Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is the President of Somalia. He is newsworthy due to the ongoing political tensions surrounding the breakaway region of Somaliland and its recent recognition by Israel. President Mohamud has strongly condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, labeling it a "naked invasion" and calling for national unity. He also alleges that Somaliland has agreed to accept displaced Palestinians in exchange for this recognition, a claim Somaliland officials deny. Furthermore, President Mohamud has accused the terror groups ISIL and al-Shabab of destabilizing Somalia and creating an environment that enabled Israeli recognition of Somaliland. Simultaneously, Somalia held its first direct local elections in Mogadishu in over five decades, though these were marked by opposition boycotts. President Mohamud's leadership is central to navigating these complex internal and external challenges facing Somalia.