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Faisal Ali

Faisal Ali

Faisal Ali is a freelance journalist covering Somalia and East Africa

In-Depth: As the Iran war draws away naval resources, Somali pirates are exploiting weaker security, economic hardship, and a growing pool of vulnerable ships

12 August, 2026

Analysis: Closer ties between Israel and Somaliland are fuelling fears that the Horn of Africa could be drawn deeper into a Red Sea power struggle

26 May, 2026

Analysis: As the US's grip over countries in the Horn of Africa slips, alternative partners have stepped up. China is one of the countries that has moved in quickly to plug the gaps.

28 March, 2022

Analysis: Turkey is positioning itself as an alternative ally to China, Russia, and former colonial Western powers on the continent. With many African countries also seeking out new partners, it seems their interests have converged.

28 October, 2021

In-depth: After an agreement with the Italian government, Somalia's state radio station will resume Italian broadcasts. But a lot of Somalis are unimpressed by the decision to reintroduce the language of its former colonial power on national radio.

13 October, 2021

In-depth: As the Nile dam dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia heats up, religious leaders in both countries are weighing in. Whilst this development risks increasing tensions, it also presents opportunities for dialogue.

06 July, 2021

Analysis: After tensions in Mogadishu spilled over into violence, Somalia's political players want to give the prime minister the benefit of the doubt, but he faces multiple challenges.

04 May, 2021

Analysis: International pressure is growing on Somalia's leaders to hold elections but talks to end the political impasse have repeatedly collapsed.

08 April, 2021

Analysis: In the last decade, Turkey has moved from being a peripheral country with little presence in the Horn of Africa to one of the region's most indispensable partners.

24 March, 2021