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Somalia vs Somaliland: A Long-Standing Dispute in the Horn of Africa

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By salman | May 13, 2025 | Garissa News Introduction More than 30 years have passed since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. Yet, the world continues to grapple with a key question: Is Somaliland an independent state or still part of Somalia? The dispute between Somalia and Somaliland is one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts—rooted in history, identity, and politics. As diplomatic efforts falter and regional tensions rise, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions. A Brief History: One Union, Two Paths Somaliland was once a British protectorate. It gained independence on June 26, 1960, before uniting with the Italian-administered south to form the Somali Republic on July 1, 1960. However, the union soon showed cracks. Many in Somaliland felt politically and economically marginalized. The tipping point came in the 1980s when the Siad Barre regime used brutal force to suppress northern dissent—culminating in the bombing of Hargeisa in 1988. In 1991, as Somalia ...
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Mogadishu Under Water: Deadly Floods Leave Trail of Destruction, Displacement, and Despair

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Subheadline: Somalia’s capital is grappling with the aftermath of one of the worst flood disasters in recent history. Homes destroyed, lives lost, and critical infrastructure damaged—this catastrophe underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and humanitarian support. Introduction In the early hours of May 12, 2025, Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia, was brought to a standstill by a torrent of rain that flooded homes, destroyed infrastructure, and left communities reeling in despair. The relentless downpour began around midnight and lasted more than eight hours, unleashing chaos across the city and surrounding regions. What was once a vibrant city became a waterlogged landscape of destruction, soaked belongings, and heartbreaking losses. For a city already grappling with poverty, political instability, and a fragile infrastructure, this flood was not just a natural disaster—it was a humanitarian crisis. 1. The Storm That Drowned a City Meteorological data rev...
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GARISSA COUNTY NEWS ROUNDUP – MAY 10, 2025:

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1. Police Officers Survive IED Attack in Daadab: Security Heightened Security tensions in Garissa County escalated this week after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated under a police vehicle in Daadab, narrowly missing three officers who were on routine patrol. The explosion caused significant damage to the vehicle and left two nearby civilians injured by flying debris. The incident, suspected to be the work of terror operatives who have infiltrated the region through the porous Kenya-Somalia border, prompted immediate deployment of specialized anti-terror units. County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo reassured the public that the government is in control and is working round the clock to secure the area. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in providing intelligence to security agencies. The incident has sparked fear among residents, particularly in Ifo and Hagadera areas, where previous attacks have occurred. Local leaders have appealed to the national gove...
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Powerful Earthquake Strikes Istanbul: A Wake-Up Call for Preparedness

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On April 23, 2025, Istanbul—a bustling metropolis of over 16 million people—was shaken by a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake. The tremor, which struck just before 1 p.m. local time, originated from the Sea of Marmara and sent shockwaves through the city and surrounding provinces. While the quake did not lead to mass casualties or widespread structural damage, it served as a jarring reminder of Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability. The earthquake struck at 12:49 p.m. with a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, intensifying the surface shaking experienced across the region. Residents in Istanbul as well as those in nearby provinces like Tekirdağ, Yalova, Bursa, and even as far as Izmir felt the ground tremble. The earthquake was followed by over 50 aftershocks, with the largest registering 5.9 in magnitude. These aftershocks kept people on edge, many of whom refused to return to buildings, choosing instead to camp out in parks and open spaces. Although the earthquake did not cause signific...
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Kenya Secures $600 Million Loan for Road Projects: A Deep Dive into Infrastructure Development and Economic Impact

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On April 21, 2025, the Government of Kenya announced that it had successfully secured $600 million in short-term financing from a consortium of commercial banks. This funding is intended to support critical road infrastructure projects across the country. As the country grapples with high debt obligations and limited tax revenue, this move is both strategic and controversial. While many view it as a necessary step to stimulate development, others raise concerns about rising national debt and fiscal sustainability. The Need for Road Infrastructure Development Road infrastructure in Kenya remains a key pillar of national development. A well-maintained and expansive road network boosts trade, eases the movement of people and goods, enhances security, and improves access to essential services like education and healthcare. Yet, in many parts of the country, roads remain impassable or in disrepair, especially in rural and semi-arid regions. This lack of connectivity hampers economic growth ...
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Political Tempers Flare: The Drama Between Two Garissa Women Leaders

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In an unexpected turn of events that has shaken Kenya’s political landscape, two prominent women leaders from Garissa were involved in a heated altercation within the national Parliament grounds this week. The public confrontation, which occurred in broad daylight and was caught on video by bystanders, has not only gone viral but also raised serious questions about leadership conduct, political maturity, and internal party rifts. The incident involved two high-profile political figures, both hailing from Garissa County. One is currently serving in the national Parliament, while the other represents Kenya at the East African Legislative Assembly. Both women are no strangers to the political limelight. Over the years, they have carved out reputations for being vocal, influential, and deeply connected to their community back home. But what started as a quiet afternoon at Parliament quickly turned into a public drama that has become the talk of the nation. A Long-Standing Rivalry Alth...
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Kenyan Police in Haiti Face Rising Challenges Amid Escalating Violence

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Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission have suffered additional casualties as gang violence continues to escalate in the troubled Caribbean nation. The past week has seen two officers sustain serious injuries while conducting routine patrols in Port-au-Prince, further highlighting the dangers faced by the Kenyan contingent. As the situation worsens, questions arise about the effectiveness of the mission and the measures in place to protect the officers engaged in this high-risk operation. Background of Kenya’s Deployment to Haiti Kenya took the bold step of leading an international peacekeeping mission in Haiti following the country’s call for help in addressing the security crisis caused by rampant gang violence. The mission, backed by the United Nations and other global powers, aims to restore law and order in a nation where armed groups have seized control of vast territories, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. ...
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