The United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to extend the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) to continue supporting the fight against al-Shabaab. Despite recent government successes, the terrorist group remains a formidable force in Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s resilience and strength can be attributed to factors like illegal taxation, protection offered to locals, communal rivalries, weaknesses in the Somali army, and the existence of safe areas.
What next?
The current situation in Somalia indicates a stalemate in efforts to defeat al-Shabaab, with weaknesses in both western and local strategies. The key to overcoming the group lies in addressing these factors and learning from past offensives.
Written by Stig Jarle Hansen, an Associate Professor of International Relations, Norwegian University of Life Sciences