Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Blames ISIL and al-Shabab for National Decay

Terror groups are tearing the country apart. That's the stark warning from Somali PresidentHassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has publicly blamed ISIL and al-Shabab for systematically destroying the nation's fabric. As of January 1, 2026, the Horn of Africa remains a volatile nexus where domestic insurgency meets broader Middle Eastern power struggles.

Why the Somali President Blames ISIL and al-Shabab for Instability

According to reports from Al Jazeera, President Mohamud emphasized that these extremist groups are the primary obstacles to peace and development. While al-Shabab has long been the dominant threat, the emergence of ISIL-affiliated cells has created a two-front war for the Somali government.

The situation is further complicated by rumors of a deal between Israel and the breakaway region of Somaliland. The President noted that any agreement involving the hosting of Palestinian refugees in exchange for diplomatic recognition would be a violation of Somalia's territorial integrity.

Gaza and the Ripple Effect of Humanitarian Crises

In Gaza, doctors are battling an outbreak of 'swamp fever' following massive floods. The crisis is exacerbated by Israel's recent ban on NGOs, which has forced dozens of aid groups to suspend operations. This collapse of the humanitarian pipeline in the Middle East is now directly influencing political calculations in East Africa.