The Evolving Nature of Foreign Intervention in the Al-Shabab Insurgency in Somalia

Abstract

In many countries, foreign intervention is part of the response to terrorist insurgency. In Somalia,
however, it has attracted mixed reactions. Integrating military, humanitarian, political, economic
and administrative support from the African Union, United Nations, the United States and the
European Union, foreign intervention here has been lauded as it has been loathed. Indeed, it
has been blamed for sustaining and expanding the insurgency to Uganda, Burundi and Kenya.
However, hitherto, the merit and demerit of foreign intervention in the insurgency have not
been scrutinised. It is against this background that this study delved into the impact of foreign
intervention in the conflict—to generate insights for the better resolution of the insurgency
and similar conflicts. Following systematic review methods, recent writing on foreign influence
in Somalia was analysed. This led to the conclusion that although foreign intervention into
the insurgency has not been without benefits, it has largely failed to deliver sustainable peace.
However, the insurgency has ripened such that prioritisation of engagement is recommended.
Research into the readiness of the foreign actors, Al-Shabaab and a transitional government to
engage in peaceful resolution of the insurgency is also recommended.