Mogadishu (SONNA) – Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has officially announced the formation of a National Committee to Support the Fight Against the Khawarij, with a focus on dismantling Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia.
The committee, chaired by the Second Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Abdisalan Abdi Ali., includes key government officials and security experts, signaling a whole-of-government approach to combating extremism.
The high-level team comprises:
- Ali Yusuf Hosh – Minister of Interior
- Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama – Minister of Environment
- Dr. Ali Hajji Adan – Minister of Health
- Mohamed Ali Hagaa – State Minister for Internal Security
- Mohamed Ahmed Amir – Mayor of Mogadishu
- Mohamud Moalim Hassan – Commissioner of the Disaster Management Agency
The committee is tasked with coordinating national efforts to weaken terrorist networks through enhanced military operations supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) and regional forces in ongoing offensives, financial disruption targeting the funding streams of Al-Shabaab and ISIS, counter-extremism campaigns promoting deradicalization and community resilience, and security sector reforms to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement collaboration.
The inclusion of ministers, security officials, and local leaders reflects a multi-sectoral strategy addressing both the military and ideological fronts of the conflict. With Mogadishu’s mayor and the Disaster Management Agency involved, the government is also preparing for post-liberation stabilization in reclaimed areas. Recent months have seen significant gains against Al-Shabaab, particularly in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states, but the group remains a deadly threat. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting soon to outline operational plans and resource mobilization strategies, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism ahead of critical national elections.
