Somalia's new president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, begins his term with the daunting tasks of addressing the country's political divisions and the threat from the insurgent group al-Shabab. The political system, based on the clan-based 4.5 system, requires him to form a government that represents different tribes, focusing on meritocracy. The president is expected to appoint a new prime minister who will then form a Cabinet, pending parliamentary approval. Security challenges from al-Shabab persist, with experts like Abdurahman Sheikh Azhari from the Mogadishu-based Center for Analysis and Strategic Studies suggesting limited options for dealing with the group. Dialogue with al-Shabab is considered a potential strategy, despite their recent successful attacks. The U.N.-authorized African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is also a key factor in the country's security, with its mission ending in 2024. The return of U.S. forces could aid in the fight against al-Shabab and strengthen Somalia's national army.

In a landmark case for Somaliland, a 14-year-old girl named Hawa Isack Adan has been granted a divorce from a forced marriage that was arranged when she was 11. Hawa was engaged to 38-year-old Aftin Abdi Adan and married him in January. After escaping and seeking refuge with her grandmother, she returned to her husband's home to secure her mother's release from arrest. Hawa then filed for divorce on her own initiative. The court proceedings revealed that she had been forced into the marriage without her consent and was underage at the time of engagement. Despite the Sexual Offenses Act, which criminalizes forced marriage, the court did not impose jail terms on Hawa's father or her husband, citing the future harmony of the family. After the divorce, Hawa expressed her desire to resume her education.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led a public rally in Mogadishu to unite citizens against the Islamist militant group al-Shabab. The rally supported the government's offensive, which has reclaimed territory from al-Shabab. However, the group remains a threat, having recently killed over 40 government forces and conducted a deadly bombing in Mogadishu. Analysts like Samira Gaid emphasize the importance of public support in the fight against militants. Meanwhile, political tensions with the semi-autonomous state of Puntland threaten to undermine security efforts. Puntland has suspended cooperation with the federal government, potentially affecting the battle against al-Shabab. Despite these challenges, the Somali government reports significant progress, with over 2,000 militants killed and their financial networks disrupted since the offensive began in July.

The United States has pledged $9 million in military aid to Somalia to support its fight against al-Shabab militants. This move comes as U.S. forces have returned to Somalia and the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared an 'all-out war' on the militant group. The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu delivered military equipment to the Somali government, which is seen as a vote of confidence in the Somali military's ability to manage the weapons responsibly. Somali forces, with the help of local militias, have been making progress against al-Shabab in central regions, despite the group's counterattacks. The U.S. is a major supporter of the Somali National Army and its Danab Special Forces. Security experts believe the new military aid is crucial for the Somali army, which has been limited in its arsenal and faces challenges in outgunning al-Shabab.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced the hiring of 3,000 new teachers as part of an ambitious education campaign, following a significant increase in the education budget for 2023. The Ministry of Education's Director General, Mohamed Hassan, highlighted the acute shortage of teachers and the low access to education, with only a quarter of school-age children attending school. The recruitment will prioritize areas with limited educational access, especially those recently liberated from the Islamist militant group al-Shabab. Despite the budget increase to $34 million, critics argue that it is insufficient to address the educational needs of Somali children, with around 70% not attending school due to factors including poverty and the predominance of private schools. The UNICEF reports that three million Somali children are out of school, indicating a severe educational crisis in the country.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed that out of 5,000 government employees, 3,500 are 'ghost workers' who do not actually work or are not in the country. This disclosure has sparked outrage among Somalis, with calls for action against these non-performing employees. The national budget of Somalia, heavily reliant on donor support, is at risk due to this issue. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has ordered ministries to ensure staff compliance with working hours. Experts and citizens alike are calling for reforms in the civil service, including transparent recruitment processes. Somalia is also seeking debt relief from the IMF and World Bank, which requires strict fiscal management, potentially jeopardized by the ghost worker problem.

The Somali government has allegedly issued a directive to local media outlets to submit content for approval before broadcasting. This has raised concerns about censorship and press freedom among journalists. At least four media outlets received calls from an individual claiming to be a communications officer at the presidential office, instructing them to comply. The managing director of Risaala Media Corporation, Mohamed Abdiwahab, criticized the directive, viewing it as a threat to media freedom. The Somali Journalists Syndicate has also protested the directive, and its secretary-general has faced arrests. The government's actions, including the recent deportation of award-winning British-based freelancer Jamal Osman, highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Somalia.