Saturday July 13, 2024
Al-Shabab distributes zakat (alms) in the form of livestock to local villagers in Somalia, as part of its governance strategy to provide essential services and gain local support. The militant insurgency group's banners and flags are prominently displayed during the event.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Al-Shabab, the militant insurgent group, has maintained control over vast areas of Somalia for over a decade by blending brutal military tactics with effective governance, according to a report by the Washington Institute titled "A Retrospective and Future Look at al-Shabab’s Governance" by Christopher Anzalone. The strategic approach has allowed the group to remain resilient despite ongoing military pressures from Somali and international forces.
The report reveals that al-Shabab's governance model includes enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic law, establishing a parallel judicial system, and providing essential services to populations under its control. This dual approach has enabled the group to deeply embed within local communities, ensuring both compliance and local support.
Since its emergence from the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) in 2007, al-Shabab has expanded its control to significant portions of southern and central Somalia, including Middle and Lower Juba, Middle and Lower Shabelle, Hiran, Bay, Bakool, Galguduud, and Mudug. By 2008, the group had begun formalizing its governing processes, with leaders like Ibrahim al-Afghani and Mukhtar Robow publicly outlining their new system of law and order centred on harsh interpretations of Islamic law and hudud punishments.
Al-Shabab's rise was facilitated by the collapse of the Somali state and the subsequent power vacuum post-1991. Anzalone believes that the group's resilience is partly due to its ability to adapt to battlefield pressures while doubling down on governance. Al-Shabab's taxation systems, court operations, and provision of services such as healthcare and education often rival or outperform those of the Somali Federal Government (SFG), making it difficult for the government to win the hearts and minds of the local population, who may regard al-Shabab as a more dependable provider of critical services. However, their rigid enforcement of Sharia law and severe punishments have also led to resistance and alienation within the communities they control.
The report also highlights al-Shabab's adept use of historical symbolism and propaganda. By positioning itself as the successor to anti-colonial Somali heroes, the group taps into nationalistic sentiments, thereby strengthening its ideological appeal. This strategy is not unique to Somalia; similar approaches have been observed in other regions with jihadist insurgencies, such as the Caucasus and West Africa.
The persistence of al-Shabab's governance model has significant implications for international counterterrorism efforts. While military strategies are crucial, they are insufficient to dismantle an insurgency that has entrenched itself within local governance structures. According to the report, any long-term solution requires a multifaceted approach, including improving the SFG's governance capacity and addressing local grievances.