Somali clans are revolting against jihadists

Gains against al-Shabab are a boost for Somalia’s new government

A Somali Soldier assigned to the 3rd DANAB maintains a watchful eye during a short security halt a on patrol near the town of Wanla Weyn, Somalia on July 22, 2019. The DANAB are a highly trained Somali National Army infantry commando force. It is named after the Somali word for lightning. Its strikes have repeatedly reclaimed land in quick succession previously possessed by Somali Al-Qaeda linked insurgents Al-Shabaab. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patrick W. Mullen III/ Released)

Nov 3rd 2022|MOGADISHU

Muktar Robow, once a feared leader of al-Shabab, al-Qaeda’s richest and most lethal affiliate, jabs his finger at a map of Somalia. Now a cabinet minister, he rattles off the names of places that have recently been recaptured from his erstwhile comrades. The lands of the Hawadle clan in Hiran, central Somalia? “They’ve liberated all of it.” Almost all of the region’s key roads are also under government control. The next districts to be liberated will probably be Galguduud and Middle Shabelle (see map). And the rest of Somalia? “Al-Shabab is on the back foot,” answers the former terrorist who once had a $5m American bounty on his head. “Gains are being made every day.”

This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Rise of the clans”