Caaqil News - In a significant move to accelerate ongoing military operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab, senior Somali federal and regional officials convened a high-level meeting today with traditional elders in the town of Tardo, located near the border between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.
The delegation was led by the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, who was accompanied by the Commander of the Somali National Army's ground forces, General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, the Minister of Interior of Hirshabelle State, Abdi Dahir Gure, and several members of the Federal Parliament representing the Hawadle clan.
Strengthening Community-Government Cooperation
The key focus of the closed-door session was to enhance cooperation between the Somali government and the local communities in Tardo and surrounding areas. With Al-Shabaab continuing to maintain a presence in various rural parts of Somalia, particularly along regional borders, officials emphasized the urgent need for unified action and grassroots support.
Federal and regional leaders urged the clan elders of Tardo to deepen their collaboration with the national armed forces and community-based self-defense groups such as the Macawiisley militia—local civilian forces that have been instrumental in resisting and repelling Al-Shabaab fighters in Hiiraan region.
"Our meeting with the elders of Tardo was aimed at fortifying our joint efforts to liberate the remaining areas under Al-Shabaab control," said General Sahal Abdullahi Omar. "We are here not only to support our troops on the frontline but also to foster stronger community alliances that are critical to sustainable peace and security."
Recognizing the Role of Traditional Elders
The Somali government delegation commended the elders for their continued support of the national army and grassroots militias, acknowledging the critical role traditional leaders have played in mobilizing communities and maintaining order in areas reclaimed from militant control.
"We appreciate the courageous stance taken by the elders and the people of Tardo," said Minister Gure of Hirshabelle. "Your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope in our collective effort to eliminate terrorism and restore government authority across the region."
NISA Director Sanbaloolshe also emphasized that the Somali security sector values traditional governance structures as essential partners in both conflict resolution and long-term state-building.
"We recognize the central role of elders in Somali society," Sanbaloolshe said. "Without your engagement and leadership, our efforts on the battlefield would be significantly undermined."
Community Response: Commitment and Gratitude
In response, the Tardo elders expressed their gratitude for the federal and state-level attention and acknowledged the critical importance of continued collaboration. They reiterated their full commitment to standing by the Somali Armed Forces and pledged to increase local mobilization efforts in support of national security objectives.
"We are proud to be part of the fight against Al-Shabaab," said a representative elder during the gathering. "We are grateful that senior officials are visiting us, listening to our concerns, and showing solidarity in our shared struggle."
The elders also urged the Somali government to ensure that logistical and humanitarian support is extended to local militias and communities affected by the conflict, noting the severe challenges many face due to insecurity, displacement, and lack of basic services.
Week-Long Engagement on the Frontlines
This high-level engagement in Tardo follows a series of similar visits by federal and Hirshabelle officials to frontline regions along the Hiiraan-Middle Shabelle border. Over the past week, government leaders have intensified efforts to boost morale among troops and coordinate with local leaders in preparation for renewed offensives aimed at reclaiming key strategic areas.
The visits are part of a broader government initiative to decentralize security operations and reinforce the integration of local communities into national counterterrorism strategies. The Somali federal government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has reiterated its commitment to defeating Al-Shabaab through a combination of military operations, community engagement, and international cooperation.
Al-Shabaab Threat Still Persists
Despite notable gains in recent years, Al-Shabaab remains a potent force in Somalia, regularly launching attacks against government installations, civilian areas, and foreign peacekeeping troops. The group controls pockets of rural territory and continues to impose illegal taxation and harsh rules on local populations.
Government officials at today’s meeting emphasized that defeating Al-Shabaab requires not only military strength but also a robust community-driven strategy that promotes good governance, economic development, and the rule of law.
"This is not just a war of bullets and guns," said MP Mohamed Farah, who attended the meeting. "It is a war of ideas and legitimacy. We must show our people that the government is a better alternative, one that can protect them, serve them, and work with them."
Toward a Unified National Strategy
The meeting in Tardo also reflects a broader shift in Somali security policy that seeks to bridge the gap between federal and state-level institutions. With regional administrations playing a pivotal role in security and governance, improved coordination is seen as essential to creating a unified national approach.
The involvement of multiple tiers of leadership—intelligence, military, interior ministry, and parliamentary representatives—demonstrates an increasing recognition of the need for comprehensive, inclusive strategies that consider the complexities of Somali society.
Experts say this approach has the potential to break longstanding patterns of fragmentation and mistrust that have plagued past counterinsurgency efforts.
International Partners Watching Closely
The recent government outreach to clan elders comes as international partners, including the United Nations, African Union, and bilateral donors, monitor Somalia’s progress in security reform. These stakeholders have repeatedly emphasized that long-term peace depends on local ownership, community empowerment, and inclusive governance.
Programs such as the United Nations' stabilization efforts and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) are designed to support these local dynamics, although challenges remain in terms of resource allocation, political will, and logistical execution.
Today's event in Tardo is likely to be seen as a positive indicator of the Somali government’s willingness to engage directly with grassroots actors and take a more holistic approach to national security.
Looking Ahead
As Somalia prepares for what is expected to be a pivotal phase in the campaign against Al-Shabaab, the cooperation between community elders, federal authorities, and regional governments will be crucial. The town of Tardo, though modest in size, now symbolizes the kind of local-federal synergy required to root out extremism and build a secure, stable future for Somalia.
The Somali government has pledged to continue these community engagements in other strategic regions and hopes to replicate the Tardo model across the country.
"We cannot afford to lose the momentum," said NISA Director Sanbaloolshe in his concluding remarks. "Together, as one people and one nation, we can and will defeat terrorism."
