Somalia: How Moqokori town can be retaken from Al-Shabaab

MOQOKORI, Somalia - The Al-shabaab militants retook the strategic town of Moqokori in Hiiraan region, registering and of the consequential victories against the Somali National Army (SNA) and the local Ma’awisley fighters who had seized the town a few months ago.

The takeover is considered a tactical setback to the fighters and the national army and potentially a blow to the Hawadle clan, which is behind Ma’awisley fighters who are credited with victories against Al-Shabaab on various frontlines.

According to Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, who once headed Somalia’s ground forces, Moqokori controls feeder roads to Maxaas, Yasooman, Aadan Yabaal, Xaawo Gadiid, Budbud, and south toward Jalalaqsi, making it “the hinge of Hiiraan logistics” for any side that holds it.

“Al-Shabab’s goal is not just land; it’s to sap the spirit of Macawiisleey,” Bihi said, referring to the Hawadle volunteers who rose in 2022 to defend rural villages where government troops were thin.

“These fighters have shown that a single community can resist a transnational terror group with foreign funding and arms. They are the dervishes of this century and deserve national medals.”

The clan fighters have managed to slow Al-Shabaab activities for the last three years since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won the presidential elections. However, they have not been given formal recognition, nor do they get direct support from the government.

This group is credited for reopening local markets and protecting aid convoys, although analysts say the reliance on clan defence forces underscores the state’s limited reach. But for al-Shabaab to be driven out again, there is a need for Mawisley militias to regroup.

The regional governments, Bihi says, should support the group before al-Shabaab consolidates more territories. The militants have erected roadblocks and are now collecting taxes from innocent civilians.

Without equipping clan militias, observers say, Al-Shabaab could gain more control, including their recent capture of Moqokori, where only local fighters can stage a successful comeback. The government of Somalia has yet to issue strategic plans on the recapture of the town.

GAROWE ONLINE