The Resurgence of Al-Shabaab: A Call for Reinforced Efforts

The shocking news recently emerged that Al-Shabaab terrorists have reclaimed territory in Somalia’s Middle and Lower Shabelle regions—areas previously held secure by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other international forces. This unsettling development underscores the complex and volatile landscape of security in the region.

In a world beset by rapid transformation, how should nations respond to the ever-evolving tactics of organized groups like Al-Shabaab? What lessons can we learn from an anti-terror campaign that has spanned nearly two decades?

Al-Shabaab’s recent offensives have predominantly focused on regions where troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)—which has since transitioned into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and now the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)—have withdrawn as part of a systematic drawdown. This strategic withdrawal, ostensibly signaling a transition to local governance and security, has in reality left significant gaps that Al-Shabaab has eagerly exploited.

Jacob Marksons Oboth, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, confirmed the alarming resurgence of Al-Shabaab during a recent meeting. He articulated this growing concern to his counterparts from contributing countries, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster troop numbers. “I want to inform you that Al-Shabaab is recapturing many places which had previously been secured. There is an urgent need to counter the growing threats posed by Al-Shabaab and reinforce ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia,” he stated, his words echoing a sense of urgency that resonates deeply in these tumultuous times.

Oboth’s impassioned address occurred in Kampala, where a critical evaluation meeting amassed commanders and senior security delegates from nations including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, and Egypt. The meeting was not just a review of military strategies; it represented a vital moment for reflection and contemplation over a mission that began in 2007, aimed at stabilizing a region that has been fraught with discord.

The stakes became even higher following a devastating incident on May 26, 2023, when Al-Shabaab launched an unprecedented assault on the UPDF base at Buulo-Mareer in the Lower Shabelle region. The attack claimed the lives of 54 Ugandan soldiers, including the base commander, Lt. Colonel Edward Nyororo. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the human cost associated with conflict and the urgent necessity for robust military and strategic responses.

Over the past year, the composition of peacekeeping forces has been radically altered. The withdrawal of funding by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council at the close of 2021 left many forces in Somalia under-resourced and overstretched. The UPDF, for instance, saw its deployment diminish from over 6,000 troops to approximately 3,000. Experienced commanders from Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) unanimously agree that the current troop numbers are insufficient to confront the increasingly lethal tactics employed by Al-Shabaab.

In this landscape of complexity and peril, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, elevated the conversation by expressing profound gratitude to Uganda and all TCCs for their unwavering commitment over nearly two decades. “Your commitment and bravery have written a chapter of African solidarity that history will not forget. We have a functioning government, a growing national army, and clear political structures. But we cannot complete this fight alone,” Fiqi passionately remarked.

This plea for reinforcement highlights a point of contention surrounding the expectations placed on Somalia’s National Forces by the UN Security Council members, particularly the US, UK, France, and Germany. Is it reasonable to assume that a nascent military force can shoulder the immense responsibility of national security without international support? As the landscape shifts, these questions remain formidable and worthy of introspection.

Ultimately, the resurgence of Al-Shabaab serves as both a warning and a call to action. It compels nations involved in peacekeeping and stabilization efforts to reflect on their roles and responsibilities. Are we prepared to face the moral and ethical challenges that accompany military intervention? How can we foster greater solidarity and collaboration to ensure lasting peace in Somalia and the broader region?

In navigating these turbulent waters, let us not lose sight of the human stories behind the statistics. Each soldier lost, every family affected, and every community struggling for stability reminds us that at the heart of these complex geopolitical issues lies a shared humanity. The ongoing fight against terrorism is not merely a military endeavor but a fundamental pursuit of peace and dignity for all. We stand at a crucial juncture, and the choices we make today will shape the narratives of tomorrow.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring