Latest news with #SomaliNationalArmy
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Fragmented governance in Somalia a breeding ground for al-Shabaab's growing influence and power
Cyclical rivalries between the federal government, states and the political opposition have undermined the counter-terrorism strategy's early successes. Despite having a robust, multifaceted counter-terrorism strategy, Somalia's gains against the al-Shabaab terror group are losing momentum due to political instability. Each time elections approach, attention is diverted from curbing terrorism to power struggles. After liberating parts of Somalia from al-Shabaab in 2022 and making significant strides against the group, government offensives have slowed since 2024. This year, al-Shabaab retook key areas in central Somalia, tried to assassinate President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and is threatening the capital, Mogadishu. The country's counter-terrorism strategy involves security force operations, prevention through social and economic development, and institution building in the Somali National Army and police. Achievements have included recovering territory from al-Shabaab and increasing Somali security force participation in operations to contain the group. While Somalia leads the strategy, external actors such as the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), US, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and neighbouring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have played a crucial role. They provide military support through peacekeeping, funding, training Somali security forces, and diplomatic assistance to political and peacebuilding efforts. However, Somalia struggles to effectively implement its counter-terrorism strategy due to political instability, resource constraints, reliance on donor funding, and the evolving nature of the terror threat. Stability is vital for the plan to work, and that requires strong institutions, political reconciliation and integrated governance. Instead, political ructions create conditions favourable for al-Shabaab's resurgence and consolidation. Since 2012, successive Somali administrations have battled to sustain counter-insurgency operations – mainly due to the cyclical nature of Somalia's politics. Each new administration begins with intensified anti-terror efforts, but these diminish as political tensions rise before the next election, shifting attention and resources to other priorities. Election-related violence Before the February 2017 polls, Somalia experienced considerable election-related violence between government forces and various clan-aligned opposition militias — a situation al-Shabaab exploited. Leading up to the 2022 election, the president, prime minister, member states and opposition disagreed over the electoral process, causing a 15-month delay. Tensions culminated in fighting between troops loyal to then-president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and the opposition. In 2022, al-Shabaab clashes with security forces increased by 19% compared with 2021, while attacks on civilians rose by 41%. In a similar cycle, tensions are escalating under the current administration as the 2026 national election approaches. There is also conflict over the constitutional review process that began in February 2024. The constitutional amendment replacing the long-standing 4.5 clan power-sharing system with a one-person-one-vote election intensifies opposition. This is especially true for dominant clans like the Darod, and Darod-dominated states like Puntland and Jubaland, who see the electoral system as threatening their autonomy and resource base. Opposition groups have questioned the transparency and inclusivity of the electoral process, deepening political divides and raising the risk of the 2026 polls being boycotted. To resolve these tensions, the government tried engaging the political opposition in dialogue in mid-June to create a unified roadmap for Somalia's governance, focusing on security, democratisation and elections. But states like Jubaland and Puntland, and the opposition, boycotted the dialogue over concerns that it lacked inclusivity and transparency. These disputes result in an inconsistent security strategy, weakening the coordination of operations and allowing al-Shabaab to expand beyond its rural strongholds. In an example of how political rivalries undermine counter-terrorism, the Puntland Ministry of Information recently accused the federal government of destabilising the state while Puntland was fighting insurgents. Leadership disputes and weak institutions distract from the provision of governance and security, especially in areas liberated from al-Shabaab. The group then asserts itself as a parallel authority, delivering mediation, security and justice services and collecting taxes. Security vacuums exploited In this way, al-Shabaab exploits security vacuums and recaptures areas previously lost. In July, it reclaimed the strategic district of Moqokori, which had been liberated by government forces in 2022. Weak leadership also facilitates al-Shabaab's infiltration into government structures, like the army. Decreased external support from the AU and UN — some of which Somalia has requested — worsens political instability and will create a security vacuum. Both the UN and AU have voiced concern about Somalia's ongoing political disputes and insecurity. Al-Shabaab has adapted to these developments. Tactically, its approach now is to win over civilians in areas under its control, re-establish local administrations, avoid retribution against former government supporters, and reduce civilian harm in attacks. Strategically, the group allows people and goods to pass checkpoints, enables civilian protests and projects an image of accountability and governance. These changes are shifting public perception, including among the elite, who now see al-Shabaab as one actor among many competing for influence and legitimacy in a fragmented political landscape. As this view spreads, the group's ability to build local alliances and embed itself into clan structures may deepen in urban areas. The fragmentation of the Somali government will probably worsen if political divisions continue and upcoming elections become exclusionary or disputed. The further weakening of state authority could accelerate al-Shabaab's expansion from rural areas into cities, leading to two possible outcomes. First, al-Shabaab ultimately takes full power. This is however unlikely due to clan disagreements, opposition from nations like Ethiopia and Kenya, which view the group as a regional threat, and global condemnation of the group. The second outcome is that al-Shabaab becomes the dominant de facto authority on the ground, while a nominal government remains in Mogadishu. This could allow the militants to infiltrate state institutions and integrate into official governance structures. This scenario appears more likely given the lack of a strong political and governance capability to counter its influence. Political fragmentation hinders the fight against al-Shabaab. The government must prioritise resolving federal-regional tensions and disagreements with the opposition. It must capitalise on ongoing talks with the opposition and expand them to member states to garner consensus and ensure inclusivity. DM
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Key Somalia town of Maxaas falls to Al-Shabaab - Africa
Islamist militants took control of the strategic town of Maxaas in central Somalia on Sunday after heavy fighting with the army and local militias, military sources said. The Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab has taken dozens of towns and villages since launching an offensive early this year, reversing almost all of the gains made by the government in its own military campaign in 2022 and 2023. In a statement, Al-Shabaab said it had taken the town of Maxaas, around 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the capital Mogadishu, which is considered a strategic hub for transport and logistics in the central region. Members of the Somali National Army confirmed the fall of Maxaas, though claimed it was a "tactical retreat". Mohamed Dahir, an army commander in the area, told AFP that Al-Shabaab had attacked with "car bombs and hundreds of heavily armed" fighters early on Sunday. "The brave members of the Somali army and the local community militias fought them fiercely outside town before making a tactical retreat to pre-established defensive positions outside town," he said by phone. Maxaas had been held by Ethiopian troops, part of the African Union's security force, until they handed over the military base to the Somali National Army in August 2024. The government had also relied on the support of local militias opposed to Al-Shabaab. "Al-Shabab militants managed to enter the town after heavy fighting this morning," Ali Hayo, a local militia fighter told AFP by phone, speaking from a nearby location. "There is still sporadic gunfire outside town, but I can confirm that the terrorists are now controlling Maxaas. "The fighting is not over, we are still close to the town, and we are expecting to engage in counteroffensives," he said. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Key Somalia town of Maxaas falls to Al-Shabaab
MOGADISHU - Islamist militants took control of the strategic town of Maxaas in central Somalia on Sunday after heavy fighting with the army and local militias, military sources said. The Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab has taken dozens of towns and villages since launching an offensive early this year, reversing almost all of the gains made by the government in its own military campaign in 2022 and 2023. In a statement, Al-Shabaab said it had taken the town of Maxaas, around 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the capital Mogadishu, which is considered a strategic hub for transport and logistics in the central region. Members of the Somali National Army confirmed the fall of Maxaas, though claimed it was a "tactical retreat". Mohamed Dahir, an army commander in the area, told AFP that Al-Shabaab had attacked with "car bombs and hundreds of heavily armed" fighters early on Sunday. "The brave members of the Somali army and the local community militias fought them fiercely outside town before making a tactical retreat to pre-established defensive positions outside town," he said by phone. Maxaas had been held by Ethiopian troops, part of the African Union's security force, until they handed over the military base to the Somali National Army in August 2024. The government had also relied on the support of local militias opposed to Al-Shabaab. "Al-Shabab militants managed to enter the town after heavy fighting this morning," Ali Hayo, a local militia fighter told AFP by phone, speaking from a nearby location. "There is still sporadic gunfire outside town, but I can confirm that the terrorists are now controlling Maxaas. "The fighting is not over, we are still close to the town, and we are expecting to engage in counteroffensives," he said.
Al Bawaba
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Somali forces kill 19 al-Shabaab fighters in Lower Juba
ALBAWABA- The Somali Ministry of Defense has announced the killing of 19 al-Shabaab militants during a joint counterterrorism operation in the Baqooqaha area, approximately 13 kilometers west of Buulo Xaaji in the Lower Juba region. According to a statement published on the ministry's official X (formerly Twitter) account, the operation was conducted by the Danab Commandos of the Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with Jubaland's Darawish forces and international security partners. The ministry described the operation as a targeted strike against al-Shabaab fighters entrenched in one of their known strongholds. The offensive is part of a wider effort by Somali federal and regional forces to dismantle the group's presence across the country's southern regions. The operation also comes against the backdrop of rising tensions tied to the Somali Youth separatist movement, whose demands for greater autonomy in the southern territories, including parts of Jubaland, are complicating the federal government's campaign against militant groups. While distinct from al-Shabaab, the growing activity of separatist-leaning armed factions threatens to further destabilize already volatile areas and could undermine long-term efforts to secure national cohesion.
See - Sada Elbalad
29-06-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
37 Al-Shabaab Militants Killed in Military Operation in Somalia
Israa Farhan The Somali Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday that elite units of the national army have killed 37 al-Shabaab militants, including senior commanders, in a well-executed military operation in the Lower Juba region. According to the ministry's official statement, the operation was carried out in a village and was closely coordinated with international partners. The successful strike is part of a broader counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling al-Shabaab's operational networks across the country. The ministry emphasized that the Somali National Army remains fully committed to defending the nation, protecting civilians, and securing lasting peace. It affirmed that such operations highlight the determination and growing capabilities of Somalia's armed forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
