Al-Shabaab emerged as a force after the Ethiopian incursion into Somalia in support of the UN-recognized government in 2006. The militant, Salafist group later formalized a relationship with Al-Qaeda and has been described as the most active and dangerous Al-Qaeda affiliate in the world.
In 2024, African Union troops are set to leave Somalia and turn control over to the national government. But will this be a repeat of the Afghanistan situation or can Somalia -- as their government claims -- eradicate Al-Shabaab by the end of the year?
In this episode, I speak with US State Department veteran Professor Tricia Bacon, author of Terror in Transition: Leadership and Succession in Terrorist Organizations, about the present situation in Somalia, its origins, and prospects for the future.
Music: Pixabay