Mogadishu, SONNA – Guled Ahmed Wiliq, author of the acclaimed book Al-Shabaab Mafia Inc, has shed new light on the financial downfall of the Kharijites, describing its economic collapse as one of the most significant outcomes of the Somali government’s multi-pronged offensive since 2022. Speaking to state media, Guled emphasized the importance of documenting the group’s decline and exposing its exploitation of the Somali people under false religious pretense.
Guled Ahmed, whose book investigates the inner workings of the Kharijites group, said that Al-Shabaab Mafia provides a critical lens on the group’s financial networks and criminal economy, which have been systematically dismantled by military, ideological, and economic pressure from the Federal Government of Somalia.
“The most important parts of my book focus on the economic collapse of the Kharijites. Since the government declared an all-out war—military, ideological, and economic—the group has suffered serious setbacks,” he explained.
He described how the group’s extortion practices, particularly targeting farmers and rural communities, have been curtailed. Guuleed highlighted one such example in which militants would flood farmland to force farmers into paying so-called Zakawat, devastating crops and livelihoods.
“When farmers plant their crops, the Kharijites flood the river to extort money, causing people to lose their harvests. But now, thanks to government action, this has been significantly reduced and people feel safer in many areas,” he noted.
The author also stressed the importance of preserving the historical record of the group’s crimes and the resilience of the Somali people. He called for more research and publications that expose the ideological and economic manipulation employed by the Kharijites.
Guled concluded by praising the government’s efforts in reclaiming territory and dismantling the group’s financial infrastructure, stating that the Khawaarij have lost hundreds of millions of dollars since the economic offensive began.
“This group is collapsing. Their financial backbone has been shattered. I commend the government and urge both officials and citizens to remain united in this final stretch. Victory is within reach,” he stated.
Al-Shabaab Mafia continues to spark national dialogue, offering critical insights into the financial underbelly of Somalia’s most notorious extremist group and reinforcing the importance of intellectual resistance alongside military efforts.
