| Al-Shabaab in Somalia: Not Going to Back Down |
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| Written by A. Wesley Ballantyne | |
| Friday, 06 November 2009 | |
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The above quote comes from Islamic insurgent groupAl-Shabaab’s leader Shaykh Abu Mansur. In an interview with Al-Jazeera from earlier this year, which can be seen below, Abu Mansur mentions the reasons for resistance within Somalia. The video also details Al-Shabaab, who they are and what their history is. There is much to disagree with in their mission and ideology and much that is a cause for concern. However, the main purpose and objective of their cause in Somalia has to be paid attention too. When Abu Mansur refers to those who have come into Somalia andattacked Somalis, he is, of course, referring to the US-backed Ethiopian forces. Recent developments have again affirmed their desire to expand beyond Somali borders as well as their firm anti-American stance. Before understanding the recent developments, if you are not familiar with Al-Shabaab, here is the brief video: A few days ago, Al-Shabaab announced they were banning the UN World Food Programme from "distributing humanitarian foodstuffs bearing US flag in southern Somalia". More to the point, Mansur accused the UN of supplying US-flagged rations during harvesting season, which he sees as an attempt to undermine the farmers and traders of the region. Abu Mansur feels that it is weak for Somalis to rely on food aid, especially from infidels. Additionally, he further re-iterated that Washington must stop interfering with Somali affairs as well as affirming Al-Shabaab's intention of defending and liberating Palestinian people from Israel's continued aggression, saying "his group would target anyone affiliated with the US". As the US military has obviously continued to foster relationships with East African militaries, just to the south of Somalia, these "affiliations" most certainly come into play. A couple of days following these statements, Kenyan and Ethiopian officials called for a campaign to stop border clashes/raids along the Somali and Kenyan border. These raids have consistently included members of Al-Shabaab, ranging from "cattle raids and other cases of attack". However, as Kenya and Ethiopia most definitely continue to affiliate themselves with the US, do not plan on these instances to cease.
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  written by John Collins , November 11, 2009 Somali pirates continue to be front-page news here in Spain, thanks to the seizure of a Basque fishing boat, the Alakrana, by pirates early last month: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Chacon/estudia/juzgar/Espana/piratas/cumplan/condena/Somalia/elpepuesp/20091111elpepunac_22/Tes Here is an English-language AFP article from yesterday: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h20YHkKXOC-tlsUN13BPLfcJhQXQ report abuse
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 written by A. Wesley Ballantyne , November 11, 2009 Brian, Thank you for your comment. I am very familiar with K'naan. It was actually watching an interview of his about piracy in Somalia that served as the basis for a post I made that you mention in your comment! It may not have been mine you are referencing, but I know I wrote about that. And, I believe it is not just US fishing boats, but several other European nations. It is amazing that of all the things going in African news, piracy continues to be one of the most reported stories in the MSM. Another thing to keep an eye on. report abuse
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 written by Brian K. Lind , November 11, 2009 I think it is important to highlight that the reality of Somali violence is not one simply framed by Islamic revolutionaries against "infidels." As Matt points out there is an Eritrean agenda, a local agenda, a foreign agenda as well as a radical Islamic agenda to the chaos and violence one finds in Somalia. I don't know much about about Somalia but have been following the events surrounding Somali piracy closely. A while back I remember reading a commentary on the development of Somali piracy and explained it not in the context of organized warlords or radical powers but that piracy was a result of a more immediate reaction to the destruction of livelihood of Somali fisherman by international and often US based fishing fleets that came in and decimated tuna fisheries off the Somali coast. Anyway the point of the commentator was that Somali distrust and animosity of the US and other foreign forces while often harnessed by radical powers is a direct result of the injustice on a much more individual and communal level. I bring this up because most often when Somalia makes a blip in US and other Western media sources it is in the context of radical Islam and the "war on terror." When in reality there are many more discussed forces at play. On a totally separate note: If you've never heard of K'naan, you should look him up. He is a Somali born hip hop artist that now lives in Canada (I believe) and raps about growing up in Somalia and being a Somali refugee. As a child in Somalia he loved American hip hop and rap and taught himself the words to many rap songs even though he didn't know the meaning of the words. Upon leaving Somalia he taught himself English so that he could rap. He is a truly amazing artist with a story telling ability. report abuse
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written by A. Wesley Ballantyne , November 10, 2009 Matt, I guess the agenda will be continued to be revealed. It is interesting that is not just Somalis fighting for Somali independence, as Abu Mansur said he would welcome Muslims from anywhere to help fight. Which just further elucidates how arbitrary the borders are placed around African countries in some instances. In their view, Islam transcends nation states and winning independence in Somalia for Islam is just one step in the process. As frightening as it is, it is also tough to argue with their reasoning for acting the way they do. I am no way condoning their actions, but they certainly make a valid contention in regard to the occupation of their country. That is an important fact about the Eritrean government funding them though and I will definitely keep that in mind. report abuse
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 written by Matt , November 08, 2009 Somalia is such a tragedy. What's even more dissapointing is the rhetoric (used by many sides) that they are fighting in the interest of Somalia. One of the most intrigueing characterestics of Al-Shabbab is that they are not all Somalis and the ambiguity of their real goals. I can remember in January, following Ethiopia's withdrawal from Somalia, Al-Jazeera running a story that discussed how Al-Shabbab was viewed less favorably among Somalia's following Ethiopia's withdrawal's because quite a few of their soldiers were Saudi's, Yemenese, and even a few Europeans. Moreover, they are (according to Al-Jazeera and all Ethiopian media) being funded by the Eritrean government. So what is their real agenda? I would be curious to find out more. report abuse
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"But our situation in Somalia is different, we were attacked in our own home. I haven’t attacked Ethiopia or Kenya. I live in thecountry where I was born and where I have been subjected to all sorts ofatrocities. We are defending ourselves against our external enemies whoattacked us. Even animals defend themselves. If you lock a cat in a room, beat it up, and block its exit- then it will definitely fight back and defend itself. Even small birds in their nests will instinctively fight to protect itseggs. First of all, we aspire to free ourselves from occupation and oppression. After that we will take the fight outside our country, as I told you. It is notessential that this happens in my lifetime. This cause will continue whether weare alive or not. It was promised by God.”
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