Today's Edition
AHMED SHAABAN (MOGADISHU, CAIRO)
Since assuming office, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has prioritised combatting the entrenched terrorist organisations within the country. In late August 2023, he ambitiously set a five-month timeline to dismantle the Al-Shabaab extremist group, inviting the group's fighters and leaders to renounce violence and engage in the peace process.
International Support
The Somali President successfully garnered external military and logistical aid, aligning regional and African Union allies, as well as securing backing from Arab countries, the United States, and the United Nations. Additionally, he bolstered security and intelligence cooperation with neighbouring Kenya, further strengthening regional ties.
Targeting Terrorism Financing
In his multifaceted approach, President Mohamud introduced initiatives to sever the financial lifelines of terrorist groups.
He overhauled Somalia's financial policies, set up government bodies to scrutinise financial transactions, and instituted a financial intelligence unit.
These measures are aimed at detecting and disrupting the flow of funds to Al-Shabaab and curtailing money smuggling operations.
Liberation Efforts
This year was characterised by significant victories in Somalia's battle against terrorism. The government's stability plan for Al-Shabaab-liberated regions witnessed unprecedented cooperation from local communities, state governors, and tribal leaders, who united with the National Armed Forces in reclaiming dozens of central areas from the militant group's grasp.
Major Victories Against Al-Shabaab
President Mohamud's administration achieved noteworthy successes in 2023, notably the Somali army's takeover of El Buur city in central Somalia, a stronghold of Al-Shabaab for 16 years.
The group suffered extensive losses, including the elimination of key leaders, culminating in the joint Somali-American operation that eliminated the extremist group's senior leader, Maalim Ayman, on December 17, who was responsible for planning numerous terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighbouring countries like Kenya.
Global Recognition and Security Initiatives
Somalia's counterterrorism successes were spotlighted at a conference in New York on December 12. With representatives from 25 countries and leading international organisations in attendance (the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League), President Mohamud presented a comprehensive six-year security sector reform plan to restore stability.
ATMIS' Withdrawal and Somalia's Progress
The planned withdrawal of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2024 is a testament to the country's advancements in fighting terrorism.
This transition underlines efforts to establish a stable Somalia with a fortified security structure, shifting full security duties to Somali forces.
Lifting of the Arms Embargo
A pivotal moment came on December 2, when the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) lifted the 31-year arms embargo on Somalia.
This resolution allows Somalia to freely acquire weapons globally, underscoring the success of its counter-terrorism strategies.
Analysis of Counterterrorism Efforts
Dr. Yasin Said, a Somali political analyst, commended the considerable progress made in 2023 in combatting extremism and terrorism.
He highlighted the liberation of central areas from Al-Shabaab and the preparation for further southern operations under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's lead.
The lifting of the arms embargo, he said, significantly bolsters the Somali army's capabilities for future counterterrorism efforts.
Facing Future Challenges
Munir Adib, an expert in international terrorism affairs, underscored the diverse challenges Somalia continues to confront in its campaign against terrorist groups.
He emphasised the need for international support for the government and its security apparatus, along with regional support from the African Union.
Reflecting on Past Experiences
Researcher Ahmed Sultan, specialising in extremist group's affairs, agreed with Adib, stating that previous experiences in countering terrorist groups, especially Al-Shabaab, demonstrated the group's ability to regroup despite strong counterattacks.
Sultan pointed out that Al-Shabaab possesses significant financial resources exceeding $100 million annually, which they use for funding operations, purchasing weapons, and recruiting fighters.
Concerns Over the Resurgence of Piracy
Dr. Heba El-Beshbishi, a political science professor and African affairs researcher, raised concerns about reports pointing to the reemergence of piracy in Somali waters.
The professor noted that this is a complicating factor in the ongoing efforts to ensure national security and combat terrorism.
