Somalia Rejects International Crisis Group Report on Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Ministry of Defence has rejected a recent report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), describing it as flawed, unbalanced and misleading in its assessment of the country’s campaign against the militant group Al-Shabaab. In a statement, the ministry said the ICG report, published on June 30, wrongly suggested that Al-Shabaab had become more responsive and less coercive, arguing that such claims ignored the group’s long record of violence against Somali civilians and security forces. The ministry said any reduction in Al-Shabaab’s ability to extort businesses, intimidate communities or operate freely was the result of sustained military pressure by the Somali National Armed Forces, supported by local communities and international partners, rather than any voluntary change in the group’s behaviour. It also accused the report of overlooking the sacrifices made by Somali soldiers who fought to liberate communities, dismantle militant networks and improve security, particularly in Mogadishu. The statement further warned that portraying the group’s tactical adjustments as evidence of improved governance or greater concern for civilians risked advancing Al-Shabaab’s propaganda and diminishing the suffering of victims of terrorism. It said the militant group remained responsible for mass killings, suicide bombings, child recruitment, extortion, sexual violence and widespread destruction. The ministry called on research institutions to ensure their publications do not inadvertently lend credibility to violent extremist organisations or undermine the sacrifices of those fighting them. It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defeating Al-Shabaab and paid tribute to the Somali National Armed Forces, security institutions, local communities and international partners for their role in improving the country’s security.