Background

In August 2022, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced a renewed counteroffensive against the al-Shabaab terrorist organisation. Following months of heavy casualties, one-third of the territory previously controlled by al-Shabaab was reclaimed by the Somali government, marking significant progress. Despite these gains, the conflict is far from over, and Somalia continues to grapple with additional challenges, including a widespread drought, ongoing humanitarian crises, and political disputes.