Suhaib Mahmoud

Jan 17, 2025 | geeska.com | Suhaib Mahmoud |Ahmed Ismail Samatar

2024 was dubbed Democracy’s Super Bowl by The Guardian. “A record-breaking 40-odd countries, representing more than 40% of the world’s population and a significant share of global GDP, are due to hold national elections in 2024,” wrote Simon Tisdall, a columnist for the British newspaper. Africa had its part in the banquet with nearly a third of the continent’s countries holding presidential or legislative elections—or both—leading, in some cases, to pivotal outcomes.

Dec 16, 2024 | geeska.com | Suhaib Mahmoud |Ahmed Ismail Samatar

Nageeye’s Vendetta, a novel by Somali writer Ibrahim Hawd, who is recognised as a pioneer of Somali short stories, carries the weight of a world sculpted through his sharp, poetic lens. Published years ago as part of a trilogy titled Cirsan Ka Yeedh, which hints at a mythical bird of promise—of peace and plenty—this story embarks on a journey through a tough, crumbling landscape, where survival itself is a war.

Sep 15, 2024 | geeska.com | Suhaib Mahmoud |Tom J. Farer |Faisal Ali

Suhaib Mahmoud reflects on the literature and reception of British-Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah, whose literary work tells the stories of Africa’s Indian Ocean region. The impact of Abdulrazak Gurnah’s 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature took many by surprise. The Nobel Committee often leans into the element of the unexpected, defying the predictions of those speculating on the potential nominees each year.

Sep 1, 2024 | geeska.com | Suhaib Mahmoud

The Horn of Africa today is deeply divided, both politically and socially. These divisions have led to widespread conflict and a belief, even among members of the same ethnic group, that our differences are irreconcilable. As a result, people often trace current issues back into the past, crafting elaborate tales of centuries-old feuds with groups they may not get along with.

Aug 29, 2024 | geeska.com | Suhaib Mahmoud

This article chronicles the life of the late Somali poet Hadrawi (1943-2022) from literary, personal, and political angles. His experiences offer valuable insights into Somali history, particularly in tracing the journey of Somali nationalism and the trajectory of the Somali state.  August 19th marks the second anniversary of the passing of Hadrawi, Somalia's most prominent poet.