Somalia battles both Al-Shabaab and famine

Synopsis

In Somalia, clans are arming themselves to combat the terror group Al-Shabaab, leading to a conflict where cousin fights cousin. The heart of this war is in Hiran, where the Somali National Army collaborates with African Union forces to surround Al-Shabaab militants. The situation is dire, as the drought has ravaged Lower Shabelle, a region known for its fertility, now suffering from food shortages. Ugandan forces are actively searching for explosives planted by Al-Shabaab, finding five to six devices daily on critical supply routes. Earlier this year, the African Union Mission in Somalia transitioned to the African Transition Mission, with over 18,000 troops from Djibouti, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and Ethiopia set to withdraw by the end of 2024. The ongoing conflict and famine have left many in Somalia struggling for survival, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.