Somalia

Somalia

Somalia is often cited as an example of state collapse and suffers from one of the lowest levels of development in the world. The country has long dealt with issues of regional separatism and continues to rely on international peacekeepers to protect against al-Shabaab and other armed groups. Though not as ethnically diverse as its neighbors, Somalia is pervaded by clan competition. Progress has been made in recent years toward peace, but stability is far from assured.

Content

MENASource

Apr 9, 2026

Egypt’s foreign minister: One cannot secure waterways ‘while ignoring the political order of the states’ along the shore

By Maisoon H. Kafafy

Maisoon H. Kafafy reached out to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty for his thoughts on this turbulent moment and the instability in the Horn of Africa.

East Africa Ethiopia

MENASource

Jan 15, 2026

After Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, what comes next?

By Amit Yarom

Recognition reshapes the scope of bilateral engagement but does not eliminate the constraints tied to Somaliland’s contested status.

Africa East Africa

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Gateways to the Red Sea: The case for Israel–Somaliland normalization

By Amit Yarom

Expanding the Abraham Accords to Somaliland could quietly anchor a more stable and cooperative Red Sea region.

East Africa Israel

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

The US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high

By Danielle Cosgrove and Doug Livermore

To maintain a foothold in East Africa’s security architecture, the US must prioritize continuity, including keeping the US embassy in Mogadishu open.

Africa Crisis Management

AfricaSource

Mar 13, 2025

What airstrikes in Somalia show about the war on terror

By Alexander Tripp

With terrorist groups increasingly prevalent throughout Africa, the United States is likely to devote more attention to counterterrorism efforts on the continent.

Africa Sahel

Report

Jan 23, 2025

In the Horn of Africa, Turkey and Egypt unfold a strategic alignment—or potential rivalry

By Federico Donelli

The recent reconciliation between Turkey and Egypt illustrates the potential for cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

Africa Ethiopia

AfricaSource

Oct 2, 2024

Nine months later: The regional implications of the Ethiopia-Somaliland MOU

By Maxwell Webb

The involvement of other players in the Horn of Africa’s security landscape is a prime example of how middle-power politics and diplomacy in one region could, over time, create a tinderbox of conditions.

Africa East Africa

MENASource

Sep 19, 2024

Egypt is cozying up to Somalia to thwart Ethiopia

By Shahira Amin

Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have escalated after Cairo forged closer ties with Addis Ababa's rival, Somalia.

Africa Conflict

TURKEYSource

Jun 18, 2024

Turkey signed two major deals with Somalia. Will it be able to implement them?

By Kiran Baez

Turkey will face major challenges from both external and domestic pressure in implementing its hydrocarbons and maritime security deals.

East Africa Geopolitics & Energy Security

AfricaSource

Feb 22, 2024

What the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal means for Washington’s strategy in the Red Sea

By Maxwell Webb

Developments around the deal could bring simmering conflicts to a boil—or they could potentially advance peace and prosperity in the region.

Eritrea Ethiopia
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Experts

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism