Abdi Garad, PhD
@agaraad • 8,465 subscribers
A researcher focusing on state-building interventions and the associated security complexities of the HoA. Reposting does not mean an endorsement.
Videos
![“Benjamin Netanyahu is in a horrible political position... A few days ago, the prime minister of Somaliland came here [to Israel]. If you haven’t heard of Somaliland, it’s because Israel is the only country that recognises it…That is how desperate Netanyahu [and the equally desperate prime minister of Somaliland are]”. They are both in search of political relief.](https://image.24vids.com/tw-2067005909457666535/amplify_video_thumb/2067005812862570496/img/LA3yL9SfkTQWpy1V.jpg)
“Benjamin Netanyahu is in a horrible political position... A few days ago, the prime minister of Somaliland came here [to Israel]. If you haven’t heard of Somaliland, it’s because Israel is the only country that recognises it…That is how desperate Netanyahu [and the equally desperate prime minister of Somaliland are]”. They are both in search of political relief.
Abdi Garad, PhD133,808 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat
A friend of mine shared this clip containing insulting comments about Somali culture, especially uncles. In the clip, the men argue that Somali culture needs to change, describing it as retarded. Their argument rests on three points: (1) Somali uncles regard taking children to a park as embarrassing—one states, "a grown uncle going to the park and taking the kids out to play football is embarrassing, man." An Egyptian man, pictured with his father and hero imam brother in another setting, interjects: "And they're chilling in a café having a tea." The core argument is that, you will not see Somali uncles taking children to the park. (2) These uncles, they uttered, instead pass the time in cafés discussing tribalism. (3) They have passed the troubles of the homeland down to us, the next generation here. Before I address the flaws in their argument, one must contextualise the following observations. First, these men are in their mid-to-late forties. Hence, their metaphorical uncles would be in their seventies. With that in mind, two aspects stand out; one factor explains their rationale and my two cents for them: The aspects: (1) A seventy-year-old uncle is not normally expected to play football with children. (2) It is they themselves—the speakers—to whom their own argument actually applies. Making sense of their rationale: an inferiority complex. Somalis have a saying: naftiisa daryeela tukale ku dara—which may be translated as, ‘those who look after themselves are able to extend help to others.’ My two cents, therefore, is as follows: prioritise your own well-being, and recognise that being overweight is no longer in vogue.
Abdi Garad, PhD43,533 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten
There is no stronger and clearer rebuttal to Trump’s unfounded accusations against Somalis, particularly those who are American citizens, than the message articulated by Dr Qali Hussein. I take great pride in being Somali and stand in solidarity with my community, including figures like Dr Qali. Additionally, I am proud of the young Somali professionals who are courageously confronting the world's entrenched injustices, despite the minimal institutional support.
Abdi Garad, PhD64,110 Aufrufe • vor 7 Monaten
The prime minister of the FGS, @HamzeAbdiBarre, announced yesterday that @SSCKhaatumo is recognised as a federal member state of the federal government of Somalia. “I am declaring in a loud voice that SSC-Khaatumu is a territory and a Somali member state within the Federal Government of Somalia,” he stated. The declaration received enthusiastic applause as voices from the crowd urged for a repeat of the announcement. The atmosphere was charged with the sounds of a military parade music, complemented by a Somali song: "maanta maanta manta waa maalin wayne maanta." This song captured the spirit of the eve of Somali Independence Day, a momentous ceremonial event. After the music, a female voice requesting that the announcement be repeated could be heard. The Prime Minister then reiterated, “I am declaring in a loud voice that SSC-Khaatumu is a territory and a Somali member state within the Federal Government of Somalia.” He further added, “It will never be a disputed territory,” prompting another wave of applause.
Abdi Garad, PhD67,570 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
I observed Rashid Abdi (Rashid Abdi) spewing disinformation rants on i24NEWS English, an Israeli television station, and I would like to share my reflections on the situation. If Israel, the United States, or any other country were to recognise Somaliland, several important points are expected to be the outcome. First, Somaliland—particularly Berbera—would neither be a base for Israel nor a dumping ground for the relocation of Palestinians. Let that sink in. Second, a state called Somaliland would not encompass the borders of the British colony, as the Northeastern region, or more plainly, the Harti clans, would not be included in this Somaliland. Third, a new front of Gadabursi and Issa will emerge between Djibouti and Hargeisa in the Awdal region. Fourth, this scenario will eventually attract a new front for global jihadists. For further insights, I recommend consulting the perspectives of experts on this matter, including Jethro Norman, Marc Owen Jones, Salman Al-Ansari | سلمان الأنصاري and others:
Abdi Garad, PhD22,816 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
My son, who's in GCSE, came home full of excitement. He said, “Aabbo, close your eyes. I have a surprise for you.” I complied, and when I opened them, he proudly revealed the score from the friendly match: Bahrain 1, Somalia 2. I was just as thrilled! Soomaaliya Hanoolaato!
Abdi Garad, PhD19,747 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
While many Somali NGO pseudo-scholars remain entrenched in the narratives and phrases developed by colonial scholars, the younger generation is actively seeking honest answers. Last week, Dr Zakaria Weyrax Warsame published a breathtaking and enlightening essay that poses questions that have eluded his predecessors for over three decades. Today, a young woman (@karamelshow on TikTok) echoes the same inquiries that we have not fully addressed, often borrowing from colonial narratives that have been used to eternalise neo-colonialism. Check out the essay and the video clip below.
Abdi Garad, PhD17,995 Aufrufe • vor 7 Monaten
![Below is the statement by Halima Ismail, the former electoral commissioner of Somalia, following her departure from the Heritage conference today. “Yes, it's true that I did leave the conference when the prime minister took the stage. My instincts wouldn’t allow me to listen to someone in a position of prime minister who had not only threatened my life but had also stated, "I will shoot you in the head if you come to Kismayo." How could I sit there, applaud, and wait for someone who has made such a statement? My heart simply cannot accept that. I am not suffering from Stockholm Syndrome; I am a Somali woman dedicated to the interests of my fellow Somalis. Here is a man—confident and proud—who feels no hesitation in declaring that he would kill me, yet stands before me expecting my attention. That does not sit well with me, and he is unworthy of being the prime minister. [Interruptions by the journalists]: Commissioner, did he apologise to you about that? No, I have not received any satisfactory apology. “](https://image.24vids.com/tw-2006843926792253765/amplify_video_thumb/2006843868562522112/img/CM038b6h9ZMvRoyj.jpg)
Below is the statement by Halima Ismail, the former electoral commissioner of Somalia, following her departure from the Heritage conference today. “Yes, it's true that I did leave the conference when the prime minister took the stage. My instincts wouldn’t allow me to listen to someone in a position of prime minister who had not only threatened my life but had also stated, "I will shoot you in the head if you come to Kismayo." How could I sit there, applaud, and wait for someone who has made such a statement? My heart simply cannot accept that. I am not suffering from Stockholm Syndrome; I am a Somali woman dedicated to the interests of my fellow Somalis. Here is a man—confident and proud—who feels no hesitation in declaring that he would kill me, yet stands before me expecting my attention. That does not sit well with me, and he is unworthy of being the prime minister. [Interruptions by the journalists]: Commissioner, did he apologise to you about that? No, I have not received any satisfactory apology. “
Abdi Garad, PhD14,785 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten
When you are entrusted with mutual trust, maintain dignity and respect for others. The Somali people must remember and express gratitude to #Saudi_Arabia for its altruistic and benevolent support in reinforcing the unity and the state's authority, unlike #UAE’s image-driven handouts, which actively work towards its disintegration. They must also differentiate the two. As the Somali poet Maxamed Cabdullaahi (Gandaal) expressed in a poem, “Allaylehe dulliga aad qabtaan, danee abaalkiina,” which translates to “By Allah, that very shame shall be your fitting crown”, I do not regret the isolation that the UAE is currently facing in the region.
Abdi Garad, PhD12,339 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
The main vibe around the Somali peninsula can be summed up with, "my clan is huge, laandheere." Honestly, while outsiders keep taking advantage of the rich resources in our lands, we try to bully each other and carve out our own spaces instead of sticking together. I really hope these clips serve as a wake-up call and help stop the ongoing downfall we're experiencing.
Abdi Garad, PhD14,643 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
A thread 🧵1/10 My aunt Edna's latest attempt to establish a new narrative that sets apart the culture of the Somali ethnicity with her last-drop episode surprised many people. Nevertheless, her efforts brought to my mind several significant moments that cannot be ignored.
Abdi Garad, PhD30,325 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
This self-explanatory clip speaks for itself and requires no further commentary. For context, the mayor of Borame, Muhumad Hassan Jama Hodey, who was nominated by the secessionists, claims that the construction of the airport, including the runway, is expected to be completed within a week or two. Journalist Imran Maydhane, who attended the mayor's press conference, guides us to the airfield, which is currently being utilised as grazing land for goats. Mr. Maydhane also emphasises several promises and commitments made by successive secessionist regimes regarding the airport's construction, all of which remain unfulfilled, revealing a pattern of false promises.
Abdi Garad, PhD13,372 Aufrufe • vor 10 Monaten
