Villa Somalia’s Anti-Al-Shabaab Campaign: Strategy or Overshadowing Puntland’s IS Fight?

EDITORIAL | Over the past week, the Federal Government of Somalia has launched a new political and propaganda campaign against the militant group Al-Shabaab, marking a significant shift in its counterterrorism narrative. This campaign, which began with the release of videos purportedly showing nomadic militias—referred to as Macawisley—engaging Al-Shabaab in central Somalia, has raised questions about the government’s motives and timing. Notably, this push comes just months after Puntland embarked on an intense military operation against the Islamic State (IS) militants entrenched in the Cal Miskaad mountains of the Bari region.

However, despite the federal government’s claims, there is no large-scale military operation currently taking place against Al-Shabaab. The campaign primarily consists of a media blitz led by federal government ministers, rather than tangible military action on the ground. The Somali National Television (SNTV) and other state media channels briefly shared the footage before removing it without explanation, adding to suspicions surrounding the operation.

Meanwhile, several federal ministers have spoken publicly about the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab, asserting that the government has successfully disrupted the group’s financial networks and social media accounts. However, these claims have been met with skepticism, as the Federal Government has conspicuously refrained from acknowledging Puntland’s military successes against IS, nor has it extended condolences for the Puntland soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against foreign extremists.

A former Puntland security officer, speaking anonymously to Garowe Online, expressed concerns about the Federal Government’s strategy. “The steps taken by Villa Somalia seem to downplay Puntland’s fight against IS. This is part of the Federal Government’s broader policy to undermine federal member states,” he remarked. This sentiment is not isolated, as many analysts and political observers see the Federal Government’s newfound push against Al-Shabaab as an attempt to overshadow Puntland’s military achievements.

A War of Convenience?

In 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an all-out war against Al-Shabaab, targeting the militant strongholds in Middle Shabelle, Hiraan, and Galmudug. The Federal Government relied heavily on clan militias branded as Macawisley to supplement its forces. However, the campaign has been marred by strategic failures, with government forces suffering heavy losses, substantial military equipment being seized by Al-Shabaab, and millions of dollars in war funding yielding little tangible success. Al-Shabaab continues to control key towns such as Ceelbuur, and in many areas, government forces are unable to operate beyond the reach of their aerial support.

The resurgence of the anti-Al-Shabaab campaign—despite no active war being fought—comes amid growing questions over the Federal Government’s commitment to genuinely eradicating extremist elements. Many critics argue that Puntland’s self-driven war against IS has inadvertently exposed the weakness of the Federal Government’s counterterrorism efforts. Unlike the central government’s approach, which relies on sporadic offensives with limited territorial gains, Puntland’s campaign against IS has been methodical and sustained, forcing the militant group into retreat.

Furthermore, the Federal Government, which receives extensive financial and military support from the international community, faces accusations of politicizing the war. There is widespread belief that some factions within the Federal Government benefit from maintaining a controlled conflict rather than pursuing a full-scale eradication of Al-Shabaab in southern and central Somalia. The lucrative nature of security-related funding and military assistance has led many to speculate that the war against Al-Shabaab has become more of a business than a national security priority.

Political Fallout and Constitutional Manipulation

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has also been preoccupied with consolidating power, often at the expense of federal member states. In the past year, the President has unilaterally amended the provisional constitution, drawing sharp criticism from federal member states. His controversial decision to extend the terms of certain regional leaders while politically undermining others has deepened mistrust between Villa Somalia and the federal member states.

Most recently, Federal Government troops, originally intended for counterterrorism operations, were deployed to Jubaland, where they clashed with local forces in what many view as an unwarranted incursion. The outcome was a disastrous retreat, with federal soldiers crossing into Kenya in an apparent escape, an incident that Mogadishu has yet to officially address.

A War Against Al-Shabaab or a Diversionary Tactic?

As Somalia’s political and security landscape continues to evolve, the key question remains: Is Villa Somalia’s renewed war against Al-Shabaab a genuine effort to eliminate the terror group, or is it a smokescreen designed to divert attention from its reluctance to confront IS in Puntland?

Reports indicate that at least 80% of IS fighters in Somalia are foreign militants, making their presence an issue of national sovereignty. Puntland’s military campaign against IS is, therefore, not just a regional battle but a crucial step in securing Somalia’s territorial integrity. The Federal Government’s reluctance to support this effort raises concerns about its true priorities.

If Villa Somalia is serious about eradicating terrorism, it must adopt a unified national strategy that recognizes and collaborates with federal member states like Puntland. Otherwise, its latest campaign against Al-Shabaab risks being perceived as another political maneuver—one that serves the interests of those in power rather than the long-term security of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE EDITORIAL