MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar Mohamed, said the government is aiming to eliminate the militant group Al‑Shabaab within the next two years, as part of a broader push to stabilize the country.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mohamed noted that many of the group’s leaders are not Somali and that most fighters come from outside the country, highlighting the cross‑border nature of the threat.
Somali forces, alongside international partners and African Union peacekeepers, have intensified operations against the insurgent group, with officials reporting successful raids that have killed dozens of militants in regions like Lower Shabelle.
Despite these gains, Al‑Shabaab remains capable of high‑profile attacks, including a major prison assault in Mogadishu in 2025 and occasional bombings in central regions that continue to challenge security forces.
At the same time, Somalia is entering a critical year in its political transition. The federal government is advancing long‑planned reforms to move from a provisional constitution to a permanent one and to implement one‑person, one‑vote elections.
Local polls held in late 2025 were widely seen as an important step forward, and national elections are now anticipated later in 2026.
But political tensions have grown, with opposition figures calling for inclusive national dialogue on electoral rules and constitutional arrangements and vowed to conduct a parallel process if their demands are not met. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged to engage with different political leaders to avert a constitutional crisis and ensure the electoral process holds.
Security concerns and political disputes are unfolding against a backdrop of popular unease over foreign involvement in Somali affairs, especially after Israel recognition of Somaliland sparked protests in Mogadishu. Many Somalis view these moves as threats to the country’s territorial integrity.
Economically, the federal government is pursuing fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening domestic revenue, improving public finances and attracting international investment, even as foreign aid patterns shift.
As Somalia moves through 2026, its leaders emphasize a dual focus on degrading Al‑Shabaab’s capabilities and advancing democratic reforms, a combination they say is essential for long‑term peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
