Focus on Somalia

Somalia has been on the agenda of the international community, but also of academia, for many years. In Focus on Somalia, we want to contribute to informing about current political and legal events in the country, but also to present background analyses and scientific assessments. Our aim is to give young scientists from Somalia a chance to have their voices heard. In order to support authors contributing to our Focus on Somalia section, we established the Asli-Ahmed-Award.

Our blog thrives on allowing very different perspectives on the country, its people and society to have their say.

The Legal Analysis of Community Rights in Environment Decision-Making in the Federal Republic of Somalia

The Legal Analysis of Community Rights in Environment Decision-Making in the Federal Republic of Somalia

Rosette UmutoniwaseMar 15, 20247 min read

Introduction People often feel hopeless and powerless to protect the environment, themselves, their families and their individual rights. However, through the creative use of the law, a number of notable successes…

Territoriality of Intellectual Property Systems and Intellectual Property Protection under the EAC Common Market

Territoriality of Intellectual Property Systems and Intellectual Property Protection under the EAC Common Market

Nicodemus Uswege MsikaFeb 23, 20248 min read

Introduction Intellectual Property (IP) protection systems in the EAC embrace the principle of territoriality in the protection of all aspects of IP. The principle of territoriality of IP systems entails…

Enhancing Performance Auditing in Regional Economic Communities: A Case Study of the EAC

Enhancing Performance Auditing in Regional Economic Communities: A Case Study of the EAC

Alphred NtirenganyaFeb 16, 20248 min read

1. Introduction Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are established to achieve various goals, but almost all are established for economic purposes and to reduce, if not eliminate, all intra-trade barriers.[1] The…

The Ongoing Expansion of the EAC and the People-Centered Principle of Integration

The Ongoing Expansion of the EAC and the People-Centered Principle of Integration

Nicodemus Uswege MsikaFeb 9, 20247 min read

An Introduction to the East African Community On 24 November 2023, Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC),[1] making the EAC have a total of eight partner States: Tanzania, Kenya,…

Highlights of 2023: End-of-Year Review

Highlights of 2023: End-of-Year Review

Merlin MitschkerDec 29, 20237 min read

Introduction In the vibrant tapestry of African legal and political developments in 2023, the African Legal Studies Blog has captured critical developments, weaving together the diverse threads of historical and…

Somalia Becomes the Eighth Member of the EAC – Back to the Roots?

Somalia Becomes the Eighth Member of the EAC – Back to the Roots?

René BrosiusDec 8, 202311 min read

The time has come! On 24 November 2023, the heads of state and government of the East African Community (EAC) approved Somalia’s accession. Thus, Somalia will become the eighth member…

Interference of Politicians in the Civil Servant Recruitment Process in Somalia

Interference of Politicians in the Civil Servant Recruitment Process in Somalia

Ibrahim Mohamed WarsameNov 10, 20237 min read

Introduction  Since its independence in 1960, Somalia has experienced numerous forms of administration. Civil governance, military rule, and the establishment of a federal government system. However, each era had its…

Change Through Trade? East African Community Starts Accession Negotiations with Somalia

Change Through Trade? East African Community Starts Accession Negotiations with Somalia

René BrosiusJul 28, 20239 min read

The East African Community (EAC) is one of the fastest-growing regional economic blocs in the world. It currently comprises seven partner states, including Congo (since 2022), the Republic of Burundi,…

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The Impact of Conflict on Marginalized Communities in Somalia: A Human Rights Perspective

Safia Mohamed NorJun 16, 20237 min read

Introduction The impact of conflict on marginalized communities in Somalia is a crucial issue that needs to be discussed from a human rights perspective. Conflict often aggravates existing inequalities and…

A popular uprising as a game changer? Somalia’s fight against Al Shabab terror

A popular uprising as a game changer? Somalia’s fight against Al Shabab terror

René BrosiusDec 23, 20229 min read

In the shadow of world political events, one of the biggest offensives against terror in over a decade and a half is currently taking place in Somalia. For almost two…

Launch of the Asli-Ahmed-Award

Launch of the Asli-Ahmed-Award

Max ZuberDec 9, 20221 min read

On 19th November 2022, the africanlegalstudies.blog launched the Asli-Ahmed-Award in close cooperation with the Verein für Entwicklung und humanitäre Hilfe Somalias e.V. Thanks to the gracious support of the Verein…

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On a difficult mission – Somalia elects Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new president

René BrosiusJun 10, 202211 min read

COMMENT René Brosius 10 June 2022 In the evening of 8 February 2017, it was clear: Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed also known as “Farmaajo” is Somalia’s 9th president. People in Mogadishu…