Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
In a move aimed at bolstering security in Mogadishu, the Somali government mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in businesses across the capital. However, this directive has drawn violent retaliation from al-Shabaab militants, who view the surveillance systems as a threat to their activities. Since October, there have been at least 10 attacks targeting business owners and centers complying with the directive, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty in the bustling city.
The surveillance initiative, introduced in 2023, aims to disrupt al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities, particularly their ability to extort businesses in Mogadishu. While some businesses have adhered to the directive, many have refrained, fearing repercussions from the terrorist group. On multiple occasions, markets in districts like Yaqshid and Heliwa have been forced to shut down following al-Shabaab attacks.
One of the most violent incidents occurred on October 28, when four businessmen were killed in the Misaanka Dhuhusha neighborhood. Similarly, on November 12, two civilians were targeted in the Sarkuus neighborhood. These events underscore the dangerous tightrope Mogadishu’s business owners are forced to walk between adhering to government mandates and avoiding militant retribution.
Government’s Counter-Offensive Gains Momentum
Amidst rising violence, Somali security forces have intensified their counter-insurgency operations, particularly targeting al-Shabaab leadership. In October and November, operations in Middle Shabelle, Lower Juba, and Lower Shabelle regions resulted in the deaths of several senior al-Shabaab figures.
Key operations include a November 8 attack in Middle Shabelle’s Yaqla village, where Somali forces eliminated 19 militants, including three senior leaders. These operations demonstrate increased capability within the Somali National Army (SNA) to neutralize high-ranking al-Shabaab operatives, many of whom are integral to the group’s tax collection and surveillance efforts.
The federal government has also implemented leadership changes to boost operational effectiveness. In November, Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh was reappointed as SNA chief, a move aimed at intensifying counter-insurgency efforts following a period of stagnation in 2023.
Jubaland Tensions and Somaliland’s Election Success
While Mogadishu grapples with escalating violence, political developments elsewhere in Somalia paint a mixed picture. In Somaliland, the November 13 presidential election concluded peacefully, with Waddani party candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ securing a decisive victory. This election, conducted under a one-person, one-vote system, has been widely praised as a milestone in democratic progress.
In contrast, the Jubaland region has seen heightened tensions surrounding its regional elections. On November 25, Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe’ was re-elected as Jubaland’s president under a controversial indirect voting system. The federal government rejected the election results, accusing Jubaland of undermining efforts to implement universal suffrage across Somalia. The rift has led to a military standoff, with both Jubaland and federal forces deploying troops to strategic locations such as Ras Kamboni.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
The ongoing violence highlights the perilous conditions faced by civilians in Somalia. From targeted killings in Mogadishu to clashes in Jubaland, the civilian population remains vulnerable amid political instability and militant aggression. The government’s push for security reforms, while necessary, has inadvertently placed businesses and civilians in the militants’ crosshairs, underlining the complex and multifaceted nature of Somalia’s security challenges.