Challenges and Changes: The Somali Army in its Fight Against Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Recent weeks have presented daunting challenges for the Somali National Army (SNA), as it struggles to maintain its footing across various strategic frontlines. The fall of Adan Yabaal starkly exemplifies the difficulties faced by a force striving to assert itself, despite significant investments from international partners.

Amidst dwindling financial support, spearheaded by the United States, the SNA grapples with a time-sensitive crisis. Could the tightening purse strings spell peril for Somalia’s mission readiness? United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres weighs in, projecting a rapidly diminishing resource pool for soldier salaries. The question looms large: Will global funders, including the US, maintain their commitment?

In a recent gathering in Kampala, Uganda, countries contributing troops agreed to dispatch an additional 8,000 soldiers. Their aim: bolster Somalia’s forces as international bodies deliberate a strategic withdrawal. Yet, such decisions bring with them uncertainty and complex implications.

Security analyst Samira Gaid sheds light on the situation, attributing SNA inefficiencies to misaligned political motivations. “The anti-Al-Shabaab operations initiated in 2022, led initially by communities, were presumed to transition smoothly to military leadership. Sadly, that shift never occurred,” Gaid notes. “Political figures set objectives without adequate planning or strategic foresight, sidelining the military.”

Further complicating matters, the SNA faces logistical hurdles, leadership shifts at inopportune moments, and the deployment of inadequately trained forces instead of seasoned units. Are these challenges surmountable in the near future?

When asked about the prospects of the SNA assuming full security responsibilities, Gaid’s response is measured: “Hard to say.” She highlights a noticeable decline in military capabilities compared to five years ago, hinting at deeper systemic issues.

Under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership, additional challenges have unfolded, as evident in the dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of General Odowaa Yusuf Rage amid operational setbacks. Change in leadership strategies further muddles the SNA’s path.

Despite these hurdles, the government has initiated anti-radicalization efforts by engaging religious scholars and obstructing financial channels fueling Al-Shabaab. Propaganda websites and social media platforms have been shut down to stifle misinformation.

Al-Shabaab, however, adapts with nimbleness, subtly winning over civilians by presenting themselves as a feasible alternative leadership. Their new approach has complicated government efforts to counter their influence, with some civilians even starting to embrace Al-Shabaab’s control.

“Their tactics have softened,” Gaid observes. “Unlike their brutal past, they now make strategic concessions, allowing clans to retain arms and offering tax breaks. This aims to rebuild community trust or at least dampen resistance. There’s a visible reduction in the gruesome propaganda they previously circulated.”

Internal criticism points to the administration’s focus on political machinations at the expense of a robust strategy against Al-Shabaab. Has the strategic approach been irreparably altered? A deliberate shift in strategy appears vital for durable success against this elusive foe.

“In the end, it is not just about winning battles but the hearts and minds of the people,” echoes a Somali proverb, emphasizing the nuanced complexities faced by the SNA.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring