State Building in Somalia in the Image of Somaliland: A Bottom-Up Approach

“The creation of western-style government institutions has been unsuccessful in Somalia. This is a direct result of colonial administrations not … More

Diaspora political parties: Daydreaming in distant lands

Somalia: A new phenomenon constructed in the security of the Western world and by those who have very little real involvement with Somalia and its politics. It is built on arrogance, fantasy and colonial like ambition of civilising the Somali people through sudden democracy…From Ha Noolato (where are they now?), Tayo and Hiil Qaran to the others I have not heard of but probably exist, there is this believe among their Diaspora leaders that they will be the ones to return peace, stability and security to Somalia. What is consistent about all of these organisations is that they are led from the comfort of the Western world and they are spearheaded by ambitious but out of touch individuals.

What can African leaders learn from Brazil?

According to the Centre of Economic and Business Research, Brazil made a historical leap in this year’s annual global economic league tables because of its vast reserves of natural resources and its growing cash rich middle class who are spending as Europeans and Americans tighten their belts as a result of the global financial crisis. There is much for African leaders to learn from a country that was once just like theirs in every imaginable way.