Somali Arms Flows Hinder Peace

 Ethiopia Insight published on 29 September 2025 a commentary titled "Weapons of Discord" by Adam Daud Ahmed, Horn of Africa security analyst.

Somalia's federal system of government has resulted in the indiscriminate flow of arms to clan militias, which has exacerbated conflict in the country.  The author suggests the United Nations needs to introduce conditional arms controls.  

Somalia: Al-Shabaab Steps Up Activity

 AEI's Critical Threats Africa File published on 20 March 2025 an article titled "Al-Shabaab Ramadan Offensive" by Liam Karr.

Al-Shabaab stepped up its terrorist activity during Ramadan in central Somalia and on the outskirts of Mogadishu.  It included an unsuccessful improvised explosive device (IED) attempt on the life of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.  

Somalia's Stalled Offensive Against Al-Shabaab

 CTC Sentinel published in February 2024 an article titled "Somalia's Stalled Offensive Against al-Shabaab: Taking Stock of Obstacles" by Daisy Muibu, Africa Center for Strategic Studies.  

The Somali government launched an offensive against al-Shabaab almost a year and a half ago.  It had some early success but has now stalled out.  The goal was to defeat al-Shabaab by the end of 2024 when the African Union forces are scheduled to leave Somalia.  The author identified obstacles to success as overly ambitious timelines, donor fatigue, lukewarm regional support, strategic mistakes, clan divisions, and the ability of al-Shabaab to regroup quickly after military setbacks.  

The Resurgence of Al-Shabaab

The Terrorism Monitor published on 8 February 2018 an analysis titled "The Resurgence of Al-Shabaab" by Sunguta West.

The author argues that the resurgence of al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia pours cold water on predictions of al-Shabaab's possible defeat, prompting security experts to call for new strategies to combat the militant group.