Why is Somalia Conflict happening?
Somalia (SFG) vs Al-Shabaab · Since 2006-01-01
📋What is happening?
Somalia has faced Al-Shabaab insurgency for nearly two decades. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group controls large rural areas of southern and central Somalia. Despite multiple military offensives, Al-Shabaab has proven resilient, conducting bombings, assassinations, and large-scale attacks. The African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) recently handed over to Somali Security Forces.
👥Who is fighting?
Al-Shabaab is an al-Qaeda-aligned jihadist militant group that emerged from the Islamic Courts Union. The Somali Federal Government (SFG) and Somali Security Forces (SSF) lead counter-insurgency. The African Union mission (ATMIS) provided military support until its 2025-2026 drawdown. The US conducts airstrikes and special operations.
❓Why did it start?
Somalia's state collapse after 1991 created a power vacuum. Al-Shabaab emerged from Islamic radicalism and clan dynamics, opposing Western-backed governance. It uses taxation of trade routes and businesses to fund operations and has deep roots in rural communities.
📰What's the latest?
As of April 2026, Al-Shabaab controls rural areas of Jubaland and South West State. The ATMIS handover to Somali forces has created security gaps that Al-Shabaab is exploiting. Attacks on Mogadishu continue. Internal tensions between federal and state governments add complexity.
📍Where is it happening?
Southern and central Somalia: Lower Shabelle, Bay, Bakool, Jubaland. Key contested areas around Mogadishu and Kismayo. Al-Shabaab also operates in northeastern Kenya and northern Uganda.