MOGADISHU – The militant group Al-Shabaab has entered Somalia’s escalating political conflict for the first time. The group has taken sides in the standoff between the federal government and an alliance of regional leaders and opposition figures, claiming the dispute stems from greed over foreign aid and stolen public funds.
In a significant rhetorical shift, Al-Shabaab has for the first time waded into the escalating political dispute gridlocking Somalia. In an audio message broadcast to mark the Muslim Eid festivities, Al-Shabaab’s veteran spokesman, Ali Mohamud Rageh, widely known as Ali Dhere, seized on the domestic political crisis to argue that the bitter impasse proves the country remains firmly under the thumb of Western powers, specifically the United States and the European Union.
Al-Shabaab Claims Western Powers Pull Strings in Mogadishu
According to the insurgent group, the fragility of Somalia’s sovereignty was laid bare the moment internal political friction surfaced. Ali Dhere alleged that American and European diplomats stationed in Mogadishu swiftly summoned both President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders to the heavily fortified Halane base camp. There, the spokesman claimed, Western envoys delivered a blunt ultimatum: settle the political differences or face a catastrophic withdrawal of all foreign personnel, alongside a total freeze on both direct budgetary support and the vital financial and security assistance anchoring Somalia’s counter-terrorism operations.
The audio address leaned heavily into Al-Shabaab’s long-standing narrative, which consistently frames the internationally backed authorities in Mogadishu as puppets of Western and Ethiopian interests. Ali Dhere drew a direct line back to President Mohamud’s election four years ago, asserting that the head of state was summoned to the Halane base on the very night of his victory, only to be called back years later as his political term expired. This, the spokesman argued, is definitive proof that the presidency serves at the behest of Washington.
The timing of this intervention is particularly sensitive, dropping just as the domestic political deadlock threatens to spin entirely out of control. International partners including the UN, African Union, EU, IGAD, the United States, and the United Kingdom are set to convene high-level meetings to address the intensifying political crisis following the collapse of US and UK mediated talks between the federal government and the opposition Somali Future Council.
Donor Fatigue and Security Funding Crisis
Turning his focus to the economy, the militant spokesman highlighted the deep financial constraints and budget deficits currently crippling the federal government. He noted that Western donors have noticeably scaled back their fiscal commitments, forcing Somali leaders to shuttle between various African and Gulf capitals in a desperate bid to plug the funding gaps. This donor fatigue, Ali Dhere claimed, is a clear sign that the Western powers who instigated the war against the militancy are now backtracking on their commitments.
The critique extended to the African Union peacekeepers operating in the country. The Islamist spokesman alleged that international forces are grappling with severe financial hardship, claiming some units have gone unpaid for two years. He argued that the European Union has deliberately kept the funding crisis off its upcoming legislative agendas, distracted by its own costly geopolitical conflict with Russia, which has left Brussels unable or unwilling to maintain heavy spending on African peacekeeping missions.
Appeal to Somali Soldiers to Defect
In a direct appeal to frontline Somali soldiers, Ali Dhere urged troops to defect rather than lose their lives in what he characterized as a foreign-led crusade. To bolster his argument, he pointed to alleged statements from Washington, suggesting the US has openly boasted about fighting global conflicts without risking American lives by relying entirely on local proxies. Somali troops, the spokesman warned, should refuse to act as expendable mercenaries in a proxy war.
Turkey Accused of Plundering Somali Resources
The address concluded with a sharp warning aimed at Ankara, targeting Turkey’s expanding military and economic footprint in the Horn of Africa nation. Ali Dhere accused Turkey of plundering Somalia’s natural resources through corrupt, backroom deals struck with President Mohamud. Rejecting the legitimacy of these bilateral agreements, the Al-Shabaab spokesman warned that Ankara would eventually be held to account, vowing that every penny taken would be reclaimed and retribution would be sought for every life lost to Turkish drone strikes and aerial bombardments.
The militant group accused the real reason for Turkey’s involvement in Somalia is to plunder Somalia’s land, sea, and air resources and accused President Mohamud of selling these assets out for personal gain.
Regional Political Crisis Deepens
Al-Shabaab has formally entered the political fray, leveling fierce accusations at the international community and positioning itself firmly against the federal government and its backers. The insurgent group framed the ongoing political standoff between Mogadishu and the alliance of regional leaders as definitive proof that Somalia remains a client state manipulated by Western powers.
According to the Shabaab spokesman, the dispute over who governs the federal member state of Galmudug is a direct source of the current political confrontation. The group has for years fought to overthrow the Somali government, which relies on foreign troops, African Union forces, and US airstrikes to maintain control over key strategic areas.
Call for Repentance
The message concluded with a warning that those within the so-called apostate regime should repent. “Repent to God and turn away from the disbelief you have fallen into. Do not be mercenaries exploited in a war that defends the principles of the Crusaders. Repent to God, return to your religion and your families, and if you repent, you will be our brothers,” Rage said.
