Somali President’s New blames ISIL & al-Shabab for ‘destroying’ country

A Strong Message from Mogadishu

The new year has brought a very firm message from the leader of Somalia. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke to the world about the state of his nation. He did not hold back in his words. He officially blamed ISIL (Daesh) and al-Shabab for “destroying” the country over the last few decades. Somali President

The President stated that these groups have stolen the future of many young Somalis. He believes that without these “cowardly” groups, Somalia would be a leading nation in Africa today. This speech marks a major moment in his “all-out war” against extremist groups.

The Two Most Dangerous Groups

President Mohamud identified ISIL and al-Shabab as the “two most dangerous terror organizations” in the world. He argued that they do not represent any religion or values. Instead, they only bring “violence, extremism, and falsehoods.” While al-Shabab has been a threat for a long time, the growth of ISIL in the north has added a new layer of danger.

The President noted that these groups work to ruin schools, hospitals, and roads. By targeting the nation’s infrastructure, they keep people in poverty. He emphasized that his government is working “tirelessly” to defeat their dark ideology.

Rebuilding After Decades of War

Rebuilding a country while fighting a war is a very difficult task. Somalia has faced conflict since the early 1990s, but the current threat is different. The President explained that terrorism “devastates economies” and “diverts limited public resources.” Instead of spending money on education or health, the government must spend it on security.

He lamented that the groups have targeted “vital social investments.” However, he also shared that the country is finally seeing progress. Many cities that were once under the control of al-Shabab are now free and open for business.

The Bravery of Somali Security Forces

A major part of the President’s speech has dedicated to the soldiers on the front lines. He praised the “unwavering commitment and courage” of the Somali National Army (SNA). He also thanked the local community defense forces, often called the Macawisley.

These groups have worked together to push terrorists out of central and southern Somalia. The President noted that many lives have lost in this “sacred fight.” He promised that their sacrifices would not be in vain. “This will continue until we achieve complete victory and harmony,” he declared.

Global Solidarity in the Fight

Somalia is not fighting this battle alone. President Mohamud highlighted the importance of “true multilateralism” and global help. He thanked international partners for providing training, equipment, and intelligence. He believes that a safer Somalia makes the whole world safer.

The President mentioned that “illicit financial systems” have shut down to stop the flow of money to terrorists. This global cooperation is a key part of his “security architecture” for 2026. He urged the world to stay committed until the last “pockets of terrorism” have gone.

The Impact on the Somali People

The real victims of the violence are the everyday citizens of Somalia. The President spoke about the “continued suffering” of families who have lost their homes. Many people have forced to move to crowded cities to find safety. This has led to a fast rise in urbanization that the city cannot always handle.

Food insecurity also remains a big challenge because farmers cannot work their land safely. The President called on the international community to provide “predictable and just” financing. He wants to ensure that the people have a “resilient and fair future.”

New Challenges in the Horn of Africa

While the fight against terror continues, new political problems have appeared. The President recently spoke about Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025. He believes this move is a “dangerous precedent” that could help terrorists. Mohammud argued that foreign forces entering Somali territory without permission causes “acts of sabotage.”

He called on the people in the north to stay united with the rest of the country. He fears that political disunity creates “vacuums” that al-Shabab and ISIL are quick to fill. Maintaining the nation’s “territorial integrity” is now a top goal for his administration.

Education as a Weapon Against Extremism

President Mohamud believes that guns alone cannot win this war. He stated that “falsehoods and distorted narratives” must fought with education. His government is working to open new schools in areas that have recently liberated. He wants to show the youth that there is a better path than violence.

By teaching “peace and shared purpose,” he hope to dry up the recruitment for these groups. He emphasized that a “people-centered and people-led nation” has the best defense. Education is the key to building a “unified and prosperous nation” for the next 50 years.

Economic Hopes for 2026 and Beyond

Despite the war, the President has very hopeful about the economy. Somalia has recently seen “reform-based debt relief” which has helped the country’s finances. He also highlighted the country’s strategic location and natural resources. In a joint talk with Turkey’s President Erdogan, it has announced that drilling operations will start in 2026. Somali President

This energy boost could provide the money needed to finish the war and start a massive rebuilding plan. The President believes that “common ownership” of the country’s wealth will lead to “complete victory.” Somali President

The Path to Total Victory Somali President

In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has sent a clear message that the end of terrorism is near. By blaming ISIL and al-Shabab for “destroying” the country, he has unified the people against a common enemy. The road to “complete victory and harmony” is long, but the progress is real. Somali President

With a strong army, global partners, and a growing economy, Somalia is moving forward. The “cowardly terrorists” will not win, and a “unified and prosperous” Somalia is on the horizon. As 2026 begins, the hope for a “just and lasting peace” is stronger than ever before. Somali President

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