Topic: African Union Mission in Somalia

When Al Shabab's last stronghold falls, will a guerrilla war follow?

Kenyan soldiers launched an attack on Kismayo, the last stronghold of Islamist group Al Shabab in Somalia. But many worry that if Kismayo falls, Al Shabab may revert to terrorist attacks.

In Somalia, UN charcoal purchases could be funding Al Shabab terror group

A UN contract to buy charcoal for African Union troop kitchens in Somalia may indirectly be funding the country's Al Qaeda-allied Islamist army, the Monitor has learned.

In Somalia, battle looms for militants' last major stronghold

Air and sea attacks around the key Somali port city of Kismayo this week point to a long-awaited offensive by the African Union Mission in Somalia against seasoned Al Shabab fighters.

Progress Watch
In Somalia, optimism rises

One year after the ouster of the Islamist militia, the capital city prospers. But Al Shabab remains a threat.

Why Somalis aren't benefiting from rollback of Islamists

The past year's offensive against Islamist militia Al Shabab should have opened territory for aid groups to operate in. But security and funding shortages remain problems.

In Somali capital, a year without Islamist militia

One year after the forced departure of Islamist militia Al Shabab, Mogadishu is rebuilding and prospering. But residents worry the group may return.

Kenya chopper crash takes out key foe of Al Shabab

A helicopter crash Sunday killed George Saitoti, Kenya's internal security minister and key hawk in the fight against Somali Islamist group Al Shabab.

Africa Monitor
Somalia: Al Shabab loses Afgoye and Afmadow. Is Kismayo next?

Military advances by African Union troops and Somali forces have pushed the Islamist Al Shabab militia out of key towns. Is the Shabab headquarters of Kismayo next on the list?

Somalia, African Union forces attack Islamist-held camp

The effort is to push the Islamist militia Al Shabab further away from the outskirts of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, but aid workers worry that displaced civilians in Afgoye camp may get caught in crossfire.

Five reasons to care about the Sudan - South Sudan conflict

Fighting between South Sudan and its rival, Sudan, could restart a 20-year civil war that claimed the lives of millions. It could also affect the price Americans pay for car fuel, China’s ability to keep its economy growing, and the stability of the region. Here’s a few reasons to pay attention to the fighting in Sudan.

Suicide bomber kills six in Somali capital

The militant Islamist group Al Shabab is claiming responsibility for the attack that targeted senior government officials Wednesday.

Somalia: For once, some optimism

The UN beefs up an African Union-led peacekeeper mission and Ethiopian troops take the town of Baidoa, as delegates at a London conference contemplate the future of Somalia.

Somalia's Al Shabab Islamists are on the run

But the Somali officials, backed by international forces, are too busy fighting among themselves to govern.

For tiny Burundi, big returns in sending peacekeepers to Somalia

For poorer countries like Burundi, sending soldiers to join a UN or African Union peacekeeping mission offers financial and political benefits, as well as better arms and training.

Just who knew that Kenya would launch its attack on Somalia?

Somalia's president has condemned Kenya's surprise 10-day-long attack onto Somali soil. Uganda has praised it, and the US and French governments claim no involvement.

Grenade attack shows risks of Kenya's Somalia war coming home

A grenade attack early Monday on a Nairobi bar injured 14 and underscores the dangers Kenya may face after launching attacks in Somalia in response to kidnappings of foreign tourists in Kenya.

Africa Monitor
Kenya sends troops into Somalia in major policy shift

Kenya's military intervention into neighboring Somalia follows a string of kidnappings on Kenyan soil by Somali pirates and terrorist threats by Al Shabab, an Islamist militant group linked to Al Qaeda.

Somalia truck bombing: Is Al Shabab back in Mogadishu?

After a hasty retreat from Somalia's capital, Mogadishu in August, the Al Qaeda-linked Islamist group Al Shabab claimed Tuesday's suicide truck bombing that killed more than 65 people.

Africa Monitor
AU forces in Somalia get 3,000-troop boost

The African Union Mission for Somalia is getting 3,000 more troops to keep its hold on Mogadishu, but there's no indication that AMISOM will be able to gain control of the country.

Africa Monitor
Al Shabab not the only guilty party in Somalia's famine, violence

A Human Rights Watch report documents abuses by the Somali government and African Union peacekeeping forces, as well as Al Shabab.

Africa Monitor
What does Al Shabab's withdrawal from Somalia's capital mean?

The Islamist group Al Shabab withdrew from Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, this weekend, but whether that is a sign of success for the African Union mission and Somalian government is unclear.

Four reasons help is slow to reach Somalia’s famine victims

As more information about East Africa’s famine reaches Western audiences, the situation looks increasingly grim – but aid doesn’t seem to be keeping pace with the publicity. What challenges do humanitarian organizations face?

In Somalia, African Union takes the offensive in information war

AMISOM is rehabilitating Radio Mogadishu and publishing articles to 'empower' Somalis and push back against Islamist insurgents.

Editor's Blog
Today's coverage agenda: Israel's Arabs, gay marriages, recession's end