Economist Podcasts Second time’s the charm? Somalia’s new president
Jun 9, 2022
Tom Gardner, The Economist's Horn of Africa correspondent, discusses Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's ambitious plans as Somalia's first re-elected president, focusing on tackling jihadist threats and fostering regional relations. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, delves into how education plays a crucial role in helping communities adapt to climate change, highlighting the challenges faced by those less educated. Additionally, they touch on the burgeoning optimism in the film industry, sparked by recent blockbuster successes, signaling a potential revival of cinema attendance.
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Al-Shabaab's Growing Influence
- Al-Shabaab's influence has grown, controlling more territory and infiltrating state institutions.
- The group now collects revenue, provides services, and operates a 'deep state', posing a major security threat.
Combating Al-Shabaab
- President Mohamud aims to combat al-Shabaab through a multi-front war, reclaiming the Islamic narrative.
- A lasting solution likely requires military pressure followed by negotiations.
The Drought Crisis
- Somalia faces a severe drought, impacting over 7 million people and potentially causing 400,000 deaths.
- Al-Shabaab's territorial control hinders aid agencies' access, exacerbating the crisis.