The al-Shabab extremist group attacked a hotel in Somalia's capital
NPR Online NewsNov 25, 2022
Somalia: Hundreds Attend Govt Rally Against Al-Shabab
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Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via New Arab]
The Facts
Hundreds of Somalis gathered on Thursday at a stadium in the capital city of Mogadishu to protest against the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group, an event also attended by Somalia's Pres. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Addressing the crowd that waved flags and placards with anti-al-Shabab messages, Mohamud described members of the militant group as "bedbugs" and urged ordinary people to help flush them out.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Somali government under Mohamud has done a formidable job in its efforts to defeat al-Shabab and liberate Somalis from oppression. Since engaging in concerted efforts, with the support of the US, to retake territories from the militant group, the Somali military has seized nearly 70 localities and is continuing to win on behalf of the Somali people.
Establishment-critical narrative
Somalia is still a nation in crisis and Mohamud hasn't provided stability or a strong alternative to al-Shabab. Though small victories like this are lauded by Western and African politicians alike, Mohamud's recent strategy of calling for localities to arm themselves will only repeat the failed policies of the 1980s and 1990s. Even if al-Shabab vanishes, new factions will likely emerge and keep the country in a state of chaos until a national civic pact is implemented.
