Al-Shabaab Seizes Ground Amid Somalia's Fragmented Politics, Leaving Government Forces Reeling

The Fear was Immense: Al-Shabaab Exploits Fragmented Politics to Reclaim Land in Somalia MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - In a stunning display of military prowess, al-Shabaab has swept through a significant portion of Somalia, reclaiming territory lost to government forces and allied militias backed by US and Turkish air support. The Islamist militant group is now just 40 kilometers from the capital city of Mogadishu, leaving many to wonder if the worst is yet to come. For Maryan Abdikadir Geedi, a 46-year-old shop owner in the town of Moqokori, the recent gains made by al-Shabaab were a stark reminder that the conflict in Somalia is far from over. "The fear was immense," she said, recalling the night in early July when she decided to abandon her business and flee the area. Since launching its offensive in February, al-Shabaab has taken back all the territory it lost to the coalition of government forces and allied tribal militias. The group's rapid advances have been facilitated by the fragmented politics of Somalia, where regional clans and warlords often prioritize their own interests over national unity. "The situation is dire," said Abdiweli Ali, a Somali analyst based in Mogadishu. "Al-Shabaab has exploited the divisions within the government and the lack of a unified strategy to reclaim territory." The conflict in Somalia has its roots in the early 1990s, when the country descended into chaos following the ousting of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Since then, various factions have vied for power, creating a power vacuum that al-Shabaab has exploited. In recent years, the group has increased its influence, imposing harsh Sharia law and carrying out devastating attacks on government targets. The US and Turkey have provided air support to government forces, but their efforts have been hampered by the complexity of the conflict. As al-Shabaab closes in on Mogadishu, many fear for the future of Somalia. "The situation is precarious," said Geedi. "We don't know what will happen next." With the strategic stalemate reached, international attention is focused on finding a solution to the crisis. The United Nations has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Somalia. In the meantime, residents like Geedi are left to wonder if they will ever be able to return to their homes. "The fear was immense," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We just want peace." Background: Al-Shabaab launched its offensive in February 2023 The group has taken back all the territory it lost to government forces and allied militias Somalia's conflict began in the early 1990s following the ousting of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre The US and Turkey have provided air support to government forces Additional Perspectives: Analyst Abdiweli Ali warns that al-Shabaab has exploited divisions within the government and lack of a unified strategy Resident Maryan Abdikadir Geedi fears for her future as al-Shabaab closes in on Mogadishu Current Status and Next Developments: Al-Shabaab is now just 40 kilometers from Mogadishu The UN has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Somalia International attention is focused on finding a solution to the crisis *Reporting by Theguardian.*