By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, September 17, 2026 Al-Shabaab has captured no new territory from Somali government and African Union forces since March 2025, according to AUSSOM Force Commander Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma.
In an interview with local media on Monday, Kavuma said Somali and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) forces had driven the group out of several areas, including Sabiid, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubaarak and Daarusalaam.
He said Al-Shabaab had lost territory, fighters and military commanders, weakening morale among its members.
However, Kavuma warned that Al-Shabaab remained a major threat because the campaign against it was not merely a fight against an armed group but also a struggle against its ideology.
“Guns alone cannot end the Al-Shabaab problem,” Kavuma said.
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He said military operations must be accompanied by measures addressing security, economic conditions, food insecurity, healthcare, environmental challenges and social problems that the group could exploit.
Kavuma said Somalia’s government and security forces were leading the broader campaign against Al-Shabaab, while AUSSOM played a supporting role. Although African Union troops sometimes lead specific operations, he said Somalia determined the overall strategic direction.
The commander said Somali forces needed three essential capabilities before assuming full responsibility for national security: sufficient ground troops, air capabilities—including intelligence and surveillance aircraft—and a naval force capable of protecting Somalia’s coastline.
He also warned that shortages of funding and logistical support could affect all AUSSOM operations. Support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, UNSOS, covers approximately 85% of the mission’s requirements, he said.
AUSSOM began operations on January 1, 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, ATMIS. Its mandate includes supporting Somali forces and facilitating the transfer of security responsibilities.
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