Somalia’s insecurity is often framed as a military problem, but its roots are deeply political and institutional. Since the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime in 1991, the country has struggled to rebuild authority amid clan rivalries, violent extremism, climate pressures, and dependence on foreign security assistance. This has created a dependency dilemma: external support has helped prevent state collapse while reducing incentives to develop a unified and self-reliant security system.

The struggle for authority in Somalia extends beyond defeating Al-Shabaab. It involves control of force, distribution of resources, and political legitimacy. Long-term stability depends on transforming external assistance from a substitute for state capacity into a foundation for national ownership.

Insecurity Beyond Al-Shabaab

Al-Shabaab remains the most visible threat to Somalia’s state-building efforts. Through violence, intimidation, taxation, and parallel governance, the group challenges government authority across large parts of the country. Its resilience stems not only from military strength but also from its ability to provide dispute resolution and revenue collection where state institutions are weak or absent.

Military operations by the Somali National Army, local forces, and African Union-backed missions have retaken territory from the group. However, gains often prove temporary when not followed........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)