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I'm not muslim, I'm not christian (although I was baptised one), indeed I'd class myself as a spiritual atheist (if that's not an oxymoron). However, I find the expression "terrorist" in reference to Al-Shabaab the opening paragraph of this wiki page worrying. It seems to me to put a purely "Western" view on the organisation. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 178.167.207.144 (talk) 21:35, 8 September 2020 (UTC)[reply]

It's not specifically a Western view - some of the countries which designate al-Shabaab terrorist aren't in the West. Jim Michael (talk) 19:05, 28 November 2020 (UTC)[reply]

@178.167.207.144 it is regarded and referred to as a terrorist organization in non western countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Njathi (talk) 16:10, 26 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I propose WP:SPLIT to a separate article entitled Al-Shabaab insurgency or Al-Shabaab insurgency in Somalia. It is noticeable because WP:Too long and splitting would make this straightforward. QalasQalas (talk) 22:16, 6 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The vast majority of their operations are in Somalia while their other branches are relatively minor. Their power base is also mostly located in Somalia, southern Somalia to be precise. A generic Al-Shabaab page might not provide such emphasis. AzanianPearl (talk) 01:12, 7 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I concur with you that militant activity happened in Southern Somalia. QalasQalas (talk) 01:50, 7 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps just add most of the sections that you want to split to one of the Somali Civil War articles. By no way the current conflict in Somalia is an insurgency. Perhaps make an article on the insurgency in Kenya? Guardafuuii (talk) 21:13, 9 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

For now, I disagree with a split. A comprehensive page may just be needed. AzanianPearl (talk) 19:15, 10 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

There is no WP:RS confirm al-Shabaab decline, conterary the militant is advancing and recapturing more territories since 2022, see 2025 Shabelle offensive. QalasQalas (talk) 16:45, 18 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Support JaxsonR (talk) 22:55, 24 March 2025 (UTC)[reply]

No support. I have come to disagree on this matter. Al-Shabaab's power is declining in Southern Somalia. Splitting the page up while it is possibly on its last legs is perhaps not the best timing. AzanianPearl (talk) 16:31, 18 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Most sources show al-shabaab using the standard black ISIS flag, but also a white inverted flag. sources: https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/09/shabaab-captures-town-in-central-somalia.php, https://www.newsweek.com/watch-rise-al-shabab-somalia-442173 (picture) JaxsonR (talk) 15:14, 31 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

by "normal ISIS flag" I mean the exact flag ISIS uses, not the slightly different flag used on this page. JaxsonR (talk) 15:16, 31 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Might not be the best sources because I'm on a school device with blocked pages, when I get home I will add better sources. sorry JaxsonR (talk) 15:17, 31 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

source for them using the inverted flag for its "government": https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/islamic-isis-flags-black-banners-hamas/ JaxsonR (talk) 15:29, 31 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

@QalasQalas thoughts? JaxsonR (talk) 00:26, 2 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

@JaxsonR still I don't get your point, what you want to do? QalasQalas (talk) 05:23, 2 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

changing the flag to be the same as ISIS, many sources and images show that flag being used. JaxsonR (talk) 05:48, 2 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Most extremist groups use black and white standard variants but small differences in Arabic fonts' typology, so don't go down the rabbit hole. QalasQalas (talk) 05:37, 2 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

look at the image from this article. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/the-limits-of-shabaab-care-militant-governance-amid-covid-19/ JaxsonR (talk) 05:54, 2 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

this one aswell, which shows image from al-shabaab territories https://somalilandsun.com/somalia-the-limits-of-shabaab-care-militant-governance-amid-covid-19/ JaxsonR (talk) 05:54, 2 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Abdulrahman bn Abdullah (talk) 01:34, 2 December 2025 (UTC)[reply]

ا Abdulrahman bn Abdullah (talk) 02:00, 2 December 2025 (UTC) Efficiency of Al-Shabaab in Its Areas of Control[reply]

The “Somali Islamic Emirate” affiliated with Al-Shabaab has demonstrated a notable level of administrative capability across several sectors within its areas of influence, compared to regions governed by the federal government or other local entities. This superiority is particularly evident in security, food security, and the judicial system—fields upon which the movement has built a significant portion of its local authority and legitimacy.

First: Security

Al-Shabaab–controlled areas record low rates of individual crimes and clan disputes, with a clear margin compared to federal government areas. This is based on four fundamental pillars:

1. Implementation of Islamic Sharia The movement applies a strict interpretation of Sharia as the supreme reference for public order. This unified legal framework reduces disputes, creates more disciplined social behavior, and gives residents a clear understanding of punishments and boundaries.

2. Complete Monopoly on Weapons The movement prevents the spread of weapons outside its ranks, making it difficult for gangs or clan groups to arm themselves or establish independent local influence.

3. Deterrent Punishments Harsh punishments—including execution—are applied for crimes such as murder, espionage, and drug trafficking. This severity has reduced the opportunities for criminal activities to flourish within the movement’s territory.

4. A Centralized and Disciplined Security Apparatus The security apparatus operates under a unified leadership, unaffected by clan relations or political interests. This discipline enables rapid decision-making and effective enforcement of order.

Second: Food Security

The movement was heavily affected during the 2010–2012 famine, which marked a turning point in its social approach. In the subsequent years, Al-Shabaab developed more efficient mechanisms for managing resources and food, leading to notable outcomes:

1. Strengthening and Structuring the Zakat System The movement established a centralized system for collecting zakat and taxes, expanded its financial base, and used it to secure the needs of local communities, reducing their vulnerability during drought periods.

2. Improved Storage and Distribution The movement adopted a disciplined system for storing grains and distributing them according to needs, limiting the effects of seasonal fluctuations and dependence on external aid.

3. Remarkable Performance During the 2017 Drought Local and international sources indicate that during the 2017 drought, no deaths due to hunger were recorded in areas controlled by the movement, despite being among the least-assisted regions compared to the federal government or Somaliland.

Third: The Judicial System

The judiciary represents one of the most prominent sources of appeal in the movement’s governance model, even among some critics. Al-Shabaab’s judicial system has gained a reputation for speed, decisiveness, and enforcement of rulings, achieved through:

This is achieved by applying Islamic law as the primary and sole source. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Abdulrahman bn Abdullah (talk • contribs) 12:48, 2 December 2025 (UTC)[reply]

1. Avoiding Government Bureaucracy Cases are resolved within short periods, unlike government courts, which may delay cases for years due to corruption, political pressure, or administrative complexity.

2. Concealing Judges’ Clan Identities The movement employs a system that conceals the clan backgrounds of judges and rotates them regularly, preventing clan interference or the purchase of influence.

3. Absence of Immunities Even high-ranking members of the movement can be prosecuted when accused of violations. This strengthens internal discipline and adds credibility to the judicial system.

4. Effective Enforcement of Rulings The movement possesses efficient enforcement bodies, allowing rulings to be implemented immediately upon issuance, without delays or bargaining.

The article uses inconsistent American/British spellings. If we decide this article consistently uses a variety that uses -ise spelling, please also add the |engvar= parameter to the {{langx}} templates (as well as {{transliteration}} for tooltips that say "-language romanization"). 2600 etc (talk) 23:20, 4 January 2026 (UTC)[reply]