At least 100 killed, 300 hurt in ‘heinous’ Mogadishu car bombings
Al JazeeraMAR 15 2023
The recent string of devastating al-Shabab attacks proves that the new government's military approach to defeat the group with the help of Western allies, African Union troops, and local militias don't promise success. Moreover, the weak federal government lacks public legitimacy. What is needed now are direct talks between Mogadishu and al-Shabab, and political power sharing to consolidate the government's authority.
The latest terrorist attacks are indeed a setback for the Mohamud government and its allied clan militias. But that doesn't diminish the fact that the offensive against the Islamists has recently yielded a number of successes, with al-Shabab being driven out of key regions of Somalia with US military support. Even if victory isn't yet within reach, and further military and political efforts are necessary, the government is on the right track.