Publication

This paper examines the Al-Shabaab movement in Somalia and its development into a militant movement threatening President Sheikh Sharif's National Unity Government. The author discusses Al-Shabaab's ideological stance, political ambitions and current threat level. In the wake of a new, purportedly final, assault on Mogadishu the Al-Shabaab movement has gained momentum and has all but eliminated prospects for reconciliation between the government and the opposition forces. The author argues that the movement presents the single gravest threat to the survival of the Djibouti peace process.