By Farah Aw-Osman

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.

Al-Shabaab’s rapid militarization and aggressive tactics highlight the dire need for a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the group.

ISIS’s Entry into the Somali Conflict

As Al-Shabaab struggled to maintain control, a new threat emerged: ISIS, known locally as Daacish. While Al-Shabaab and ISIS share some ideological similarities, they differ significantly in leadership and affiliations. Al-Shabaab maintains ties with Al-Qaeda, whereas ISIS takes direct orders from its leadership in Iraq and Syria.

The arrival of ISIS in Somalia immediately led to clashes between the two groups, particularly in Mogadishu. The competition was rooted in control over financial resources. Recognizing the threat posed by ISIS, Al-Shabaab decisively attacked the group’s presence in the city. In a brutal confrontation, Al-Shabaab succeeded in ousting ISIS from Mogadishu, forcing them to retreat to Puntland’s Calmiska region.

This conflict demonstrated the growing power and resolve of Al-Shabaab but also highlighted the emerging challenge of ISIS in the region. Despite this, ISIS has struggled to establish a significant foothold in southern Somalia due to the persistent and violent resistance from Al-Shabaab.

Puntland’s Successful Campaign Against ISIS and Al-Shabaab.

While Al-Shabaab’s influence continues to dominate much of southern and central Somalia, the Puntland administration, under the leadership of President Said Abdullahi Deni, has been notably successful in combating ISIS. Puntland has become a crucial front in the fight against both Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Somalia, with significant military operations aimed at dismantling ISIS and Al-Shabaab cells and preventing their spread.

President Deni’s administration has been effective in leveraging both local intelligence networks and regional cooperation to target ISIS and Al-Shabaab hideouts in Puntland.  By focusing on strategic military campaigns and intelligence sharing, Puntland has not only weakened ISIS and Al-Shabaab’s presence but also shown that regional governments can play a pivotal role in the fight against extremism. Their success demonstrates the importance of local governance and leadership in combating international terrorist threats.

A Comprehensive Strategy to Defeat Religious Extremism

To eradicate Al-Shabaab and ISIS, Somalia must implement a multi-faceted strategy that addresses both immediate security concerns and the underlying socio-political and economic conditions that foster extremism. The following recommendations outline the most effective methods for tackling this issue:

1. Strengthening National Unity and Reconciliation
   • Implement a comprehensive national reconciliation program to heal past wounds.
   • Promote inclusive governance that offers a stake to all clans and regions.
2. Upholding the Federal Constitution
   • Ensure fair distribution of power between federal and state governments.
   • Protect Islamic principles within a legal framework that guarantees justice and equality for all.
3. Ending Dependency on Foreign Troops
   • Strengthen Somali national security forces through training, equipment, and resources.
   • Establish an independent and self-sustaining intelligence network for counterterrorism operations.
   • Gradually replace foreign forces while ensuring security cooperation with regional and international partners that respect Somali sovereignty.
   • The Somali National Army (SNA) needs to be inclusive and representative of all Somalis to ensure stability and security, as it transitions to taking on more security responsibilities in the country, including fighting Al-Shabaab.
4. Economic Recovery and Job Creation
   • Expand job creation programs in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and entrepreneurship.
   • Reform the education system to counter extremist indoctrination and provide vocational training.
   • Encourage economic development initiatives to reduce unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
5. Governance Improvement, Service Delivery, and Fighting Corruption
   • Strengthen institutions to ensure transparent governance and accountability at all levels.
   • Improve access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure to increase public trust in the government.
   • Implement strict anti-corruption measures, ensuring public resources are used effectively to benefit the population rather than fueling extremist narratives against the state.

Conclusion

The fight against extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Somalia requires a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach that combines military force, ideological warfare, economic development, and effective governance. Addressing the root causes of extremism, such as political exclusion, economic deprivation, and ideological manipulation, is critical to achieving sustainable peace.

A well-coordinated strategy that prioritizes national reconciliation, strengthens security forces, improves governance, and adheres to Somalia’s Federal Constitution is the only viable path to ensure a peaceful and stable future for the Somali people.

Farah Aw-Osman
Email: awosman@gmail.com