The AS group has not seized land in Somalia since March of last year,

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 {HMC} The Commander of the African Union forces in Somalia (AUSSOM), Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, stated that the Al-Shabaab group has not seized any land from the Somali government forces and the African Union since March of last year, noting that the operational forces have removed the group from several positions.

General Kavuma, who gave a special interview, stated that during this period, AUSSOM forces have conducted operations that have removed Al-Shabaab from areas including Sabiib, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubaarak, and Daarusalaam.

He mentioned that the group has lost land, fighters, commanders, and military leadership during this time, adding that this situation has affected the morale of the group's fighters.

However, the commander stated that Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat in Somalia, as it is not only an armed group but also an ideology that the government forces and the Somali community need to jointly combat.

General Kavuma stated that the fight against Al-Shabaab cannot be limited to military operations alone, but there is a need to address issues of security, economy, food, health, environment, and social conditions.

“Guns alone cannot end the Al-Shabaab problem,” the commander stated, emphasizing the need for other efforts to reduce the causes of insecurity.

The AUSSOM commander also stated that the overall fight against Al-Shabaab is led by the government and Somali forces, while the African Union operation provides support to the country's forces.

He mentioned that although AUSSOM sometimes leads specific battles, the overall direction of the fight belongs to Somalia.

General Kavuma noted that Somali forces need military capacity, logistics, and adequate equipment before fully transferring security responsibilities.

He stated that three of the key capabilities that Somali forces need are sufficient ground troops, air power including reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, and a naval force capable of protecting the country's coastlines.

The commander also discussed the impact that reduced funding could have on the AUSSOM operation, stating that if financial and logistical support decreases, it could affect all military operations.

He mentioned that UNSOS support covers approximately 85 percent of the resources used by the AUSSOM operation, and if that support ends without a replacement, it could significantly impact the operation.

General Kavuma stated that before withdrawing troops from an area, it is essential to conduct an assessment of the risks and the capabilities of the opposing group.

He stated that troops should not be withdrawn from an area while the group still has full control over the environment, but the decision to withdraw requires a comprehensive assessment of the security situation.

The AUSSOM commander stated that he is not fully aware of Al-Shabaab's plans regarding the transition phase, but he believes that the group may try to exploit any opportunity arising from security changes.

He stated that Somali forces need to have sufficient capacity to fill the areas vacated by AUSSOM forces, particularly in terms of ground troops, logistics, air power, and naval forces.

He stated that the future of Somalia will depend on the decisions and perspectives that the Somali people have regarding their country, urging Somali parties to discuss their disputes peacefully.