The Somali government and its people have launched a three-pronged war against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group while the country is facing a severe drought and lack of rain.
The three-pronged attack involves an economic and social boycott, an intellectual and ideological battle to correct the misinterpretation of Islam, and a military assault on Al-Shabaab’s strongholds.
Since the start of the war, Al-Shabaab has lost key positions in the Galmudug and Hirshabelle States. 80% of the group’s strongholds in these areas have been cleared.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced on January 16, 2023, that his administration has set up a “program to liberate the entire country” from Al-Shabab fighters linked to Al-Qaeda.
“The second phase of the operation to eliminate the Khawarij will soon begin in the South West areas. The experience we have gained from the first phase of the war has shown the weakness of the group, and we will move on to the new phase in less time than the previous one,” he said.
“We have one enemy and that is Al-Shabaab terrorists; they are killing us, and we kill them. The government has a plan to liberate the country, the first phase is now complete, and the second phase will start in the Southwest,” Hassan Sheikh added.
The government of Somalia has established a secret channel that guarantees the safety of the people to report Al-Shabaab conspirators who have destroyed the lives of the people.
Fortunately, the government has managed to get many businesspeople to report when the group asked for money, allowing the government to freeze 250 bank accounts and 70 mobile money numbers.
Deputy Minister of Information of Somalia, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala said that the operations against the Kharijites in a press conference that the war won in terms of power, economy, and thought.
“The Kharijites have lost power and money. Great achievements have been made in the economic war, and this can be seen from the enemies of the Khawarij Al-Shabaab, their pockets have been emptied,” Al-Adala said.
The minister explained to the Somali people that the Kharijites have lost their power and finances and are just waiting for the way to be completed.
The government of Somalia called a meeting of all religious scholars, which opened on January 23, 2023. Approximately 300 Somali scholars attended the conference.
The Scholars confirmed that the terrorist group had no connection to Islam. Their violent actions were contrary to the principles of Islam. It was considered necessary to defend oneself and to be free from their influence.
The meeting emphasized that extremist groups have been misusing Islam for their malicious acts, and it is our duty to confront and stop them, even if it means giving our lives as martyrs.
President Hassan who opened the religious Scholars’ conference, has expressed how the Somali people and government are deeply committed to their pure religion, and how the extremist groups have been spreading false information.
“Anyone who thinks Al-Shabab will show mercy should look at what happened to the blind old man who was hunted down and killed even though he was trying to escape from the group’s siege at Mogadishu Municipality. The Khawarij have been around for a long time and now they have brought their troubles to us. We want to find a solution to this dangerous ideology and this meeting is expected to provide that solution,” said the President at the time.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad stated that “Dealing with the Khawarij is forbidden, and anyone who supports or provides them with resources has committed a serious sin.”
The Sheikh added that it is not allowed to support the Khawarij both religiously and as patriotic citizens.
Sheikh Muse Adde, another Scholar said “Those who killed us, forced us to flee, and beheaded us, should be fought, if that’s what the President says. Allah is on our side, and we are on Allah’s side.”
The meeting approved that it is right to fight against these extremist groups and those who they kill are martyrs.
It is a great pleasure that Somalia is fighting against the extremists on one hand and joining the East African Community on the other.
The Somali government has convened Frontline States Summit on February 1st. The outcome of the summit was a communique stating the commitment of neighboring countries to cooperate in the fight against Al-Shabaab and to provide strong support to Somalia to eliminate terrorism.
“The Frontline States Summit in Mogadishu comes in the wake of ongoing offensive against Kharijites Al-Shabab aimed at degrading the capabilities of all terrorist groups in the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia”, Information minister, Said Duad Aweis Jama.
The Frontline States Summit agreed the need for new partnerships and enhancing solidarity among Somalia’s neighboring states to stand by Somalia in a united fight against a common terrorist threat stance against Al Shabab”, Stated Daud Aweis
President William Ruto of Kenya said on Twitter Post, “We must disrupt the financial infrastructures, weapons supply chains, and sanction the enablers of terrorism in the Horn of Africa. Our collective effort in anti-terrorism proves that peace is within reach.”
The Somali government and its people have made great strides in raising the hope and confidence of the people in their government, following a call from the President to support and stand by each other. If a nation wants to defeat its enemies, it must first trust its leaders. Somalia is making great efforts and achieving successive victories.
Over the past decade and a half, the Al-Shabab have been engaging in illegal logging on a massive scale, cutting down millions of trees and turning them into coal which is then exported to finance their violent activities. This destructive practice has led to the destruction of vast areas of forestland and fertile agricultural land, which are vital for the livelihoods of local communities and for the country’s economy.
Not only are the Al-Shabab causing harm to the present generation, but they are also leaving a legacy of environmental devastation for future generations to contend with. This is not only a violation of the rights of the people of Somalia, but also a violation of the natural resources that are essential for their survival and development.
The preservation of the environment and the rights of the Somali people must be a top priority in the fight against the Al-Shabab.
The government, and civil society, must work together to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
In conclusion, Somali people have a duty to support their government, stand firmly against the destructing criminal elements, exploit the resources of their land, and prosperity will be achieved.
By Abdalla H. Osman
