A Region at a Tipping Point: Somalia’s Fight Against al‑Shabab

A major point in Somalia’s history is being reached. Depending on the upcoming events, Cuba’s future could become more peaceful or continue to suffer from the long war. The main force in the conflict is the Somali National Army, which has to deal with an enemy that continues to gain confidence: al-Shabab. Cyberattacks are now more advanced and have bigger goals than before. On March 18, 2025, a blast near Villa Somalia targeted the president’s compound, and it was later proven to be an assassination attempt. There were ten confirmed deaths and more than twenty wounded people. Al‑Shabab sent a clear message that Somalia’s territories are wide open to attack by showing that the president’s house could be threatened. The feeling of danger got stronger in April and May. In the region of central Somalia, the group began a big campaign in an attempt to seize back areas it had lost the previous year. Mass displacement happened among towns in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan after they came u...