Name? Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
Westphalian identity? Somali
Age? 66
Why is he in the news? A few weeks ago, former Somali President, Hasan Sheikh Mohamud, won his second mandate against incumbent President Farmajoo. The elections took place after a 15-month delay, Hasan Sheikh won the final round with 214 MP votes. Hassan Sheikh’s election comes at a difficult time in Somalia, the country currently faces a crippling drought raising the possibility of famine, as well as an increased threat from terrorist group al-Shabab.
Why do we care? The election of President Hasan Sheikh has regional implications in that the President has welcomed a re-entry of US airstrikes on al-Shabab. What has been described as one of the United States’ “forever wars”, Hassan Sheikh is hopeful that the United States will help the Somali government regain sovereignty over the country. However, what still remains in question is how effective foreign military intervention is and whether this mission helps Somalia in the long run. *Cough* Afghanistan *cough*.
Why should you care? Hassan Sheikh’s election and the increase in US ground troops in Somalia mean a stronger reaction against al-Shabab. With the country currently facing high risk of famine, increases in conflict will hurt the most vulnerable, adding another humanitarian crisis to the long list of existing ones. Therefore you should care 7/10 about Hassan Sheikh’s path for Somalia.
Who else cares? Djibouti President Guelleh congratulated Hassan Sheikh on his recent re-election. In a recent interview, Guelleh noted his concern about al-Shabab’s influence in Somalia and the potential of government collapse leading to refugee inflows into neighbouring countries.
Any further comments? The new African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) was set forth on April 1st to draw back peacekeeping efforts. In essence, the mission aimed to bolster Somali security forces to fight against internal threats without relying on external help. External help Hassan Sheikh seeks to re-invite by means of the US …
