Al-Shabaab begins massive extortion campaign amid attempts to mend ties with clans

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 03 June 2024 21:38

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Al-Shabaab begins massive extortion campaign amid attempts to mend ties with clans

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Al-Shabaab, the notorious Somali terrorist group, has initiated new engagements with local clans and imposed hefty fees on them in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, according to reports from elders an

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Local militia and security forces in Hiiraan. - PHOTO / File April 2023

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Al-Shabaab, the notorious Somali terrorist group, has initiated new engagements with local clans and imposed hefty fees on them in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, according to reports from elders and security personnel.

The group, which has regained control of rural villages and towns it lost two years ago, has now started significant interactions with local clans, businesses, and even aid organizations.

Among the new Al-Shabaab initiatives is the demand to resolve tensions with local clans that formed the Ma’awisley militia against the group in early 2022.

"The Al-Shabaab administration in Hiiraan met with clan elders from Gaalje'el, Hawaadle, Abgaal, Jejeelle, Jareer Weyne, Baadicadde, Dir, Jidle, and Sheekhaal. These meetings were arranged by the thw Wilayat of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle respectively," said an elder who participated in the meetings in mid May.

Three elders, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the group organized meetings by sub-clans. "Al-Shabaab said they want to forgive all clans who took part in the fight in 2022 and that no revenge would be taken against them. However, they also demanded a payment from each sub-clan," said one elder.

According to information obtained from security sources and the elders, Al-Shabaab demanded up to $100,000 from each sub-clan. Elders from each sub-clan are required to collect the money from their members.

Al-Shabaab also offered options such as providing camels or goats instead of cash, or even weapons. "But they prefer cash payments in the first place," noted a security source in the Hiiraan region.

Despite opposition from some elders, the majority have accepted the demands as a form of protection due to the threats posed by the militant group.

Hiiraan has been the epicenter of the Ma’awisley struggle against Al-Shabaab over the past two years, but many of the clan militias have vacated their positions, giving Al-Shabaab the upper hand in many rural villages and towns, and cutting supply routes between major cities.

Internal rifts within local clans and political disputes between Hirshabelle and the newly formed Hiiraan State have also created obstacles.

Al-Shabaab has intensified its violent attacks on the local community. The group shot dead the former Buloburte district commissioner in Beledweyne in late March and kidnapped and killed a madrasa teacher who refused to pay their extortion fees sending shockwaves in the local community.

Between September last year and May this year, the terror group also burned at least eight of villages in Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle as a form of retaliation against the locals.

Officials in the region have also reported that the group has started engaging with aid organizations operating in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. Both regions have been severely affected by recent flooding, causing civilians to flee their homes.

Beledweyne security commander Abdi Aweys Mohammed Ali criticized aid NGOs, accusing them of providing voucher cards to Al-Shabaab commanders under duress.

"These aid groups who give the voucher cards intended for the poor to Al-Shabaab just because they are threatened by Al-Shabaab emirs will not be operating in Beledweyne. They should be dealt with an iron fist," he said.

Efforts to reach the Ministry of Defense for comments on the situation were unsuccessful.

The ongoing clan conflict and Al-Shabaab's resurgence continue to exacerbate the dire situation in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, leaving ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire.