Mo Speaks

Fig 1. Simplified geological and structural map of northern Somalia, adapted from Abbate et al. (1993b) and Ali & Watts (2015). The Nogal Basin in northern Somalia (Fig. 1) is one of the least explored onshore sedimentary basins in East Africa, yet available technical evidence indicates a complete and working petroleum system with significant undiscovered oil potential. A key reference for understanding this potential is an independent technical assessment completed in 2007 by Sproule International Limited, a Canadian petroleum consulting firm, using internationally recognized evaluation standards. The basin is interpreted as part of a failed rift system related to the opening of the Gulf of Aden, as illustrated schematically in the conceptual model shown in Fig. 2 . Prior to tectonic separation approximately 18 million years ago , northern Somalia and Yemen formed a continuous geological province, which explains the strong analogies between the Nogal Basin and productive Jurass...

After watching the Netflix documentary on the OceanGate submersible disaster, I reached a clear and unsettling conclusion: narcissistic leadership can quietly destroy everything around it—people, systems, and ultimately lives . This is not a psychological diagnosis of Stockton Rush, but my personal evaluation based on repeated patterns of behavior shown throughout the documentary. What struck me most was that the failure was not caused by a single technical flaw or one poor decision. It was the result of a pattern of behavior that created ripples across the entire organization, weakening every layer of safety. From early on, Stockton Rush showed an inability to accept expert disagreement. When Mr. David Lochridge , the Director of Marine Operations, requested that independent third-party inspectors be involved to verify the hull’s design and ensure safety, Rush denied the request . Rush then asked David to carry out the safety checks himself. After David gave his feedback, Rush fired...

Somali society is built on unity, family, and mutual support. This culture of helping each other whether through remittances, emotional backing, or community-based aid has allowed the Somali people to survive decades of war, displacement, and poverty. There’s no denying that this solidarity is powerful and has kept the nation standing where systems have failed. But while everyone celebrates the strength in togetherness, it’s time to talk about the other side, the part we often ignore. Too much dependence on each other, especially in modern times, is creating hidden problems that hold individuals back and slow down Somalia’s national progress.             In many Somali families, when one person succeeds especially someone living abroad, they’re expected to carry the entire family. This can include sending money for school fees, medical bills, house rent, weddings, and more. The pressure is constant, and for many young Somalis in the diaspora, it beco...

Somalia has entered into a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Turkey for oil exploration and production. This agreement outlines the relationship between the Somali government and Turkish companies and is a crucial part of Somalia’s oil industry development. However, there has been some confusion around what these agreements really mean for the Somali people, especially when it comes to how revenue is shared. To clarify, let’s break down the agreement with some simple examples and figures.   The Key Points of the Agreement The PSA between Somalia and Turkey specifies several financial mechanisms that govern how oil revenue is divided. Some of the most important mechanisms are: Royalty : This is a percentage of the production that Somalia receives directly, in either cash or kind (oil). Cost Recovery : This clause allows the Turkish companies to recover the costs they spend on exploring, drilling, and producing oil, but only up to a certai...

As Somalia prepares to embark on oil and gas production, it is crucial to understand the geopolitical landscape surrounding these resources and the competitive dynamics of the global market. Oil and gas are vital resources that significantly impact international relations and economies. How Somalia manages these resources will define its regional and global standing. The Impact of Oil and Gas Geopolitics on Somalia Opportunities: Attracting Foreign Investment : If Somalia's oil is sweet crude (low sulfur), it could be easier and cheaper to refine, making it highly valuable in the global market. Strengthened Regional Influence : Oil and gas can provide Somalia with a significant geopolitical position, facilitating stronger trade agreements and partnerships. Challenges: Foreign Influence on Domestic Policy : Countries interested in Somalia's oil and gas may influence domestic policies related to production and export, necessitat...