THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY TO DEFEAT AL-SHABAAB AND ISIS IN SOMALIA
By Farah Aw-Osman – awosman@gmail.com
Since the collapse of the Somali state in 1991, extremist groups have exploited the ensuing instability to establish reigns of terror, stifling Somalia’s progress and undermining efforts for peace and governance. Among these, tribal and religious extremism have been the most destructive.
While tribal extremism remains deeply ingrained in Somali society, the rise of foreign-inspired religious extremism in recent decades has proven to be an even greater threat. This article examines the origins, evolution, and operations of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS and proposes a comprehensive strategy for their defeat.
The Origins of Religious Extremism in Somalia
Religious extremism in Somalia gained significant traction after the collapse of the central government in 1991, creating a power vacuum that was filled by clan-based warlords, Islamic movements, and foreign-backed militias. Although religious extremism in Somalia has historical roots, its contemporary manifestations are fueled by both local and external factors. The first significant wave of religious extremism can be traced to the Dervish Movement led by Sayid Mohamed Abdullah Hassan in the early 20th century. While some have framed it as an anti-colonial movement, its tactics and ideologies—such as Takfirism (declaring other Muslims non-believers) and violent military campaigns against opposing Somali clans—share similarities with today’s extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
The Rise of Al-Shabaab
Al-Shabaab’s emergence was catalyzed by conditions akin to those that led to the Dervish Movement, including the collapse of state institutions, widespread clan-based violence, and the presence of foreign military forces. The group’s radicalization within the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) in 2006, fueled by opposition to Ethiopian intervention, transformed Al-Shabaab into a powerful extremist force.
Once entrenched, Al-Shabaab imposed brutal policies, including:
- Public executions, stonings, and amputations
- Extortion of businesses through forced taxation (zakat)
- Targeted assassinations of scholars, journalists, and government officials
- Suicide bombings at schools, hospitals, and public gatherings
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