Introduction

Al-Shabaab, also known as Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, is a jihadist fundamentalist group based in East Africa. Since its emergence in the early 2000s, Al-Shabaab has become one of the most notorious militant organizations in Somalia and the greater Horn of Africa.

Al-Shabab fighters sit on a truck as they patrol in Mogadishu, Somalia, Oct. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Mohamed Sheikh Nor, File)

This article delves into the history, ideology, operations, and impact of Al-Shabaab in Somalia, with a particular focus on how government corruption and the divisive constitution have exacerbated the group’s influence and hindered counterterrorism efforts.

Historical Background

Al-Shabaab originated from the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), a coalition of Sharia courts that gained control over much of southern Somalia, including the capital Mogadishu, in 2006. The ICU’s success was short-lived, as Ethiopian forces, backed by the United States, intervened later that year to support Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Following the ICU’s collapse, Al-Shabaab emerged as the dominant faction within the fragmented remnants of the group.

Ideology and Objectives

Al-Shabaab adheres to a strict interpretation of Salafi-Jihadism, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. The group’s ideology is influenced by global jihadist movements, particularly Al-Qaeda, with which it formally allied in 2012. Al-Shabaab’s objectives include expelling foreign forces from Somalia, overthrowing the Somali government, and creating a transnational Islamist caliphate.

Organizational Structure

Al-Shabaab’s organizational structure is hierarchical, with a central leadership, regional commanders, and various specialized units. The group’s leader, or Emir, has significant authority over strategic decisions. Regional commanders oversee operations in specific areas, while specialized units handle tasks such as intelligence, media, and finance. This structure allows Al-Shabaab to maintain operational coherence and adaptability.

Funding and Resources

Al-Shabaab’s funding sources are diverse, including taxation in controlled territories, extortion, smuggling, and illicit trade. The group exploits Somalia’s lack of central governance to impose taxes on businesses and civilians even in Mogadishu. Additionally, Al-Shabaab is involved in the charcoal trade, earning substantial revenue from exports, particularly to Gulf countries. External donations, often from sympathetic individuals and organizations in the Somali diaspora, also contribute to its finances.

Military Tactics and Operations

Al-Shabaab employs a variety of military tactics, including guerrilla warfare, suicide bombings, and conventional attacks. The group has conducted numerous high-profile attacks both within Somalia and in neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Uganda. One of the most notable attacks was the Westgate shopping mall assault in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2013, which resulted in 67 deaths and widespread international condemnation.

The group’s operations are characterized by their brutality and strategic targeting of both military and civilian sites. Al-Shabaab utilizes improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small arms, and mortars to carry out attacks. It also employs psychological warfare, leveraging media and propaganda to intimidate opponents and recruit new members.

Humanitarian Impact

Al-Shabaab’s insurgency has had devastating humanitarian consequences for Somalia. The group’s control over large swathes of territory has disrupted agricultural production and access to basic services, exacerbating food insecurity and poverty. Al-Shabaab’s attacks on aid workers and restrictions on humanitarian access have hindered efforts to alleviate suffering and deliver aid to vulnerable populations.

Moreover, the group’s imposition of strict Sharia law has resulted in severe human rights abuses, including public executions, amputations, and forced marriages. Al-Shabaab’s governance is marked by repression and the suppression of dissent, contributing to a climate of fear and instability.

Government Corruption and Its Impact

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) under President Hassan has been plagued by corruption, which has significantly undermined efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and stabilize the country. Corruption within the government manifests in various forms, including embezzlement of public funds, nepotism, bribery, puplic land grab, and misuse of international aid. This pervasive corruption has several detrimental effects:

1. Undermining Military Effectiveness: Corruption within the security forces weakens their operational capacity. Reports of soldiers not receiving their salaries, rations, commanders selling rations and fuel to Bakara Market, and ghost soldiers (non-existent troops on the payroll) are common. This not only diminishes morale but also hampers the ability to effectively engage and defeat Al-Shabaab.
2. Eroding Public Trust: The widespread perception of government corruption erodes public trust in the FGS. When citizens see their leaders engaging in corrupt practices, it delegitimizes the government and makes it difficult to garner public support for counterterrorism efforts. Al-Shabaab capitalizes on this distrust, presenting itself as a more just and incorruptible alternative.
3. Misallocation of Aid and Resources: International aid intended for development and counterterrorism is often siphoned off through corrupt channels. This misallocation prevents crucial resources from reaching their intended targets, weakening development initiatives that could address the root causes of extremism and reduce Al-Shabaab’s appeal.
4. Political Fragmentation: Corruption fuels political infighting and clan rivalries, which further fragments the Somali political landscape. This fragmentation hampers the formation of a unified and cohesive strategy against Al-Shabaab, as different factions within the government prioritize their interests over national security.
5. Empowering Al-Shabaab: Al-Shabaab exploits government corruption to gain support from disenfranchised populations. By providing services and justice in areas where the government is absent or ineffective, the group positions itself as a viable alternative to the corrupt state apparatus. This allows Al-Shabaab to maintain influence and control over significant territories.

The Divisive Constitution

Somalia’s provisional constitution, adopted in 2012, was intended to be a cornerstone for the country’s recovery and governance. However, President Hassan’s new divisive constitution has instead become a source of division and conflict, further complicating the fight against Al-Shabaab. The constitution has several contentious elements:

1. Federalism: The Somali Provisional constitution’s framework for federalism is ambiguous and contentious, leading to disputes over the distribution of power and resources between the central government and regional states. These disputes often escalate into conflicts, diverting attention and resources away from counterterrorism efforts and providing Al-Shabaab with opportunities to exploit.
2. Clan-Based Politics: The constitution is parliamentary that is based on multi party and universal suffrage. The current power-sharing model is based not on the SFC but on 4.5 formulas. This system, intended to ensure representation and inclusivity, has instead entrenched clan divisions and perpetuated a cycle of patronage and corruption. Al-Shabaab has been adept at exploiting these divisions to undermine the government and bolster its own support.
3. Legitimacy and Implementation: The process of ratifying and implementing the constitution has been fraught with controversy. Many Somalis view the new constitution as illegitimate, having been drafted by President Hassan and adopted the first four chapters by the corrupt Federal Parliament, without broad-based consultation and consensus. This perceived lack of legitimacy weakens the authority of the central government and hinders efforts to build a cohesive national identity, further complicating the fight against Al-Shabaab.
4. Judicial Independence: The constitution calls for the establishment of an independent judiciary, but in practice, the judiciary remains weak and susceptible to political influence and corruption. This undermines the rule of law and contributes to a culture of impunity, making it difficult to hold corrupt officials accountable and effectively combat Al-Shabaab.

Counterterrorism Efforts

The international community, particularly The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), formerly known as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), has made significant efforts to combat Al-Shabaab. AMISOM, comprising troops from several African countries, has worked alongside Somali security forces to reclaim territory from the group. Despite these efforts, Al-Shabaab remains resilient, demonstrating an ability to adapt and regroup.

The United States has also played a key role in counterterrorism efforts, conducting drone strikes and providing training and support to Somali forces. While these operations have succeeded in eliminating key Al-Shabaab leaders, the group’s decentralized nature allows it to continue functioning despite leadership losses.

Regional and Global Implications

Al-Shabaab’s activities have far-reaching implications beyond Somalia’s borders. The group’s attacks in Kenya and Uganda highlight its capacity to project violence regionally, destabilizing neighboring countries and undermining economic stability. Additionally, Al-Shabaab’s affiliation with Al-Qaeda positions it within a broader network of global jihadist movements, raising concerns about international terrorism.

The group’s ability to exploit ungoverned spaces and weak state institutions underscores the importance of comprehensive approaches to counterterrorism. Addressing the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, corruption, and lack of education, is crucial to undermining Al-Shabaab’s appeal and reducing its influence.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite significant counterterrorism efforts, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a formidable challenge. Several factors contribute to the group’s resilience, including its deep-rooted connections to local communities, ability to exploit clan dynamics, and adaptability in response to military pressure.

One of the primary challenges in combating Al-Shabaab is the complex and fragmented political landscape of Somalia. Clan rivalries and political infighting undermine the effectiveness of the Somali government and security forces, creating opportunities for Al-Shabaab to exploit divisions and maintain influence.

Furthermore, Al-Shabaab’s use of asymmetric warfare tactics, such as hit-and-run attacks and IEDs, complicates efforts to achieve a decisive military victory. The group’s ability to blend in with civilian populations and operate in remote, difficult-to-access areas presents significant operational challenges for counterterrorism forces.

In terms of future prospects, several scenarios are possible. Continued international support for Somali security forces and ATMIS could lead to gradual territorial gains against Al-Shabaab. However, achieving lasting stability will require not only military efforts but also political reconciliation and development initiatives to address the underlying drivers of conflict.

Alternatively, a failure to address these root causes could result in a protracted insurgency, with Al-Shabaab maintaining its ability to disrupt governance and security in Somalia and the region. In this scenario, the humanitarian toll would likely continue to rise, exacerbating an already dire situation for millions of Somalis.

Recommendations

To effectively counter Al-Shabaab and stabilize Somalia, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Here are some recommendations:

1. Strengthening Governance: Efforts should be made to improve governance and reduce corruption within the Somali government. This includes establishing robust anti-corruption mechanisms, ensuring transparency in the allocation of resources, and holding corrupt officials accountable.
2. Enhancing Security Sector Reforms: Reforms in the security sector are crucial to building a professional and accountable military and police force. Ensuring that soldiers are paid on time, improving training, and eliminating ghost soldiers can enhance the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations.
3. Promoting Political Reconciliation: Fostering political reconciliation and inclusive governance is essential to address clan rivalries and build a unified national strategy against Al-Shabaab. Dialogue and power-sharing arrangements can help mitigate conflicts and strengthen the legitimacy of the central government.
4. Supporting Development Initiatives: Addressing the root causes of extremism requires investment in development initiatives that improve livelihoods, education, and infrastructure. International aid should be closely monitored to ensure it reaches those in need and is not diverted through corrupt channels.
5. Constitutional Reforms: Revisiting and amending the PFC constitution to address contentious issues and ensure broader inclusivity and legitimacy is crucial. This includes clarifying the federal structure, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and enhancing judicial independence to uphold the rule of law.
6. Engaging Local Communities: Building strong relationships with local communities is critical to undermining Al-Shabaab’s influence. Community engagement programs that involve local leaders and address grievances can help win hearts and minds, reducing support for the group.

Conclusion

Al-Shabaab remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The group’s resilience, adaptability, and deep-rooted connections to local communities make it a formidable adversary. Countering Al-Shabaab requires a multifaceted approach that combines military, political, and developmental efforts.

Government corruption and the divisive constitution of President Hassan significantly undermine these efforts, weakening military effectiveness, eroding public trust, and empowering Al-Shabaab. Addressing corruption and improving governance, alongside the completion of the nine articles of the PFC, are essential components of any strategy to combat Al-Shabaab and stabilize Somalia.

International support, particularly from regional actors and global powers, is crucial in this endeavor. However, sustainable peace in Somalia ultimately depends on the ability of Somali leaders to forge inclusive political solutions and build institutions capable of delivering security and development for all Somalis.

As the international community continues to grapple with the challenge of Al-Shabaab, the experiences of Somalia offer important lessons for addressing the broader phenomenon of violent extremism. Understanding the complex interplay of local and global factors that sustain groups like Al-Shabaab is essential for developing effective strategies to promote peace and security in fragile states.

In my next article, God willing, we will look in to the consequences of the ATMIS drawdown which appears rather a scary scenario.

By Abdullahi Ahmed Nor

Email: abdullahinor123@gmail.com

Courtesy: Wardheernews