Al-Shabab remains major threat to stability in Somalia and neighboring countries, UN experts warn
## Security Update: Threats in Somalia and Kenya
Security Update: Threats in Somalia and Kenya
The al-Shabab extremist group remains a significant threat to peace and stability in Somalia and the surrounding region, including Kenya, according to a recent U.N. report. Despite ongoing military operations by Somali and international forces, al-Shabab continues to conduct complex, asymmetric attacks.
Linked to al-Qaida, al-Shabab not only conducts deadly attacks but also operates a network involving extortion, forced recruitment, and propaganda. A notable incident was the attempted assassination of Somalia's president on March 18 in Mogadishu, highlighting the group's ongoing threat in the capital.
The U.N. Security Council has extended the mandate for the African Union’s peacekeeping force in Somalia until Dec 31, 2026. This force, comprising 11,826 personnel, is crucial for stabilizing the country amidst threats from al-Shabab.
The al-Shabab extremist group remains a significant threat to peace and stability in Somalia and the surrounding region, including Kenya, according to a recent U.N.
In Kenya, the influence of al-Shabab is evident through various attacks, such as improvised explosive devices, kidnappings, and raids, particularly in counties bordering Somalia. The report indicates that al-Shabab has conducted an average of six attacks per month in Kenya this year.
The report also raises concerns about the Islamic State's growth in Somalia. Although smaller than al-Shabab, the expansion of this group presents a notable security threat to the region.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
