- Somalia has shown that terrorism can be defeated when people take ownership of their destiny, when governments deliver services and justice, and when the world stands with them.

- The author is an Ambassador and National Security Advisor to the Somalian President.

ISTANBUL

For more than three decades, Somalia has been defined in the headlines by conflict, terrorism, and fragility. That story is changing. Today, Somalia is closer to defeating terrorism than at any point in its modern history.

Security is the entry point for restoring trust between citizens and government. Somalia's state strategy shows the path to defeating terrorism militarily, financially and ideologically. But national security is not just about defeating enemies, it is about constructing the pillars of a modern Somali state: accountable governance, resilient institutions, and a society that benefits from a government providing safety and opportunity.

Over the past three years, Somali security forces, supported by our communities and international partners, have launched one of the most substantial kinetic counterterrorism campaigns in our nation's history. The results are undeniable: territories reclaimed, communities liberated, lives saved, and cities made much safer. The myth of Al-Shabaab’s invincibility is considerably decomposing.

Victories on the battlefield

In 2022, the Somalia security forces engaged in one of the most comprehensive counterterrorism operations in the history. These Somali-led offensives have reclaimed vast territories from al-Shabaab and ISIS in central and eastern regions respectively. Over 1.5 million citizens have been freed from the coercion of terrorists. Some had been under terrorist control for more than a decade. Where Al-Shabaab and ISIS once ruled by fear, now rule of law, service delivery, schools, and clinics are returning.

In Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Puntland, the capacities of these terrorist organizations are now severely degraded. Fighters were cut off from supplies, morale collapsed, many of them surrendered to government forces, airstrikes created game-changing results and the operation continues till today.

Equally important to note that terrorist groups' tactical maneuvers to wage guerrilla attacks on our Somali Security Forces (SSF) and African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) forces, is in reality a desperate attempt to open escape corridors for their fighters. Their temporary gain did not disguise the structural reality: a group in retreat, unable to sustain prolonged battles, incapable of rebuilding supply lines, and cornered by constant airstrikes.

The Somali National Army and AUSSOM forces, backed by international partners, are advancing through Operation Silent Storm in Lower Shabelle. The operation has delivered key gains, driving Al-Shabaab into rural hideouts. All bridges connecting Mogadishu to surrounding regions, once nearly under terrorist control, are now fully liberated and restored to government authority.

These victories reopened critical supply routes, restored civilian movement, and expanded government control around the capital. Building on this momentum, the Federal Government is preparing a major offensive to push Al-Shabaab further south and widen the Mogadishu corridor. This next campaign will pave the way for larger operations next year, marking a decisive phase in Somalia’s long war against terrorism.

At the same time, Somalia has been building for the future. More than 20,000 new soldiers have joined our national ranks, ensuring that liberated communities remain secure. For the first time in years, Somali forces are liberating territories by themselves with limited support, and holding these territories at the same time.

Mogadishu, once synonymous with daily terrorist violence, is a different city today. Between May 2022 and September 2025, terrorist-related incidents in the capital have decreased by 85%. A specialized military-police unit was deployed to protect the capital, coupled with tighter arms regulations. Thousands of new CCTV cameras are protecting our streets and markets, urban operations are now based on intelligence, and all vehicles in the capital are digitally registered and monitored. These measures, among others, have made the streets safer for families, citizens, and investors. A city long defined by fear is boldly reclaiming ordinary life. Scenes of tourists experiencing Mogadishu streets mid-night and foreign investors seeking opportunities is the new normal.

Cutting off terrorist finances

Terrorists cannot survive without money. Al-Shabaab seek to destroy livelihoods and the economy through extortion of businesses and communities. However, Somalia has taken the fight to terrorist financing. In less than three years, the government achieved a 53% reduction in terrorist revenues. Relevant authorities prosecuted more than 300 cases of terrorist financing, investigated over 3,500 bank accounts, and froze and confiscated millions of dollars through proper legal procedures.

Seventeen senior al-Shabaab operatives have been sanctioned, stripping the group's leadership of access to funding. Four of them have been killed in separate special targeted operations marking a historic milestone in our counterterrorism approach. Somalia's financial institutions, once fragile, are now demonstrating resilience. This not only starves terrorists but also rebuilds confidence in our financial structures.

Winning the war of ideas

Al-Shabaab and ISIS have always relied on distorted interpretation of religion to justify violence. Now, this is fading and the Somali government is reclaiming the narrative. The government approved a National Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, and religious scholars issued a unified Fatwa declaring terrorist ideology un-Islamic. This has depleted public support for terrorist organizations. ISIS and al-Shabaab now suffer limitations in manpower.

This is not just policy, it is a moral victory. The national government, religious leaders, and civil society are now united in declaring that Somalia’s faith is not the weapon of terrorists. Islam is peace, and the extremists’ distortions have no place in our society.

Progress beyond security

These counterterrorism victories do not stand alone. They are part of a wider recovery and a new Somalia story. In politics, Somalia is consolidating federal institutions and moving toward universal suffrage elections. For the first time in 57 years, Somali people are eagerly registering for a public vote. Only in Mogadishu, around one million citizens have registered to elect their local councils and municipal leadership.

The federal government is also prioritizing reconciliation and dialogue with Federal Member States. Differences are being addressed through negotiation and cooperation rather than confrontation.

Economically, Somalia has advanced through fiscal reforms, paving the way for debt relief. The national budget has increased to more than a billion dollars, and the economy is growing year by year. The path for utilizing natural resources is being explored which has the power to unlock opportunities for the Somali economy and boost investor attraction to our markets.

Conclusion

With the efforts of the government, federal and state levels, Somalia now envisions a future free from terrorism. The figures presented in this piece are not just statistics; they are rather representing the lives restored, communities reborn, an economy recovering, politics moving towards stability, and a nation rising. Somalia has shown that terrorism can be defeated when people take ownership of their destiny, when governments deliver services and justice, and when the world stands with them.

This is Somalia’s moment. With courage, persistence, and solidarity, we want it to be remembered as the moment Somalia defeated terrorism.

The progress achieved is Somali-led but internationally supported. From intelligence and training to financial aid and kinetic support, our partners have stood by us at this critical time. Their solidarity has made a difference, not just for Somalia but for global security. A stable Somalia means a safer Horn of Africa and a safer world.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu's editorial policy.