Engaging Al Shabaab requires military and diplomatic means

By Rufus Karanja

As the war against the Al Shabaab continues, Kenya should draw out long-term objectives and an exit strategy out of Somalia.

Logically however, this should have been drawn and planned even before the first soldier set foot in Somalia.

The war on Al Shabaab should be one that adopts a combination of military, diplomatic and a hearts and minds approach. The use of all these approaches should have the objective of addressing the root causes of problems in Somalia.

After the Kampala bombing, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda was on record calling on African leaders to team up and "kick Al Shabaab out of Africa."

It is such radical views and war mongering that has continued to radicalise Al Shabaab. Such views only aim at treating the symptoms of the crisis but do not effectively tackle the real problems. Such a call only amounts to entrenching Al Shabaab’s terror activities and offers them a good public relations platform for their actions. When leaders like Museveni chose to breathe out the "crazy war vibe", which is the model that Kenya gladly adopted through threats by our Internal Security and Defence ministers, Al Shabaab gets free media platform to send out the message that "we are here and are stronger."

The war should not be based entirely on militarised solutions (such as Operation Linda Nchi) but should also incorporate non-militarised ways, which should aim at reaching the many young and old Somalis being recruited at an alarming rate.

Media are already reporting that Al Shabaab has gone full throttle to recruit more militants as the Kenyan-led offensive intensifies. Efforts to curb the Al Shabaab menace should be directed at how to win the hearts and minds of these Somalis who had become hopeless in a failed State, where getting recruited into Al Shabaab makes much sense than enrolling in school.

As Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula and his diplomats’ traverse the globe seeking support for Operation Linda Nchi and as they sit in consultative meetings in Addis Ababa, Washington and at Igad meetings, they should come up with longterm strategies on how to reach and win the hearts and minds of the Somalis.

They should craft incentives that involve disarming of the young Somalis and enticing them to give up their militia lifestyles. These incentives should target to deconstruct the propaganda and brain washing that Al Shabaab has been advancing. The international community should engage in how young people can get access to alternative media sources and constructive information to emancipate the minds and hearts of Somalis from Al Shabaab indoctrination.

It should be recognised this cannot be an easy feat, given that Al Shabab has had an iron fist as far as media and recreational activities are concerned.

What should be realised is that the fight in Somalia is not just that of rooting out or "kicking" out Al Shabaab but the main battles include: How to re-establish the rule of law, institutionalisation of a governing system and addressing humanitarian issues such as the provision of basic needs and securities for Somali citizens. It is the fight for basic needs such as food security, easy access to health care, education, peace and security, adequate water supply that should be the main concern of resolving the Somalia crisis.

There is a need to legitimise and strengthen the Transitional Federal Government, which, since its establishment, exercised limited control in Mogadishu.

The TFG has no popular support in Somalia since it is seen as a western-imposed and backed government. To legitimise the TFG, there is need for creation of an inclusive and participatory process that charts the roadmap for a political solution and sustainable peace.

One way to do this is to involve various Somali clan leaders in the negotiation process for a Somalia National Government. It is only by creating an inclusive and participatory process of negotiation that a legitimate governing system will be established and rule of law restored.

Such a process will build legitimacy for a national governing body to be elected through a democratic process. Such an arrangement will provide the people of Somalia with an alternative leadership as opposed to getting recruited by Al Shabaab and will ensure Operation Linda Nchi was not in vain.

—The writer comments on social and political issues