By Ismail D. Osman
Thursday July 14, 2022
After months of confusion, tension, and political theatre, Somalia elected former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the presidency, defeating incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed in a third-round run decided by a parliamentary vote of 214-110. In a sign of the times, the vote was held in an airport hangar protected by blast walls built to prevent al-Shabaab insurgents from gaining access to the new leader and potentially impacting the election, underscoring the recognition that al-Shabaab remains the preeminent and ongoing threat to Somali governance.
Recognizing that our new President faces the daunting task of governing a nation suffering the worst drought in four decades and plagued by incessant civil strife, the priority should nevertheless remain on securing Somalia from the detrimental presence of Al-Shabaab. The strength of anonymity gives the terrorist group an upper hand in gaining and maintaining their power in the country, and endless second-guessing of the safety of the Somali people pushes Somalia further into the mental hesitance that strengthens al-Shabaab’s position in the country. The Government of Somalia must make an effort in building and maintaining the strength of their armies to have the resources to fight back against the terrorist group instead of complying and accepting defeat. Protection through the military will remind civilians of the power of the Government and will be an effective way to show the people that Somalia is strong enough to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Al-Shabaab is only as strong as the fear that surrounds them, once that fear is removed the Somali Government will be able to take devastating actions in weakening the terrorist group significantly.
A report from the United Nations has indicated through practices of intimidation and brutal methods of coercion, -Shabaab raises as much revenue as the country's authorities, estimated at of $20M a month in “taxes” extorted from the Mogadishu business community and the Mogadishu port, illegal levies that started in 2017 under the previous administration. It is vital the Somali Government make extra efforts to reveal the secret accounts Al-Shabaab holds, and seize these assets by any legal means necessary, including new fiscal legislation, specialized training, international policy and strengthening regional and international cooperation against the financing of terroris
Investigating, proving, and eliminating the methods of terrorist financing is a highly complex activity that will require the involvement of many world leaders and countries. Suppressing terrorism financing is an essential step in any strategic initiative to develop the capacity to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate terrorist financing and rid the world, and our country, of this long-suffering criminal crisis. Once the Government have protected the Somali people from terrorist attacks, fear is no longer under Al-Shabaab’s control. Removing their financial resources should be centered on the efforts against Al-Shabaab.
Ultimately, in order Al-Shabaab to be weakened to a point of no return, significant actions must be taken to solidify the power of the Somali Government and Presidency. Prioritizing protection of the people through military might, will provide an efficient and intellectual way to eliminate Al-Shabaab's menace to Somalia and neighboring countries.
It is time for the
leadership of our country to do everything in their power to prioritize the
safety and security of their people.
Ismail D. Osman: Former Deputy Director of Somalia National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) – Writes in Somalia, Horn of Africa Security and Geopolitical focusing on governance and security. You can reach him [email protected]