REPORT 309 / AFRICA 21 JUNE 2022 Considering Political Engagement with Al-Shabaab in Somalia The war with Al-Shabaab’s Islamist insurgency has dragged on for fifteen years. As it reviews its options, Somalia’s new government should look into what room there might be for dialogue with the group. The alternative is more fighting with no end in sight. DOWNLOAD PDFFULL REPORT (EN) Considering Political Engagement with Al-Shabaab in Somalia WWW.CRISISGROUP.ORG The war with Al-Shabaab’s Islamist insurgency has dragged on for fifteen years. As it reviews its options, Somalia’s new... What’s new?  Al-Shabaab’s lethal insurgency continues with no end in sight. The group consistently stays a step ahead of local and regional military operations. Combined with dysfunction and division among their adversaries, the militants’ agility has allowed them to embed themselves in Somali society. It also makes them hard to defeat. Why does it matter? The protracted war has cost countless lives and derailed Somalia’s state building project. There is growing domestic and international consensus that Al-Shabaab cannot be beaten by military means alone. Yet there is little appetite among Somali elites or the country’s international partners for exploring alternatives, notably talks with militant leaders. What should be done?  Putting off efforts to engage militants in the hope of gaining the upper hand militarily or forging greater unity among elites will prolong the conflict indefinitely. The government should seek discreet channels to Al-Shabaab leaders to test whether political negotiations and confidence-building steps might be feasible. ——————————— Wondering what to think of these deliberations and thinking?

Maakhiri1, I just posted this clip, I didn't see yours first. It seems Qalbigeenu isku meel ayuu u jeeda.

Soomaali uunbaa lagu arkay dad intay lacagta dadka dhacaan Xajkana tagaya Salaadana kaaga horeeya. Allow sahal amuuraha.

Galbeedi, how come your views and position have changed on the issue of the unaccounted debt?