Somalia’s Security Landscape: Political Divisions, Institutional Struggles, and the Fight Against Armed Groups
Security Dynamics in Somalia: Political Tensions and Ongoing Challenges Somalia’s security situation remains complex, shaped by political disputes, fragile institutions, and the continued threat of armed groups such as Al-Shabaab. A key challenge is the tension between political actors and security institutions, which can affect coordination and weaken counterterrorism efforts. Disagreements between the federal government and regional administrations like Puntland, Jubaland, and South West State also contribute to mistrust and difficulties in unifying security strategies. At the same time, concerns are often raised about issues such as land disputes in Mogadishu and accusations of weak governance, which add to social and political instability. Despite international support and ongoing military operations, Al-Shabaab continues to exploit gaps in security, especially in rural areas where state presence is limited. Political fragmentation further complicates efforts to ful...