In today’s Friday sermon at Masjid Omar Binu AbdiAsis in Garowe, Puntland State, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed, PhD, addressed a pressing concern regarding the youth of the community. He expressed his dismay at what he perceives as an overemphasis on sports, particularly soccer, at the expense of religious devotion. While his concerns about the spiritual well-being of the youth are valid and commendable, his critique of parents and the youth’s engagement in sports overlooks several critical realities on the ground. A more nuanced approach is necessary to address the multifaceted needs of Garowe’s youth, balancing religious devotion with physical, social, and intellectual development.

Firstly, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed’s critique of youth prioritizing sports over religious activities fails to acknowledge the importance of physical development. Sports, including soccer, play a vital role in promoting physical health, discipline, and teamwork. In a world where sedentary lifestyles and health issues are on the rise, encouraging physical activity among youth is not only beneficial but essential. The youth playing soccer in Garowe are not merely indulging in a pastime; they are engaging in activities that foster physical fitness, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. These qualities are not at odds with religious values but can complement them by promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Secondly, sports serve as a critical avenue for social integration and skill development. In a society like Garowe, where communal ties are vital, sports provide a platform for youth to interact, build relationships, and develop social skills. Through teamwork and competition, young people learn to communicate, resolve conflicts, and work toward common goals. These skills are indispensable for their integration into society and their future roles as responsible citizens. By participating in sports, youth are not neglecting their religious duties but are instead preparing themselves to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Sports prevent youth from developing bad habits like chewing Qat and getting addicted to other drugs, consequently committing petty crimes.

Moreover, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed’s critique seems to overlook the scarcity of recreational facilities in Garowe. The youth he observed playing soccer are not merely choosing sports over religion; they are making the most of the limited opportunities available to them. Garowe, like many other cities in Somalia, faces a severe shortage of recreational and developmental facilities for both youth and adults. The few amenities that exist are often overcrowded, with youth competing for access. Rather than blaming the youth or their parents, it would be more productive to advocate for the creation of more recreational, educational, and religious facilities that cater to the diverse needs of the community. A holistic approach to youth development requires investment in infrastructure that supports both physical and spiritual growth.

Additionally, the expectation that society should produce only religious scholars is an outdated and impractical notion. While religious education is undoubtedly important, a thriving society requires a diversity of skills and professions. Garowe, and Somalia at large, needs doctors, engineers, teachers, athletes, and entrepreneurs just as much as it needs religious scholars. The youth playing soccer today could become the professionals who drive national development tomorrow. Encouraging a balance between religious devotion and other forms of knowledge and expertise is essential for the progress and stability of the region.

Instead of focusing solely on the perceived neglect of religious duties, mosques and religious leaders like Sheikh Dr. Ahmed could play a more constructive role in addressing the challenges facing Garowe’s youth. One such role could be narrowing sectarian differences that have long contributed to Somalia’s destabilization. Mosques, as centers of community life, have the potential to foster unity, tolerance, and dialogue among different groups. By promoting a message of inclusivity and cooperation, religious leaders can help create a more harmonious and stable society. This would not only benefit the youth but also contribute to the broader goal of national reconciliation and development.

In conclusion, while Sheikh Dr. Ahmed’s concerns about the spiritual well-being of Garowe’s youth are important, his critique of their engagement in sports overlooks the broader context of their needs and challenges. Youth require physical development, social integration, and access to recreational facilities, all of which are currently in short supply in Garowe. Rather than pitting sports against religion, a more balanced approach is needed—one that recognizes the value of both and invests in the holistic development of the youth. Furthermore, mosques and religious leaders have a unique opportunity to play a unifying role in society, addressing not only spiritual needs but also the social and political challenges that hinder progress. By embracing this broader vision, Garowe can nurture a generation of well-rounded individuals who contribute to both their faith and their nation.

For over two decades, Al-Shabab has operated as a parallel government in South-Central Somalia, exerting control over vast territories, imposing its harsh interpretation of Sharia law, and providing basic services to populations neglected by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). Despite efforts by the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), now replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Al-Shabab has proven resilient and adaptive. Recently, the group has escalated its activities, seizing strategic infrastructure locations such as the main roads leading to Afgooye, Balcad, and Jowhar. This development is not only a tactical shift but also a sinister omen that Al-Shabab is preparing for a major operation to destabilize Mogadishu and decapitate the federal government. To counter this growing threat, a comprehensive and multifaceted counterinsurgency strategy is urgently needed.

Al-Shabab’s Parallel Governance and Strategic Control

Al-Shabab’s ability to function as a parallel government stems from its exploitation of the FGS’s weaknesses, including corruption, inefficiency, and limited territorial control. The group has established administrative structures, collected taxes, and provided rudimentary services such as dispute resolution and education in areas under its control. This has allowed Al-Shabab to gain a degree of legitimacy among local populations, particularly in rural areas where the Federal Government’s presence is minimal or nonexistent.

The group’s recent seizure of key infrastructure points, such as roads leading to Afgooye, Balcad, and Jowhar, underscores its strategic ambitions. These roads are critical supply routes for both the FGS and international forces, and their control allows Al-Shabab to disrupt logistics, extort revenue, and project power. By choking off access to these routes, Al-Shabab is not only weakening the government’s ability to respond but also signaling its intent to expand its influence closer to Mogadishu. The group’s attempts to decapitate the Federal Government through targeted assassinations, bombings, and raids further highlight its determination to destabilize the state and seize control of key urban centers.

The Threat to Mogadishu and Beyond

Mogadishu, the seat of the Federal Government, has long been a battleground between Al-Shabab and government forces. While the FGS and its international partners have made significant strides in securing the city, Al-Shabab’s recent activities suggest a renewed push to infiltrate and destabilize the capital. The group’s ability to launch complex attacks, such as the August 2022 siege at the Hayat Hotel, demonstrates its operational sophistication and reach. If Al-Shabab succeeds in gaining a foothold in Mogadishu, it could undermine the government’s authority, disrupt governance, and plunge the city into chaos.

Moreover, Al-Shabab’s ambitions extend beyond Somalia. The group has forged alliances with other extremist organizations in the region, such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and has conducted attacks in neighboring Kenya. A strengthened Al-Shabab in Somalia would pose a significant threat to regional stability, potentially reigniting conflict in the Horn of Africa and providing a safe haven for transnational terrorism.

Counterinsurgency Recommendations

To counter Al-Shabab’s growing threat, a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy must be implemented. This strategy should address the root causes of the insurgency, strengthen governance, and enhance security operations. Below are key recommendations:

1. Strengthen Governance and Service Delivery: Al-Shabab’s ability to function as a parallel government is a direct result of the Federal Government’s failure to provide basic services and governance in many areas. The FGS must prioritize extending its authority and improving service delivery in rural and contested regions. This includes investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to win the support of local populations.
2. Enhance Security Forces’ Capabilities: The Somali National Army and police forces require better training, equipment, and logistical support to effectively combat Al-Shabab. International partners, including the United States, European Union, and African Union, should continue to provide technical and financial assistance while ensuring that support aligns with Somalia’s long-term security needs.
3. Community Engagement and Counter-Radicalization: Counterinsurgency efforts must include community engagement to build trust and gather intelligence. Local leaders, religious figures, and civil society organizations should be involved in efforts to counter Al-Shabab’s propaganda and recruitment. Counter-radicalization programs should focus on providing alternatives to extremism, particularly for vulnerable youth.
4. Targeted Military Operations: While a purely military approach is insufficient, targeted operations against Al-Shabab’s leadership, financial networks, and supply chains are essential. Precision strikes and intelligence-driven raids can disrupt the group’s operations and weaken its organizational structure.
5. Regional Cooperation: Al-Shabab’s threat extends beyond Somalia’s borders, necessitating regional cooperation. The FGS should work closely with neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Ethiopia, to share intelligence, coordinate border security, and prevent the cross-border movement of militants and resources.
6. Address Corruption and Political Fragmentation: Corruption within the FGS undermines public trust and fuels support for Al-Shabab. The government must take concrete steps to combat corruption and promote transparency. Additionally, political fragmentation and clan-based rivalries weaken the state’s ability to present a united front against Al-Shabab. National reconciliation and inclusive governance are critical to building a cohesive response to the insurgency.

Conclusion

Al-Shabab’s continued control of strategic infrastructure and its attempts to decapitate the federal government represent a grave threat to Somalia’s stability and regional security. The group’s resilience and adaptability underscore the need for a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict, strengthens governance, and enhances security operations. By prioritizing community engagement, regional cooperation, and targeted military actions, the federal government and its international partners can weaken Al-Shabab’s grip on South-Central Somalia and prevent the group from achieving its sinister objectives. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with sustained effort and collaboration, Somalia can overcome the threat posed by Al-Shabab and move toward a more stable and prosperous future.