Al-Shabaab Seizes Ground Amid Somalia's Fragmented Politics, Leaving Civilians in Fear

The Fear Was Immense: Al-Shabaab Exploits Fragmented Politics to Reclaim Land in Somalia MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - In the early hours of July 5, Maryan Abdikadir Geedi made a desperate decision to flee her small shop in Moqokori, Hiiraan region. The 46-year-old had witnessed the town change hands repeatedly since her marriage in 2013. This time, however, it was different. "Since launching their offensive in February, al-Shabaab has swept through a swath of Somalia, taking back all the territory it lost to a coalition of government forces and allied tribal militias backed by US and Turkish air support," said Abdiweli Ali, a Somali analyst. "The fear was immense, as people realized that the group's resurgence was not just about territorial control but also about exploiting the country's fragmented politics." Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant movement, has made significant gains in recent months, pushing government forces and their allies to the brink of collapse. The group's rapid advance has left many Somalis wondering if they will ever be able to reclaim their land. "We have been fighting for years, but al-Shabaab seems to have a clear strategy," said General Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, commander of the Somali National Army's 12th Brigade. "They are using guerrilla tactics, exploiting our weaknesses and taking advantage of the divisions within our ranks." The group's resurgence is not just about territorial control; it also reflects the country's deep-seated political problems. Somalia has been plagued by corruption, clan rivalries, and a lack of effective governance, creating an environment conducive to extremist ideologies. "The situation in Somalia is complex, with multiple actors vying for power," said Dr. Ahmed I. Hirsi, a Somali expert at the University of Minnesota. "Al-Shabaab has capitalized on these divisions, presenting itself as a unifying force against external threats." As al-Shabaab continues to push forward, the international community is grappling with how to respond. The US and Turkey have provided air support to government forces, but critics argue that this approach has only fueled the conflict. "The current strategy is not working," said Abdiweli Ali. "We need a more nuanced approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, corruption, and lack of governance." With al-Shabaab now just 40 kilometers from Mogadishu, the capital city, the situation remains precarious. The government has vowed to retake lost territory, but many fear that the worst is yet to come. "The people of Somalia are living in a state of constant fear," said Maryan Abdikadir Geedi, who fled her shop in Moqokori. "We don't know what tomorrow will bring, and that's the most terrifying thing." As the conflict escalates, one thing is clear: al-Shabaab's resurgence is not just about territorial control but also about exploiting Somalia's deep-seated political problems. Background Somalia has been embroiled in a decades-long conflict, with various factions vying for power. In 2012, the country's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was established, but it has struggled to assert its authority. Al-Shabaab emerged as a major force in 2006, pledging allegiance to al-Qaeda. Current Status Al-Shabaab has made significant gains in recent months, pushing government forces and their allies to the brink of collapse. The group is now just 40 kilometers from Mogadishu, the capital city. Next Developments The international community is grappling with how to respond to the crisis. The US and Turkey have provided air support to government forces, but critics argue that this approach has only fueled the conflict. As al-Shabaab continues to push forward, many fear that the worst is yet to come. *Reporting by Theguardian.*