Clan Unity and the Critical Battle Against Al-Shabaab: A Call for Solidarity Amidst Division

When communities rise up together against a common enemy, victory feels within reach, even in the toughest of circumstances. However, what happens when unity falters? Can progress be sustained without the combined strength of every member of the larger family? These were precisely the heartfelt and impassioned questions voiced recently by Mohamed Jeyte, a respected leader within the Somali community. His words echo a palpable frustration, but beneath that frustration lies a deeper hope—a yearning for solidarity, commitment, and action.

Speaking candidly on recent military efforts, Jeyte openly shared his disappointment: “When we chased Al-Shabaab fighters into Hawiye areas, we were blocked from pursuing them. We weren’t asking for help, but we were still insulted by some officials who went on the radio to discredit us,” he remarked frankly. The frankness of his words underscores a sobering reality—that clan politics and mistrust are still deeply entrenched within Somalia’s fragile security landscape.

Using the word “Khawarij,” referring to Al-Shabaab—a charged term employed by the Somali government to label insurgents—he does not mince his words. His tone, while assertive, remains sincere and deeply relatable. “In our fight against the Khawarij, some Hawiye clans stood by and watched. When we pursued the militants, we were blocked from entering certain areas. We weren’t even asking for support—yet officials went on the radio to insult us,” he lamented. Each word reflects the anguish of a leader attempting to protect his community, yet encountering barriers from within.

The result of this disunity, according to Jeyte, is crystal clear. Without cohesive coordination, Al-Shabaab is emboldened, regrouping in areas previously reclaimed and stretching out a conflict already painful beyond measure. His voice carries an emotional urgency: “It’s a disgrace to look away while your people are being killed. We must unite against the enemy,” he urged fervently. Unity is not merely preferable; it’s essential.

Is collective complacency merely another hurdle or does it tragically become complicit in prolonging the bloodshed? Jeyte insists Somalia has the power to shape its future direction—but only if factions reconcile their divisions and recommit to broader collaboration. He passionately argued, “We have a plan to eliminate Al-Shabaab, but unless there is genuine unity, these gains will slip away.” His words subtly highlighted the precarious balance between hope and frustration in the ongoing struggle.

To better illustrate his point, Jeyte referenced the ongoing operation in Aboorey. Notably, and perhaps disappointingly for him, only members of the Hawaadle clan invested resources and personnel into active participation. Other clans, typically aligned under the broader Hawiye clan umbrella, have apparently remained passive observers. The conspicuous inactivity by some clans signals both a disappointing division and troubling indifference to shared threats.

The weight of Jeyte’s statements, delivered in a meeting graced by prominent leaders from around the region, reflects underlying tensions within Somalia’s federal framework. How deeply do clan rivalries and localized political differences impede genuine national security cooperation? How much longer can we afford division in a time that demands unity, courage, and collective determination?

The grassroots militia known as Ma’awisleey provides an insightful example. Emerging in 2022, largely as a local response to threats posed by militants, this homegrown initiative demonstrates what grassroots unity can achieve. The Ma’awisleey militia has been instrumental in reclaiming significant territories from Al-Shabaab in coordination with federal troops, embodying the power of community action and unified purpose.

The group’s undeniable impact, however, remains somewhat overshadowed by longstanding inter-clan divisions, limited resources, and political complexities—a reality underscored by Jeyte’s heartfelt testimony. If one community’s efforts can yield considerable success, imagine the potential strength of truly collective efforts, transcending old grudges and rivalries. Can Somalia tap into this hidden strength of cohesion, or will internal disagreements forever stymie the aspiration for peace?

While these questions linger, Jeyte’s powerful statements have ignited renewed reflection. To secure a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future, Somali leaders must see beyond short-term mistrust and fleeting political interests. Reconciliation and unity can no longer remain an abstract ideal—they must shift into genuine action. As the nation’s people grapple with daily threats from persistent insurgency, solidarity is more critical than ever.

In the end, Somalia’s stability hinges not just on military prowess, but on a collective national spirit, a dedication to overcoming internal divisions, and an unwavering commitment to cooperation and resilience. Perhaps the wisdom contained in a well-known Somali proverb can serve as a stark reminder to leaders across clans: “A tree alone cannot withstand the storm.”

This wisdom remains as relevant as ever: it is unity—purposeful, courageous, and authentic—that will finally overpower the shadows of division and bring lasting peace and prosperity to all corners of Somalia.

Edited By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.