United Nations experts have highlighted that the extremist group Al-Shabab continues to pose the most serious threat to peace and security in Somalia and the broader East African region. The warning emphasizes the ongoing risks to neighboring countries, particularly Kenya, which has been a frequent target of cross-border attacks and terrorist activity linked to the group.
According to UN assessments, Al-Shabab maintains operational capabilities across southern and central Somalia, enabling it to carry out complex attacks, including bombings, assassinations, and raids on both civilian and military targets. The group’s ability to exploit local governance gaps, poverty, and weak security infrastructure continues to fuel instability and hinder development in affected areas.
Regional counterterrorism efforts, supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and international partners, have made some progress in limiting the group’s territorial control. However, the UN notes that Al-Shabab has adapted its tactics, relying increasingly on asymmetric attacks and remote planning to circumvent conventional military operations.
The UN report calls for sustained regional cooperation, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and long-term investment in social and economic development to mitigate the conditions that allow extremist groups to thrive. Experts stress that without continued vigilance, Al-Shabab’s presence could undermine security gains in Somalia and across East Africa.
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