UN Envoy: Somali Government Urged to Reconsider Strategy Against Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a land where conflict has become woven into the very fabric of society, the struggle against Al-Shabaab seems far from its end. According to a United Nations special envoy, the Somali National Army (SNA) and its allies might find themselves entrenched in a seemingly endless battle. Might it be time to reimagine the strategies we’ve held dear?

Recently, the United States, a pivotal financial pillar for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), expressed intentions to reconsider its funding. This decision signals a pressing need for equal participation from other international partners. Is this a subtle plea for unity, or perhaps a call for solidarity in these turbulent times?

The winds of change require us to listen deeply and act wisely. These words from Ben Saul, a UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism, underscore the emerging consensus. As he put it, perhaps the time has ripened for a more political approach towards Al-Shabaab—a group relentlessly targeting the Somali government’s very foundations.

The spiral of military efforts, while noble in its intent, is faltering. There looms a question: Could a two-decade-long armed struggle benefit from an infusion of dialogue and diplomacy? Saul pondered during his time in Mogadishu, advocating for reconciliation efforts. Several Al-Shabaab commanders have reportedly shown openness to discussions. However, we must ask, are we ready to navigate such an uncertain path?

Saul remarked, “I do think there is a consensus now that there can’t be a military solution to Al-Shabaab.” His observations came at a crucial time, as regions in central and southern Somalia experience ongoing strife.

He urged the Somali government to amplify its pursuit of negotiations with accommodating factions within Al-Shabaab, rooting their efforts in Somali customs of dialogue. History, it seems, whispers lessons passed down through generations—lessons of resolving conflicts at the community level, where dialogue thrives.

A concerning development brought to light by Saul involved the Macawislay clan militia, accused of severe human rights violations in the Hiiraan region. Reports of captured militants being beheaded highlight the brutality that often accompanies years of entrenched warfare.

Press freedom too, it appears, faces troubling impediments. Journalists in Somalia have encountered intimidation, arbitrary detention, and suspension of their online presence for reporting on terrorism-related issues. How do we stand for truth if not allowed to speak it freely?

The path chosen by Somalia and its allies has predominantly been a militarized one. AUSSOM has even called for an additional 8,000 soldiers, despite recently downsizing from 20,000 to approximately 11,900 troops. Are numbers alone capable of winning this fight?

Efforts outside the battlefield show mixed results. Somalia enlists religious scholars to dismantle the web of radicalization among its youth. Financially, the government clamps down on Al-Shabaab supporters by freezing bank accounts and severing mobile money transfer options.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s remarks add layers to this ongoing saga. He acknowledges the potential for dialogue but maintains a cautious stance, affirming, “We can discuss with them but not soon,” hinting at negotiations only after substantial military victories.

Could this be a pivotal moment for Somalia, or simply another stop in a long journey? Perhaps the answers lie within a balanced combination of peace and might, humility, and courage. The dialogue must continue, within the echelons of power and the quiet hearts of its people.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.