Thursday September 21, 2023
While contemplating the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, there is reason for hope and positivity. For nearly two decades, this brutal terrorist organization has plagued our country, inflicting immeasurable suffering and loss of life. However, under President Hassan Sheikh’s guidance, Somalia has a greater chance to overcome this menace and establish a new era of peace and prosperity.
The fundamental question is what kind of change President Sheikh’s administration envisions. The answer is clear: a Somalia free from terrorism. The people of Somalia have endured far too much pain and devastation due to the actions of Al-Shabaab. The recognition that genuine progress can only be achieved in a peaceful and secure environment lies at the heart of this vision.
The President is not just a leader in name; he leads from the frontlines of this battle, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the cause. He understands that to inspire change, he must be at the forefront of the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Tackling an issue as complex as terrorism necessitates a multifaceted approach. The government has adopted a three-pronged strategy.
Military: The Somali National Army, with the support of local communities and international partners, has been conducting relentless operations against Al-Shabaab. The military aspect is crucial in dismantling the organization’s operational capacity.
Financial: Cutting off Al-Shabaab’s financial resources is equally important. The government is taking measures to disrupt their illicit income sources, including taxation, extortion, and illegal trade.
Ideological: Eliminating the extremist ideology propagated by Al-Shabaab requires winning the hearts and minds of the Somali people. The government actively promotes a moderate and tolerant form of Islam while countering extremist narratives.
Timing is crucial in a conflict like this, and the actions against Al-Shabaab are occurring at the opportune moment. Local communities are rising up against the terrorist group, demonstrating their refusal to tolerate its presence any longer. This change in sentiment has bolstered the government’s efforts and turned the tide against Al-Shabaab.
Essentially, the sustainability of these changes relies on the Somali people themselves. While the first AMISOM troops arrived in Somalia on March 6, 2007, today, it is the hands of Somalis that are shaping the final chapters of the Al-Shabaab saga. Our responsibility, alongside our brave Somali army, is to ensure that this narrative concludes in triumph over terrorism. Looking towards a Somalia free from the tyranny of Al-Shabaab, the crucial question is how these changes will be maintained and implemented. What is evident now is that the battle against Al-Shabaab has transformed into a local issue with local solutions. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has played a vital role in stabilizing the country, but now it is up to the Somali people and their army to write the concluding chapter of this dark period. They must take ownership of their future and ensure that the hard-won progress is preserved.
In this war against Al-Shabaab, we must prepare ourselves for the harsh realities of conflict. There will unavoidably be setbacks, disappointments, frustrations, and the painful toll of death and destruction. This is not a fleeting struggle; it is a battle for the very essence of our nation. We must exhibit the resilience and determination to weather the storm, no matter how protracted it may be.
Mohamed Mukhtar
