Somalia’s opposition leaders back military offensive against Al-Shabaab and urge national security reform
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the leaders commended the Somali National Army (SNA), regional paramilitary forces, and local militias for their efforts in combatting extremists across Middle Shabelle, Puntland, and Bari. However, they cautioned that Somalia's political divisions and inconsistent security policies have weakened counterterrorism efforts.
Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have voiced their full support for Somalia's ongoing military campaign against Al-Shabaab and ISIS while urging a comprehensive strategic review to prevent militant groups from regaining ground.
"The prevention and eradication of terrorism is a national priority that can only be achieved through unity, national cohesion, and an inclusive political strategy. We call on the President to develop a clear and comprehensive national mobilization plan to eradicate terrorist threats from Somalia once and for all," the statement read.
In November 2024, Puntland's security forces launched "Operation Hillaac," targeting ISIS strongholds in the Al Miskaad mountains. The offensive resulted in the capture of 250 square kilometres and 50 militant bases, marking a significant blow to ISIS in northern Somalia.
Meanwhile, the Somali National Army (SNA), with U.S. air support, recently carried out precision strikes against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle. A February 25, 2025, U.S. airstrike near Al-Kowsar eliminated key militant operatives, according to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Despite these operations, Al-Shabaab remains resilient, retreating into rural areas to regroup and launch asymmetrical attacks. Security analysts warn that military victories alone are insufficient without sustained governance and intelligence coordination.
While supporting the ongoing military campaign, the opposition leaders blamed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration for prioritizing political disputes over national security, arguing that federal-regional tensions have weakened Somalia's counterterrorism efforts.
"We have repeatedly warned the President that political conflicts undermine the fight against terrorism. Instead of prioritizing security, his administration has engaged in political battles with federal member states, altered the constitutional framework, and created illegal electoral rules that have fueled instability," the statement continued.
The opposition leaders pointed to recent political instability, including the December 2024 clashes in Raskamboni between federal troops and Jubaland regional forces over a disputed local election. The incident underscored growing tensions between Mogadishu and regional administrations, raising concerns that internal divisions could provide Al-Shabaab with new opportunities to regain control over key territories.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has also weighed in on the national security debate, echoing similar concerns about unity in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
"It is our duty to stand with the brave Somali National Army, who are confronting the enemy on all fronts," Farmaajo said in a statement earlier this week, warning that militant groups exploit disunity to prolong instability.
The opposition figures demanded a reassessment of Somalia's counterterrorism strategy, calling for a national mobilization plan that integrates military, intelligence, and governance efforts.
"There must be no retreat from the ongoing battle against extremists. Urgent steps must be taken to address the factors that allowed terrorist groups to re-emerge in previously liberated areas," the statement emphasized.
As part of international efforts to bolster Somalia's counterterrorism operations, the United Nations Security Council approved the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in December 2024. The new mission deploys up to 12,626 personnel to support Somalia's fight against Al-Shabaab.
The opposition leaders warned that without immediate political reforms, Somalia risks falling into a cycle of temporary military gains followed by militant resurgence. They urged President Mohamud to resolve internal disputes, strengthen security coordination, and restore national unity to ensure a more effective counterterrorism campaign.
"We urge the President to act as a neutral leader in guiding Somalia's security affairs and to work toward resolving the constitutional disputes that have divided the country. National unity is essential to defeating Al-Shabaab, and without it, our forces will remain vulnerable to setbacks," the statement concluded.
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