Why Supporting the Somali Army Is Critical to Regional Stability

Somalia stands at a crossroads. The Somali National Army (SNA) has been actively defending its ground amidst the ever-stirred-up situation, with Al-Shabaab, in the wake of the years of 2025, leading up an offensive with their assistance of international military forces. Al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks in Hiraan and Middle Shabelle a 50% increase since the month of 2024 putting at risk the recent gains in security. In this regard, we ponder why the reinforcement of the Somali national army is so important, and why the current collaborations are moving us towards improvement.

Al-Shabaab’s 2025 Offensive: A Dire Threat

Beginning from February 2025, Al-Shabaab’s Shabelle offensive was able to capture key towns and briefly seize a military base, exploiting Somali security forces that were in a very poor state.

The spread of Al-Shabaab to the central parts of Somalia has attracted experts who caution that its activities may threaten Mogadishu’s stability.

In March, Al-Shabaab tried to assassinate Prime Minister Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and targeted a hotel in Beledweyne, killing 10 people.

The Somali Army’s Fightback

Since the middle of March 2025, the Somali National Army (SNA) has killed over 400 insurgents with international support.

Airstrikes: By 2025, the U.S. has conducted more than 9 airstrikes under a more relaxed rules of engagement against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State-Somalia (IS-S).

African Union Reinforcements: The AUSSOM, the UN-authorised mission will deploy 8,000 troops — the largest since 2022 — to support the SNA to continue holding recaptured areas.

International Partnerships in Action

Türkiye: Transferred 5,000 personnel out of SADAT PMc PMC to train the Somali armed forces and to manage the drone operations.

U.S. Sanctions: In May 2025, the Treasury penalised a group of 16 entities that were said to be laundering money for Al-Shabaab’s annual $100 million finances.

Ethiopian Support: Ethiopian air strikes on Mid Shabelle and military operations near Ferfer have strengthened the Somali army.

The Somali National Army has to be ensured of global support in order to ensure its success. If the international support eases, then Al-Shabaab could take influence further, and this will be riskier for strategic trading corridors such as the Red Sea. Supporting Somalia’s army is more than humanitarian, it is an important national security initiative.