For over six years, has Ahmed Abdi Godane led al-Shabaab with a macabre mix of unbridled brutality and striking charisma.
Al-Shabaab after Godane?
The Internship That Changed My Life
Having completed a 3 month internship program at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS), Saida Hassan a graduate student at the University of Minnesota Education Department shares her reflections on, and perceptions of Somalia before and after her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS). Read on…
Launching Federalism Dialogue in Baidoa
On August 23, 2014, a four member team from the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) visited the city of Baidoa to conduct a field research on ‘National Dialogue on Federalism’ as the first stop of a six-city field research on Federalism. Read below their reflections and impressions on the trip.
Pioneering Resignation in Somalia
The resignation of Abdikarim Hussein Guled, former Minister of National Security, represents a small but significant step towards democratic consolidation in Somalia.
Repatriation Pact: Insufficient Progress

The tripartite agreement between Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR is a sign of positive collaboration and the emphasis placed on the ‘voluntary’ nature of repatriation is encouraging. Still, the agreement insufficiently address the issue of protection for refugees because the Somali government lacks absorption capacity and security gains remain fragile.
HIPS Director’s testimony at the US Senate
On 8 October, HIPS Director Abdi Aynte testified before the U.S. Senate Africa Subcommittee of the Foreign Relations Committee. The title of the hearing was “Security and Governance in Somalia: Consolidating Gains, Confronting Challenges and Charting the Path Forward”.
Intern at HIPS – A Personal Reflection
The concept of having educated and committed Somali researchers influencing public policy, as opposed to third party individuals and institutions with little understanding of the reality and complexities on the ground, was profound to me. For me, the establishment of HIPS was huge. I remember thinking, ‘I want to be a part of that’.
The Jubba Agreement: Imperfect Progress

The Agreement between the Somali Federal Government (SFG) and the leaders of the Jubba regions in Addis Ababa on 27 August is a much-needed break from a protracted stalemate between the two sides following the needless death and injury of hundreds of innocent Somalis
Garowe, Reconciliation & Federalism
On 18 September, a team from the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies traveled to Garowe, the capital of Puntland state of Somalia as part of a six-city field research on federalism. Read on..