. The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on the embargo in November, and while Somalia has been pushing for its removal, it is uncertain if they will gain enough support, especially considering Kenya's previous endorsement of the ban's extension.

A triple car bombing in Beledweyne, central Somalia, resulted in at least 20 deaths, including two local government officials and caused injuries to dozens. The attacks, which occurred at the Lama Galaay military base and were attributed to al-Shabab, followed the Somali government's announcement of the death of al-Shabab's finance chief, Abdulkadir Nadir, in an airstrike. The UN condemned the bombings and expressed condolences to the victims' families.

Somalia is experiencing a severe drought, the worst in over thirty years, with more than half of its population in need of urgent food and water. The United Nations warns that famine is imminent, with 7.7 million Somalis facing extreme hunger. World Vision's Country Director in Somalia, Simon Nyabwenge, highlights the alarming situation, including the drying up of the Juba river. Displacement is increasing, with 1.1 million more people becoming food insecure within a month. Deaths due to the crisis have been reported in the Gedo region. The Somali government has declared a state of emergency, and the U.N. notes that 700,000 people have been displaced. The crisis recalls the deadly famine of 2011, and there is an urgent need for the Somali government and international community to intervene to prevent a similar tragedy.

Maalin Group Companies, led by Abdalla Mohamed Ali, is at the center of a financial scandal involving a Ponzi scheme that has resulted in losses of approximately $60 million for investors, including Somali MPs, traders, and diaspora Somalis. The scheme, which promised high returns on investments in forex trading, has collapsed, leaving investors with significant losses. Abdalla Mohamed Ali has disappeared, and investigations reveal that the company was not registered for forex trading as required by Kenyan law. Kenyan authorities are investigating the case, but affected individuals, many of whom are foreigners, have little legal recourse. The incident follows a pattern of similar schemes in Nairobi and Mogadishu, despite warnings from financial authorities.

The article by Ahmed Mohamed Adan focuses on the aftermath of a terrorist attack at Beach View restaurant on Liddo beach in Somalia, which resulted in approximately 20 deaths and over 40 injuries. The piece gives a human face to the tragedy by sharing the stories of the victims, many of whom were recent university graduates and a lecturer. The victims had dreams and ambitions that were brutally ended by the attack. The article mentions several universities including Simad, Somalia, Plasma, and Benadir, highlighting the loss of valuable human resources for the nation. It also describes the community's response to the attack, showing resilience and solidarity through social media campaigns. The attack is compared to previous incidents in 2009 and 2011, which also targeted students and educational figures in Somalia.