Somalia Conflict Update

What happened? As Somalia’s long-delayed electoral process moved ahead amid reports of manipulation, the power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo” and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble persisted; tensions ran high in Puntland and Hirshabelle states; and Al-Shabaab extended its grip.

Why does it matter? Government institutions are divided between the president and prime minister, while the high levels of manipulation in the election process could lead to a contested result and political instability, creating more room for Al-Shabaab to step up assaults.