MOGADISHU, Somalia – Al-Shabaab activists have stepped up their urge to change the status quo and hijack institutions in Somalia, targeting the school curriculum as one of their strategies to attract more supporters in a bid to overthrow the fragile backed Somali administration by the UN.
The Arabic language has been one of the group’s preferred languages due to its affiliation with Al-Qaida, a Middle East-based terrorist group that, among other things, supports draconian Sharia law that both discriminates against women and critics.
As the group uses the language in their teachings across the country, plans have been made to introduce it in various institutions, especially in areas that are still under their firm control, particularly in central and southern parts of the country. Somalia.
For example, during Ramadan, activists proposed banners written in Arabic as a strategy to popularize the language in Somalia. The country widely uses the Somali language and to some extent English in official communication.
Al-Shabaab media confirmed the introduction of the curriculum in Arabic in all primary schools in its territory, adding that the same will be replicated in secondary schools across the country. The group has academics responsible for the implementation, affiliated media reported.
In 2017, the group introduced a primary school curriculum across Somalia, a move that has been played down by the country’s authorities. But to mark the authority, the group supports humanitarian aid, medical aid and even the promotion of agriculture to gain the support of the inhabitants.
To promote extremist activity across Somalia, Al-Shabaab in turn collects income from businesses in several cities in addition to demanding ransom from the victims. But in recent weeks, the group has deteriorated considerably due to financial constraints, defections, internal strife and military operations.
For example, an operation led by the Somali National Army [SNA] in the past three weeks has killed nearly 300 activists. The chief of the defense forces, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, was in charge of operations mainly in Lower and Middle Shabelle, thus breaking military protocols.
The United States, which withdrew its special forces in January following an executive order from former President Donald Trump, plans to send troops to the Horn of Africa country as part of the war Al-Shabaab. Reports from the New York Times indicate that President Joe Biden has already made a proposal.
But the fight against the militants is still active, AMISOM, Turkey and Great Britain training soldiers before the planned exit of the troops of the African mission. The UK sent 100 SNA special soldiers to Baidoa in the southwest on Wednesday.
The training included a mixture of theory and practice, covering defensive operations, basic command and control, dealing with improvised explosive devices, first aid, safe handling of weapons, shooting, tactics, communications, first aid and human rights.
“I want to congratulate you on having successfully completed your training. You have proven your ability to walk side by side, and I admire your dedication and application, ”Ambassador Kate Foster said. “Over the past year, Somalia has made real progress in building its future army and in conducting operations. We are delighted that the UK has played a role in this regard, especially in Baidoa, which is a vital place in the fight against Al Shabaab.
South West State President Abdiaziz Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ thanked the UK government for the training. He is one of the leaders who lobbied for the elimination of Al-Shabaab from the country.
“The more sweat on the ground during training, the less blood on the battlefield and more victories for Somalia. Training is the best gift for any army and we are grateful to the British government for having helped our army, ”he added.
Al-Shabaab has lost several bases in central and southern Somalia in recent weeks, but the group may launch sporadic small to large-scale attacks in the country and across the border. For example, Al-Shabaab attacked a military training school in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
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