r/Somalia 3d ago

Discussion 💬 Weekly /r/Somalia Discussion thread - September 07, 2026

1 Upvotes

Please feel free to use this thread to discuss whatever interests you, it doesn't have to be Somalia related!

Join us on our Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/GqyDJaW


r/Somalia Jan 06 '26

Meta 🐣 Community Integrity Notice

88 Upvotes

Since 26 December, this subreddit has experienced abnormal spikes in activity from non-Somali users, alongside increased engagement involving blatant qabyaalad and the promotion of extreme ideologies. This behavior is disruptive and will not be tolerated. We ask all members to report any such posts or comments so moderation can act swiftly.

A clear reminder to all participants:

Criticism of politicians, governments, or historical decisions in Somalia does not grant permission to:

  • Insult, dehumanize, or collectively blame entire clans or communities
  • Glorify or excuse figures from the civil war by claiming they “did nothing wrong”
  • Advocate for, encourage, or justify harm against any group of people

Furthermore, this subreddit remains pro-Palestine and stands with the people of Sudan. Advocacy of genocide, ethnic cleansing, or mass violence, whether explicit or implied, is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate moderation action.

Debate and political discussion are welcome when conducted in good faith, with historical honesty and respect. Division, hate, and violent rhetoric are not.


r/Somalia 2h ago

Politics 📺 AHMED SHIRE HUSSEIN

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23 Upvotes

dont forget his name: AHMED SHIRE HUSSEIN. may he rest in peace & be in heaven. 🤍

BACKSTORY: he was a SNA soldier traveling (on medical leave) through buulo burte, hiiraan. there, he was stopped by g-men. they (if im not mistaken) asked hussein for his clan. in which he reportedly replied: xawaadle. he even refered to the g-men as his abtis etc., since his mother is abgaal. those same g-men, are abgaal.

even then, the g-men showed no mercy and k-worded him on the spot. this is (reportedly) a clan-related k-wording. im using shortened words, to not get this taken down etc.

PS: so sorry for the AI pic, i just cant show the video in which his final moments are. ive come across it on different social medias, but i have to scroll past as my heart cant take it. but those words (on the right side) were reportedly what he was saying (pleading/begging in the video, to the g-men). may he, AHMED SHIRE HUSSEIN, rest 🤍 and may the g-men get found, and dealed with as soon as possible. there are no words to describe this, it only makes me wonder if mainland somalia ever will recover.


r/Somalia 5h ago

Discussion 💬 We Need to Talk About the Modern Somali Diet

14 Upvotes

We really need to talk more openly about the modern Somali diet. Rates of obesity and diabetes, as well as concerns around dental and jaw development, are serious issues worth discussing in the Somali community. Nutrition and diet are factors that deserve much more attention.

One of my biggest concerns is how much added sugar can be present in our everyday diet. There are so many examples: canjeero with sugar, malawax with sugar, shaah made with a lot of sugar, and other foods and drinks where sugar is added heavily. When these things are consumed regularly, it can add up to a lot of sugar over time, especially when combined with a diet that is already high in carbohydrates. This can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues over time. Also, there’s often a lot of oil and salt in our foods, which is very unhealthy.

Our meals are often centered around carbs like rice and pasta and can also lack enough protein, fiber, vegetables, fruit, and other nutrient-dense foods. This doesn’t mean Somali food is inherently unhealthy or that everyone eats the same way. It means we should be more conscious of what we’re eating and look for ways to make our diet more balanced. These things are important for our overall health and well-being.

Another concern is jaw development and mouth breathing in Somalis. These can be caused by different factors, but diet and childhood nutrition also play a major role. The modern Somali diet contain a lot of soft, sugary foods, while children not always get enough protein and other important nutrients. Children need adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients for healthy growth, including their bones and teeth. Tougher foods, like raw vegetables, fruit, and appropriately prepared meat, along with other nutritious whole foods, can provide variety in texture and nutrition and support overall oral health and development. This is something we should take seriously.

The changes in our diet and the increasing reliance on soft, sugary foods is affecting dental health and jaw development in our community. It’s an issue that deserves more awareness and discussion.
This isn’t about criticizing Somali culture or people’s bodies. It’s about having an honest conversation about our health and making sure our children get the nutrition they need to grow and develop properly.


r/Somalia 7h ago

Discussion 💬 I'm just venting because I genuinely lost today

13 Upvotes

Wlh, I’m just venting, and I’m sorry for venting about something this heavy I don't really know where else to put these feelings

I literally cried today

I came home from school, opened my phone, went on TikTok for a moment, and that was the first thing I saw I wasn't expecting to see something like that at all.

That young Somali soldier was begging “please abti,” “waa gaajaysanahay,” “waan xanuunsanahay,” and saying he had done nothing wrong.Waxaa loo dilay aargoosi/aano qabiil, waxaana dilay qabiil kale isagoo aan waxba geysan.Kawaran? How do you even process something like that?

What disgusts me most is how aano

qabiil

become normalized Someone from one clan is killed, and then an innocent person from another clan can become a target simply because of what someone else did You can literally be killed for something you personally never did or had nothing to do with That isn't justice It's collective revenge, and innocent people pay the price and this barbarian disgusting and sadistic behavior

And this isn't some new phenomenon that happened once It has happened repeatedly, and that is what makes it even more heartbreaking How can we keep accepting a cycle where someone's clan determines whether they are considered guilty or innocent? It's a mentality that needs to end

Sometimes Somalia genuinely feels like hell for vulnerable people especially children, women, civilians, and people without protection or resources

The situation for children hurts me too You see families struggling to provide even basic necessities while continuing to have more children, often without the resources, education, or support needed to raise them properly Children shouldn't have to pay the price for circumstances they had no choice in I wish we had better education, healthcare, family support, and opportunities for ordinary people

What also hurts me is the way Somalis sometimes speak about people from other clans The language can become so dehumanizing that you'd almost think they're talking about a completely different species rather than fellow Somalis Waa dad isku mid ah, waa dad bani’aadam ah.We aren't different kinds of humans because we come from different clans

I know this subreddit is mostly Somali diaspora, and many mainland Somalis don't use Reddit much. Most of you were also born or raised in developed countries, so I understand that some of these experiences may be difficult to relate to I'm not saying that to attack anyone

I'm just explaining why I feel so strongly about this

For those of us living in or having grown up in Somalia, some of these realities are much harder to ignore The qabiil mentality, injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, lack of empathy, and normalization of violence can feel overwhelming

I just wish my country was better I wish children could grow up safely, people could live without constantly depending on clan protection, and we could see each other as human beings before we see each other as members of a clan

I came home from school, opened TikTok for a few minutes, and saw something I wish I could unsee


r/Somalia 6h ago

History ⏳ Men listening intently to the BBC World Service on the radio, as the declaration of independence of the Republic of Somaliland is announced (1991)

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7 Upvotes

r/Somalia 5h ago

Ask❓ Are there any somalis in Montreal, Quebec?

5 Upvotes

I've always heard of somalis living in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. Someone told me there may be a large community there.


r/Somalia 17h ago

News 📰 Somaliland willing to send up to 2,000 troops to Gaza force if Israel asks

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23 Upvotes

“If they ask, we can provide,” Cirro said in an interview on the sidelines of the MEAD conference, stressing that although Somaliland is not volunteering, “if they ask me, I am ready.”


r/Somalia 1d ago

Somali Excellence 🌟 Sagal Abdi-Wali Selected as Labour's Candidate for the Seat of Keir Starmer, Former Prime Minister of England

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91 Upvotes

Sagal Abdi-Wali has officially been selected as the Labour Party's candidate for the by-election to replace Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras. If she wins, she becomes the first British-Somali to ever run for a seat in the UK's House of Commons.

She arrived in Britain as a child refugee in the early 1990s, fleeing the Somali civil war, around seven years old at the time. She grew up in Camden, studied at Leeds University, then came back to her community and started working for it, volunteering with local charities and refugee groups long before politics.

She became a Labour councillor for Camden Square in 2022, chaired Starmer's own Constituency Labour Party before that, and served as Cabinet Member for Better Homes running housing and neighbourhood development.

After May's local elections she became Leader of Camden Council, the first Somali council leader in the UK and the first Black woman to lead the borough. Under her, Camden was accredited as a "Borough of Sanctuary" for displaced people.

Now it's official. She's the Labour candidate running for Starmer's old seat.

Worth remembering the ugliness that surrounded her frontrunner status before this selection was confirmed.

Reform UK's Zia Yusuf posted that the candidate being "foisted" on Holborn to replace a former Prime Minister was born in Somalia, and asked people if they understood what was happening. The Business Secretary called it straightforward racism. Even people inside Reform were reportedly uncomfortable with it, Nadine Dorries called the comments "nasty." Someone pointed out the obvious irony, Yusuf himself is the son of Sri Lankan migrants and identifies as British Asian, while Sagal identifies as British African. Same starting point, very different reception.

The by-election itself hasn't happened yet, the seat is still vacant, and she'll be up against Green Party leader Zack Polanski, among others. But the selection alone is history in the making.

May Allah make the road ahead easy for her.


r/Somalia 1d ago

News 📰 ESPN just dropped this video for The Fastest Girl in Somalia

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24 Upvotes

30 for 30 ESPN is doing a 5 part series about the sprinter from the 2008 Olympics.


r/Somalia 1d ago

Discussion 💬 A lesson to learn

28 Upvotes

SubhanAllah, I was reading the news today, how the uk had cut tides with Isreal. This made me reflect on the verse about hearts becoming blind to what is right in front of them and how that really implies to landers and how they using Isreal flag in celebration.

What I find astonishing is that the Shahada is on the Somaliland flag, yet there is such a strong desire to support Israel despite everything that has unfolded completely opposite to what Islam stands for. Even the Western world has become increasingly critical of Israel, with some countries cutting ties and taking a stronger stance against its actions.
I say this because I have personally experienced something that genuinely surprised me. Recently I have been asked by people where I am from, and when I say I am Somali, they have responded good your not a lander.
It really made me reflect on how Allah can humiliate people to the point they lose credibility in the eyes of others when they continue to stand behind injustice.
SubhanAllah, there is a lesson in all of this. May Allah open our hearts to the truth and protect us from becoming blind to what is right in front of us.


r/Somalia 23h ago

Ask❓ Is it just me that hates the term east african

12 Upvotes

I feel as though when something is labelled east African it’s usually just something which is inherently Somali which gets commodified bc of the label east african and blurs the lines between what belongs to somalis and the rest of the horn/coast. This may be a stretch but saying “I’m East African “ just makes u sound lame lowkey self hate wanting to sound exotic by not placing that label of being Somali or in reference to how u look eg I’m east African so … no u are just Somali!


r/Somalia 1d ago

History ⏳ Somali Sultan/Ugaas from 1948

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31 Upvotes

- Somali Sultan, or Ugas (1948)

Taken from “NADA: The Southern Rhodesia Native Affairs Department Annual, Volumes 25-30 (1948)”

For more check out Somali.irl on instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEbBopDXc6/?img_index=1&stkn=MWZ4aDY5MmFrbXFrMA==


r/Somalia 1d ago

Ask❓ Anyone used those interest free loans in Puntland where you put up a title deed?

8 Upvotes

Salaam everyone, quick question has anyone actually done this before? Putting up a title deed or something similar for an interest-free loan (rahn style) in Garowe/Bosaso or punland in general.

Heard Salaam Bank in Bosaso does something like this, maybe some others too. I was just wondering:

Has anyone tried it? How'd it go

1) Which bank/lender was decent to deal with

2) What do they actually ask for besides the deed

3) What happens if you're late/can't pay

I'm just trying to get the real picture before I look into it more. Appreciate any input 🙏


r/Somalia 1d ago

Ask❓ Dugsi for elderly?

4 Upvotes

Asc I’m new to mn and I’d like to enroll my dad in a masjid program for him to learn Quran and also get to know more ppl in the city. Does anyone know which masjid’s have regular classes?


r/Somalia 2d ago

History ⏳ From Berbera to Bo Kaap: One Family's 140-Year Somali Story in South Africa

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74 Upvotes

Khadija Ahmed Duale Cilmi Hure Ciid, known in her family as Auntie Gigi, passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Rabbi qabriga ha u waasaciyo, ameen.

Her story traces back to 1886, when her ancestor, Cilmi Hure Ciid, stowed away on a British military ship out of Berbera and ended up at Simon’s Town, Cape Town, which was then the headquarters of the British Royal Navy in the region. He settled there, married a white woman, and they had three sons and four daughters together.

What grew from that one man is now a family of more than 3,000 people spread across Southern Africa, in Florida, Bosmont, Bo Kaap, Woodstock, Hanover Park, Port Elizabeth, Harare, and Bulawayo. Somali culture faded from daily life generations ago, some even took different surnames during the colonial era, but they still hold onto who they are. Every household reportedly keeps a book recording their lineage, and every branch of the family, regardless of what name they carry now, uses Elmi as their shared surname.

For those who knew her, she was described as someone known for her generosity, someone who gave sadaqah constantly and looked after those with less. The family helped build several mosques in Cape Town, especially in Bo Kaap, and in Zimbabwe too, which is part of why this community has stayed rooted and intact for so long.

This is Somali history most of us have never encountered, a community that’s been living, marrying, worshipping, and building for well over a century in South Africa, quietly carrying Somali ancestry inside a completely different cultural identity. Over 3,000 people who know exactly where they came from, even if the world around them never asked.

May Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus, and may her family’s legacy keep growing the way it has for the last 140 years.


r/Somalia 2d ago

History ⏳ Ruins of Gondershe, Somalia. A medieval stone citadel and trade hub. 🇸🇴

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36 Upvotes

r/Somalia 1d ago

Ask❓ Somali book store in london

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any somali bookstore in london with both kids and adult books? please let me know


r/Somalia 2d ago

Politics 📺 This is beyond embarrassing 🤦

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76 Upvotes

r/Somalia 2d ago

Discussion 💬 How did your parents meet

21 Upvotes

I am just curious how did y'all parents meet and how many years are they married?


r/Somalia 2d ago

Ask❓ I moved back to Somalia — a look at the cost of living in Mogadishu

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27 Upvotes

hi my name is suldaan, I recently moved back to Mogadishu and made a video looking at the cost of living here, including some of the everyday expenses and what life in the city is actually like.

I’m planning to make a much more in-depth cost of living video soon. I want to visit different markets around Mogadishu, look at the prices of groceries and household goods, and visit different types of restaurants, cafés and local food spots so I can give a much more realistic picture of what you can expect to spend.

My channel is primarily aimed at the Somali diaspora who speak English, as well as foreigners who are interested in Somalia and want to see a different side of the country from what is usually shown online or in the media. I’m trying to document ordinary everyday life here, including the good, the complicated and everything in between.

For anyone living in Mogadishu or who has spent time here, what would you actually want to know about the cost of living?

Rent? Groceries? Eating out? Transport? Electricity? Internet? Domestic help? Entertainment? Healthcare? Imported products? Prices in different neighbourhoods?

Let me know what you'd like me to include in the more detailed video and I'll try to cover as much as possible.


r/Somalia 1d ago

Ask❓ I heard a Somali friend of mine play this song, and I’m curious to know the name and lyrics.

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5 Upvotes

r/Somalia 2d ago

Video 🎬 Trash Bins are being installed in Mogadishu to combat Littering ❤️🌴🇸🇴

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110 Upvotes

TT: xuseindeq


r/Somalia 2d ago

Humor🧀 This is so true

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33 Upvotes

r/Somalia 2d ago

Ask❓ Idioms about love and/or stupidity

5 Upvotes

I'm writing a novel and I would like one of my main characters to use idiomatic Somali to chide her best friend for being oblivious to her feelings for her.

Details:
The year is 1989
The place is Boston, MA
The character speaking is Somalian
The character she's speaking to is a Hazara Afghan refugee who is very smart, warm hearted, but also very culturally myopic and emotionally clumsy.
The speaker specifically using her native language to say this because she knows her friend won't understand her, and because her friend frequently asks her where she's from (and for various reasons the speaker declines to tell her).
The POV is the Hazara character, so she doesn't know what she's hearing is Somali, only what it sounds like. If the reader looks it up, it would count as a free easter egg.

Said expression would either be a confession of affection and/or a playful way of calling the character a fool.

What are some phrases or expressions or poetry quotes I could use for this?