Judging the threat of al-Shabab in Africa
The latest attack in Somalia raises new questions about the government’s ability to maintain stability.
Al-Shabab fighters in Somalia have struck again – managing to evade security measures to stage an attack in downtown Mogadishu.
Their target, yet again, a hotel popular with government leaders and members of parliament.
Al-Shabab have waged a relentless war against the government since being forced from the capital.
The fighters have also attacked neighbouring countries who have sent peacekeeping troops to Somalia.
Somalis have not seen a stable government since 1991.
So, how big a threat is al-Shabab in Africa? And could a strong Somali government defeat them?
Presenter: Martine Dennis
Guests:
Abdirisak Omar – Minister of National Security for the Somali government
Yusuf Omar Al Azhari – Former political adviser to the President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia
Afyare Elmi – Professor of international affairs at Qatar University and author of ‘Understanding Somalia Conflagration: Identity, Islam, Peacebuilding’
Matt Bryden – Executive Chairman of think-tank and consultancy firm Sahan