By Abdullahi Ahmed Nor

Somalia’s struggle against Al-Shabaab, the extremist group that has plagued the nation for over a decade, is not only fought on the battlefields but also within the corridors of power. Al-Shabaab’s infiltration of government ranks has become a pressing issue, undermining the country’s security, governance, and efforts to achieve lasting peace.

The Extent of Infiltration

Al-Shabaab’s ability to penetrate government institutions is a testament to the group’s adaptability and its deep-rooted presence in Somali society. Reports indicate that the group has successfully placed operatives within various levels of government, including the military, police, intelligence services, and even administrative positions. These infiltrators often maintain low profiles, gathering intelligence, facilitating attacks, and undermining government initiatives from within.

The infiltration is not limited to low-level positions. There have been alarming cases where Al-Shabaab sympathizers or operatives have ascended to influential roles, enabling them to shape policies and decisions in ways that benefit the group’s agenda. This not only compromises national security but also erodes public trust in government institutions, as citizens become increasingly skeptical of their leaders’ ability to protect them from terrorism.

The appointment of former Al-Shabaab members to significant government positions in Somalia, such as Ibrahim Adan Ibrahim Nadara who was nominated during last week and others has raised serious concerns both domestically and internationally. Ibrahim Adan Ibrahim Nadara, who was once the head of education for Al-Shabaab, has been appointed as the Director General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Additionally, the current Minister of Religious Affairs is a former deputy leader of Al-Shabaab. These appointments suggest a disturbing infiltration of former militant members into the Somali government.

Moreover, reports indicate that many of the police station commanders in Mogadishu are also former Al-Shabaab operatives. This has led to widespread alarm about the extent of Al-Shabaab’s influence within Somalia’s security apparatus and other government institutions. The integration of former Al-Shabaab members into government positions is seen by critics as a significant security risk, potentially undermining efforts to combat extremism in the country.

The situation in Somalia is deeply troubling; with reports indicating that a former Al-Shabaab soldier drafted into the Somali National Army and trained by UAE military   killed high-ranking officers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based at Gordon Military Base in Mogadishu on Feb 11, 2024. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, even within supposedly secure environments. The UAE has been a key supporter of Somalia’s government and military, making this attack particularly significant as it suggests that Al-Shabaab is still capable of striking at high-profile targets, even those associated with international partners.

In another alarming development, the personal driver of former Speaker of Parliament Mr. Mursal Sheikh was reported to have defected to Al-Shabaab and this isn’t an isolated incident but a lot of MPs drivers and other high ranking officers turned coats too. This defection, along with other similar cases, highlights the challenges the Somali government faces in ensuring loyalty and preventing infiltration by extremists within its ranks. The defection of individuals with access to high-level officials poses a significant security risk, as it can lead to breaches in sensitive information and further undermine trust in the government’s ability to protect its officials.

These incidents are part of a broader pattern of Al-Shabaab’s influence and infiltration within Somalia. The group’s ability to recruit and retain members who later gain positions within government or military structures is a serious concern. This infiltration not only jeopardizes the safety of government officials and international partners but also complicates efforts to combat extremism and restore stability in Somalia.

The presence of former Al-Shabaab members in positions of power and influence within the government and security forces raises critical questions about the vetting processes and the long-term strategy for dealing with former militants. While some argue that integrating former Al-Shabaab members into society is necessary for peace building, these incidents demonstrate the potential dangers of such a strategy if not managed with extreme caution.

These developments highlight the complex and precarious nature of governance in Somalia, where the lines between the state and extremist groups appear increasingly blurred. The integration of former Al-Shabaab members into official roles raises questions about the criteria for such appointments and the long-term implications for peace and stability in Somalia. Today Sheikh Samow, a well-known Sheikh was on the Facebook complaining about the ungodly attitude of the security forces. He concluded his talk that he have been on the hit list for so long as he is and was a stout opponent of Al Shabab Ideology, yet the security forces won’t even let me to go to my home after they thoroughly checked my car and my security staff. It isn’t once or occasional but the harassment is daily phenomenon. He concluded his talk with this scary statement “We have only two choices which are to precisely pick up our guns and fight the government or to leave the country and obviously my choice is the latter – to leave the country”.

Startlingly, despite the awkward treatment of a well-known sheikh in the name of securing the city, two explosions followed by artillery attacks happened the following day and night respectively. The statement by UN Special Representative in Somalia, Mr. James Swan, denying the issuance of a security alert to UN staff the following day could indeed raise questions; particularly as such alerts have been a regular practice for over a decade. Understanding the context and the operational dynamics within the United Nations can help clarify the situation. I have worked for the UN and to that end will shed some light as to how this statement became news in Mogadishu.

 UN Security Alerts: Chain of Command and Responsibility

Security alerts within the UN system, particularly in volatile regions like Somalia, are typically issued by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). The UNDSS operates independently from the political leadership in any given country, including the Special Representative. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and operations, often coordinating directly with headquarters in New York.

Possible Explanations for the Denial

1. Miscommunication or Clarification: Mr. James Swan’s denial might be an attempt to clarify that his office, specifically, did not issue the alert, which would be accurate if the alert was indeed issued by the UNDSS. This distinction might be important to avoid any misunderstanding about the source of the information and to maintain clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities within the UN.
2. Sensitive Information: There could be operational reasons for Mr. Swan’s statement. Sometimes, public acknowledgment of specific security alerts can inadvertently compromise ongoing security measures or diplomatic efforts. By denying the issuance, Mr. Swan might be trying to manage public perception and avoid unnecessary panic or escalation.
3. Internal Coordination Issues: In some cases, there might be coordination issues between different UN departments. If Mr. Swan was not informed about the alert or if there was a decision not to disseminate the information widely, his denial might reflect an internal communication gap rather than a cessation of security warnings.
4. Policy Change or Review: It’s also possible that there has been a policy shift in how such alerts are communicated, either within the UN mission in Somalia or from headquarters in New York. If there has been a change in protocol, Mr. Swan’s denial could be part of a broader strategic adjustment.

Mr. James Swan’s denial of issuing a security alert does not necessarily imply that such alerts will stop or that there is a conflict with the UNDSS. It likely reflects the complexity of the situation and the need to manage information carefully in a highly sensitive and dangerous environment like Somalia. The UNDSS remains responsible for security matters, and their actions are guided by protocols from UN headquarters, ensuring that staff safety is prioritized, regardless of statements made by the political leadership.

AL-Shabab Tactics and Methods

Al-Shabaab employs a variety of tactics to infiltrate government ranks. These include:

• Bribery and Corruption: Exploiting the widespread corruption in Somalia, Al-Shabaab often bribes officials to secure jobs for their operatives or to gain access to sensitive information.
• Clan Loyalties: The group leverages Somalia’s complex clan dynamics to insert its members into government positions including the members of the Parliament. By exploiting clan loyalties, Al-Shabaab can sometimes secure protection or even direct support from certain factions within the government.
• Intimidation and Coercion: In some cases, government officials or employees may be coerced into collaborating with Al-Shabaab under threat of violence against themselves or their families. This tactic ensures a degree of control over individuals who might otherwise oppose the group.
• Recruitment from Within: Al-Shabaab also actively recruits from within the government, targeting disillusioned or ideologically sympathetic individuals who can be turned to their cause.

Impact on Governance and Security

The infiltration of government ranks by Al-Shabaab has far-reaching consequences for Somalia. First and foremost, it compromises the effectiveness of security operations. Intelligence leaks and sabotage from within the military or police can thwart efforts to combat the group, leading to failed missions and unnecessary casualties. This has been evident in several high-profile attacks where Al-Shabaab seemingly had inside information, allowing them to strike with devastating precision.

Moreover, the presence of Al-Shabaab operatives in government roles hinders the implementation of policies and programs aimed at rebuilding the country. Corruption and inefficiency, fueled by the group’s influence, prevent the government from providing basic services and addressing the needs of the population, further destabilizing the country.

The infiltration also exacerbates mistrust between the government and the public. As ordinary Somalis witness the government’s inability to root out Al-Shabaab’s influence within its own ranks, confidence in state institutions dwindles. This mistrust makes it more difficult for the government to rally public support for its counterterrorism efforts, which are crucial for long-term success against the group.

Challenges in Addressing the Issue

Combating Al-Shabaab’s infiltration of government ranks is a complex and daunting task. The Somali government faces significant challenges in rooting out these operatives, including:

• Weak Institutions: The fragility of Somalia’s state institutions makes it difficult to implement robust vetting processes or to monitor the activities of government employees effectively.
• Corruption: Pervasive corruption within the government itself often enables Al-Shabaab’s infiltration, as officials may be bribed to overlook suspicious activities or to grant access to sensitive positions.
• Lack of Resources: The government’s limited resources and capabilities make it challenging to conduct thorough background checks or to maintain continuous oversight of government employees.

Moving Forward

Addressing the infiltration of government ranks by Al-Shabaab requires a multifaceted approach. This includes strengthening state institutions to make them more resilient to infiltration, improving transparency and accountability within the government, and enhancing the vetting and monitoring of government employees.

International support and cooperation are also crucial in this fight. Capacity-building initiatives, intelligence-sharing, and financial assistance from international partners can help Somalia develop the tools it needs to counter Al-Shabaab’s influence within its ranks.

Ultimately, the fight against Al-Shabaab will not be won solely on the battlefield. It requires a concerted effort to root out the group’s insidious presence within the government, thereby restoring public trust and laying the foundation for a stable and peaceful Somalia.

Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
Email: abdullahinor123@gmail.com