The terrorist Al-Shabaab movement in Somalia is attempting to hinder counter-terrorism efforts such as the bilateral agreement between the UAE and Somalia for military cooperation, in order to maintain the status quo and strengthen its presence in the country.

• Role of the UAE in Somalia: Rescue Efforts for “Land of the Seas” from Terrorist Threat

Propaganda Objectives

The recent operations carried out by Al-Shabaab seem to have propaganda objectives, claiming resilience against the operations conducted by Somali government forces and others, demonstrating its ability to carry out quality operations in government-controlled areas, especially in the capital, particularly among internal circles and the movement’s strongholds in Somalia, which are beginning to feel the actual extent of the losses incurred by the movement due to consecutive strikes.

• UAE continues support for Somalia towards security and stability

UAE Efforts

The United Arab Emirates recognized the early danger of extremist ideology and adopted a preventive approach, controlling religious discourse in its official institutions, religious and media platforms, and religious education curricula. It has implemented various programs at different levels of religious education, causing fear and concern among the terrorist movement in Somalia, especially amid fruitful cooperation to confront terrorist risks in the region.

• UAE, Bangladesh and Somalia cooperate to counter money laundering

Counter-terrorism Efforts

At the same time, Ambassador Salah Helmi, Deputy Chairman of the African Egyptian Council, says that counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia are ongoing and achieving significant successes against the terrorist Al-Shabaab movement through great and fruitful cooperation with the UAE and other countries to preserve Somalia from these major risks posed by terrorist movements.

• Somalia’s Efforts with the Assistance of the United Arab Emirates in Combating Terrorism

He added that the military operations carried out by the Somali army against terrorism have confined the youth in the south, and the movement no longer has a presence in the capital or elsewhere, but rather extremely limited operations to prove the organization’s continued existence. He pointed out that the efficiency of the Somali army has increased in combating terrorist organizations, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to eradicate the risks posed by these terrorist movements forever.