Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term ended in May, has expressed confidence that Al-Shabaab will not regain control of Somalia. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Hassan said the security situation in Somalia has improved significantly, citing progress in the campaign against Al-Shabaab. He acknowledged that the fight against the group may continue for some time but ruled out any possibility of them gaining nationwide control.
Hassan recalled a period when Al-Shabaab had expanded its influence across large parts of Somalia and was able to carry out attacks close to the capital's presidential compound. He noted that the group is now pushed back hundreds of kilometres from Mogadishu. The president attributed the change to gains made by Somali security forces and their international partners in operations against Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab, linked to Al-Qaeda, has waged an insurgency in Somalia for over 15 years. The group has carried out deadly attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of the country and continues to control or operate in rural areas, despite losing several major towns and territory in recent government offensives. Hassan's comments come as Somalia faces a separate political dispute over elections, constitutional changes, and the future of the country's federal system.
The Somali president also rejected the prospect of Somalia returning to prolonged civil wars, clan conflicts, or political violence that have marked parts of the country's history. He stated that Al-Shabaab coming back is not possible, and it is also not possible for the country to return to civil war, clan warfare, or political conflict. Hassan's remarks offered a confident assessment of Somalia's security trajectory, even as Al-Shabaab remains capable of launching attacks and operating in parts of the country.
Opposition figures have warned that failure among Somali political actors to resolve their differences could create an opening for Al-Shabaab and weaken international engagement with Somalia after more than three decades of foreign support. The government has continued to present the fight against Al-Shabaab as a central national priority, while seeking greater responsibility for Somali forces as international military support evolves.
Hassan's confidence in Somalia's security situation comes as the country navigates a complex political landscape. The government is working to address various challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Al-Shabaab and the need for greater stability and security. The president's comments reflect a positive outlook on the country's progress, but also acknowledge that much work remains to be done.
The ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab could take more time, but Hassan maintained that the group no longer has the capacity to regain nationwide control. His assessment suggests that Somalia is making progress in its fight against extremism, but the situation remains fragile, and continued international support will be crucial in helping the country achieve lasting stability and security.
Key points
- Al-Shabaab will not regain control of Somalia, according to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
- The security situation in Somalia has improved significantly, with Al-Shabaab pushed back hundreds of kilometres from Mogadishu.
- Somalia faces a separate political dispute over elections, constitutional changes, and the future of the country's federal system.
