Will Knocker

Ndugu, where does this appetite for pointless wars and territorial hubris come from? I have been to these so called territories, and the levels of poverty is heartbreaking. These communities need investment, education and opportunities, not useless tribal divisions and violence.

Best political event of the week. We need Kemi Badenoch as prime minister.

Armed clans rise, central government weakens in another setback for Somalia’s state building Armed clan militias have taken over at least two key installations in the central town of Beledweyne on Friday, in yet another setback for the federal government. The development is linked to the regional leadership election in Hirshabelle State, in which @GudlaweHussein, an ally of President @HassanSMohamud, was elected regional leader. Some communities in the region and their political leaders allege an imbalance in the region’s power-sharing arrangements. The federal government is already reeling from the fallout over the controversial ousting of the former leader of Southwest State. Observers argue that violent resistance to the federal government’s political direction could further weaken the central government, potentially leading to a resurgence of warlordism and further erosion of federal government’s legitimacy.

Plumes of black smoke were seen rising over Russia's Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery following a reported Ukrainian drone attack on the Samara region

#SECURITYALERT Somalia at a Critical Security Crossroads: Balancing National Sovereignty with Security Realities Amid the AU Withdrawal The withdrawal of African Union (AU) forces from Somalia presents both an opportunity and a significant security challenge for the Federal Government. After years of relying on international military support, assuming greater responsibility for national security could strengthen Somalia’s sovereignty, reinforce state institutions, promote national ownership of security operations, and demonstrate the government’s commitment to building an independent and self-reliant national army. However, such a transition must be carefully managed. Somalia’s current political and security environment remains extremely fragile. Political disagreements over constitutional arrangements, elections and the country’s future governance, coupled with resurgent Al-Shabaab activity and deep clan-based divisions, make this a particularly challenging moment for a major security transition. The fundamental question remains: Is Somalia genuinely ready to assume full responsibility for its national security without substantial foreign military support? In my assessment, not yet. There are four major concerns: 1. Military readiness: Somalia still lacks a sufficiently integrated, well-equipped and combat-ready national force capable of independently securing the entire country. 2. Political fragmentation: Clan-based politics and political divisions continue to undermine the cohesion, neutrality and effectiveness of national security institutions. 3. Operational capacity: Beyond a relatively small number of specialised forces, serious questions remain about the conventional military’s ability to defend national territory, contain terrorist offensives and reclaim areas under Al-Shabaab control. 4. Financial sustainability: Somalia’s security institutions remain heavily dependent on foreign funding. Without reliable and sustainable domestic financing, maintaining operational readiness after the AU withdrawal will be extremely difficult. Nevertheless, the AU transition could become a historic opportunity for the government to accelerate security sector reform, strengthen national institutions, establish unified command structures and take genuine ownership of the country’s security future. But the risks must not be underestimated. Al-Shabaab is not Somalia’s only security concern. Other hostile actors and competing external interests could exploit political divisions and institutional weaknesses to threaten the country’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Somalia needs greater Security independence, but independence must be built on capability, political consensus and sustainable resources, not simply the departure of foreign forces. #Somalia #FGS #FMS #AUSSOM #AlShabaab #AFRICOM #TÜRKIYE #Security #Counterterrorism #HOA #EA

In his SMWX podcast in South Africa Ugandan failed presidential candidate and western puppet, Bobiwine, stated that Ibrahim Traore must return power to a civilian government. But let's face it fellow Africans, which African in the right frame of mind listens to Bobi Wine, nevermind his advise , anyway? What has he ever achieved in the 40 odd years of existence? Even the Ugandan people decided they will rather take their changes with a failed octogenarian like Museveni, than try their luck with him. That Fellow Africas, tells you all you need to know about Bobiwine.

🙏🇺🇦 They go where hell burns you So that we can live Rescuers are stronger than any flames Gratitude & respect to all first responders Don't forget about these Heroes & Heroines 🫡

🚨 URGENT | LIBYE 🇱🇾 Les colonnes des forces armées libyennes se déploient vers l’Est, l’Ouest et le Sud pour sécuriser les frontières, sur fond de tensions avec l’Algérie voisine. 🇱🇾 Unis comme un seul homme, les Libyens peuvent faire face à tous les défis. Quand la Libye parle d’une seule voix, le monde entier doit l’entendre ! Avec @aleasima_17

As the first U.S.-born pope, Pope Leo XIV is also the first pope to vote in a U.S. election. The Vatican confirmed that he submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago for the upcoming midterm elections. A statement from the Holy See press office noted that 'The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes.' The pope has been politically active even while working abroad for 20 years as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru, voting whenever he was eligible. If he can do that, you can definitely show up this November too.