Al Shabab, radical Islamists with ties to Al-Qaida, have been terrorizing Somalian's with their abundance of suicide bombings, executions and public amputations all in the name of implementing strict Sharia law throughout Somalia. They have been especially active at the port of Kismayo, where they tax goods coming into the city, which is their main source of income. Recently, Somalian troops, The African Union, and Kenyan militia have forced Al-Shabab out of Kismayo, which was their last strong held city in the country. Although citizens are glad to have the radicals displaced, the battle in Kismayo seems far from over. The port generates a large amount of revenue, and Somalia has many different clans and political parties which worry some that fighting for control of the port may ensue.

           
        I chose to write about Somalia because it has been in the news a lot this week and I think that it is quite a unique country. The situation facing the it, and specifically Kismayo, has many implications. Who will take control of the city now that Al-Shabab is gone, and how will the locals, who are from many different clans, perceive them? There has already been some talk that locals are viewing the Kenyan army as a threat. The Somalian government will also have their hands full with Al-Shabab who tweeted that they were, “withdrawing from the city to launch a guerilla war.” Will we see the government quickly taking back power in Kismayo, or will there be local fights for control? When will Al-Shabab re-surface, and how will Somalia fight against their guerilla tactics? These are some of the questions that make it seem like Somalia has a long and brutal road ahead of it, with no easy solutions. I think that without the source of revenue Shabab had at the port, it will be difficult for them to remain as prominent a player in Somalia, but i doubt that they will disappear for good, especially if the government is not able to regain control of crucial cities like Kismayo.

       

Sources

http://www.economist.com/node/21564258

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/somalia-kismayos-future-clouded-by-prospected-of-renewed-clan-warfare-say-residents/2012/10/04/83d55bb8-0e2d-11e2-ba6c-07bd866eb71a_story.html

http://www.indexmundi.com/somalia/government_profile.html