The Intelligence from The Economist Second time’s the charm? Somalia’s new president
Jun 9, 2022
Tom Gardner, The Economist's Horn of Africa correspondent, discusses Somalia's newly reelected president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and his plans to combat jihadist insurgents while addressing humanitarian crises. Robert Guest, Foreign editor, highlights how education can aid climate change adaptation, demonstrating its vital role in resource management. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright shares insights on the film industry's recovery post-pandemic, focusing on summer blockbusters and the balance between cinema and streaming in today's market.
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Journey to Mogadishu
- Reaching Mogadishu involved navigating a green zone with heavy security, including Ugandan soldiers and roadblocks.
- Even short journeys outside this zone required a large armed escort, highlighting the city's volatile security situation.
President Mohamud's Character
- Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia's re-elected president, is described as an academic, civil rights campaigner, and a conciliatory figure.
- Despite his mild-mannered demeanor, he is also resilient, having survived multiple assassination attempts.
A Divided Nation
- President Mohamud inherits a Somalia more divided, insecure, and diplomatically isolated than a decade ago.
- The previous administration's populist policies, including sidelining regional leaders and upsetting foreign allies, contributed to this decline.