Ahmed M. Musa is a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), where he is researching ‘Aid Accountability’ and ‘Democratisation/Elections’. Between 2020-2022, Ahmed undertook research on ‘Diaspora Humanitarianism’ as part of his Postdoctoral Research. Between 2016-2020,  he did his PhD research on Livestock  Trade on the Berbera Corridor at the University of Nairobi.

Between 2012-2016, he was Director of Research at the Observatory of Conflict and Violence Prevention (OCVP). For 11 years, he has researched governance, political economy, livestock trade, economic corridors, humanitarianism, and elections.

Dr. Amal Ali is a visiting fellow at the Institute for Strategic Insights and Research, Dean of Law at the Frantz Fanon University, the principal lawyer at the AQN International Law Firm, and lectures at the University of Hargeisa.

Dr. Ali has a Ph.D. in Law and an LL.M in International and European Law from the University of Sheffield, UK. Her extensive background includes being a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Lincoln researching international law and human rights, writing publications on intersectionality, and traveling around the world as a key-note speaker.

Mr. Ahmed Hersi is an Associate Researcher at ISIR Institute and an experienced Peace and Security Expert involved in conflict mediation efforts in South Sudan under IGAD. He is also a Regional Maritime Specialist, focusing on areas including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Western Indian Ocean. Mr. Hersi has led and coordinated regional organizations (EAC, COMESA, IOC, and SADC) on international maritime security initiatives through IGAD during times of increased maritime insecurity. He is a member of the International Association of Maritime Security Professionals (IAMSP) in the UK.

Mr. Hersi’s  is committed to advancing peace and security in the region as his work primarily focuses on the Horn of Africa, and provides lectures on Conflict and Security at the International Peace Security Training Centre (IPSTC).  He has previously worked with various United Nations agencies and is passionate about working in the public sector at the senior policy level in peaceful and transitional environments, advocating for regional integration.

Mr. Hersi holds a degree in Rural Development  and an MA in Conflict, Security, and Governance from Coventry University, UK. He also studied Law on Energy and Environment at the University of Birmingham,

Ahmed is an associate fellow and contributes to ISIR Researches on Geopolitics and Public health trends. Ahmed particularly writes about Somaliland and Somalia relations, Red Sea rivalry, and cooperation.

He has an academic background of multiple disciplines ranging from BSc in Education, BSc in MLT, MSc in TRID from Adis Ababa University, and a second Masters in International Relation and Diplomacy from Hargeisa University.

Mr. Khadar A. Hanan is a visiting fellow at the Institute of Strategic initiatives and research (ISIR) and currently works at one of the leading Banks in Qatar. Mr. Khadar extensively researches and critically writes about the rapidly shifting geopolitical, social, and economic landscape pertaining to the Horn of Africa.

Abdirisak M. Saed is an associate Research fellow at the Institute for Strategic Insights and Research. His research interests focus on a wide range of topics including foreign policy, international maritime disputes, and counter-terrorism.

Mr. Abdirizak is the Associate Dean at the University of Hargeisa’s College of Law.

Mustafa Sharmarke is the Research Associate for Geo-economics, cultural preservations, and History at the Institute for Strategic Insights and Research. Mustafe extensively contributes and has passion in the areas of Social Justice and economics, Income inequality, and labor rights.
Mr. Sharmarke provides policy analysis and expert commentary on key economic issues the institute is handling and assists in writing publications. He also gives lectures at local universities. Mr. Sharmarke holds Masters in Economy and political science from Kyiv University Ukraine.

Dr. Mohamed Hirsi, a Research Fellow at the ISIR Institute, holds an MBBS in Medicine and Surgery, Master degree in epidemiology. He is known for his contributions to medicine and public health, publishing numerous articles on disease prevention and health promotion. His work includes collaborating with researchers, contributing to studies, and mentoring future public health professionals.

In addition to his health focus, Dr. Hirsi writes on political and social issues and is an expert in the Somali culture and language. His cultural and linguistic insights enhance his research and writing. Dr. Hirsi aims to improve community well-being through innovative research and evidence-based practices.

William N. Robinson is a visiting fellow at the Institute for Strategic Insights and Research(ISIR) in Hargeisa specialising in development, peace and security, international political economy, and governance. He earned an MA from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His thesis, “Secession in the Horn of Africa: Ethnic Conflict, Federalism’s Paradox, and the Quest for International Recognition,” reflects his deep research interests.

These interests encompass governance in ethnically divided societies, and geoeconomics, particularly focusing on the Horn of Africa and the Middle East-North Africa regions.

Dr. Abdirahman Saeed Mohamed is currently affiliated with the University of Hargeisa’s School of Graduate Studies and is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Insights and Research (ISIR). He earned his undergraduate degree in Social Studies and Economics from the University of Khartoum and a Master’s degree in Demography from the University of Gezira, Sudan. He obtained his Ph.D. in Social Research Methodology from the Institute of Population Studies at Hacettepe University, Turkey. Abdirahman’s post-doctoral research primarily focuses on social research methodology, demography, and developmental studies.