In Somalia’s Faltering Shadow War Against al-Shabab, Recruits Are Victims on and off the Battlefield

New Lines interviewed a survivor-turned-whistleblower from Somalia’s armed forces who took part in clandestine training and survived an al-Shabab attack that left over 100 government troops dead; the attack was then hidden from the public. This essay gives a glimpse into the complex nature of the ongoing conflict in Somalia, highlighting the lack of transparency in the war and the continuing threat of al-Shabab’s deadly attacks against government forces. The whistleblower’s name has been changed to protect his identity. 

The sun was scorching in the Somali capital of Mogadishu as cars lined the busy junction to pass through the security checkpoint. It was 12:30 p.m. and worshippers left the local mosque in droves following the midday prayer. I made my way down a road near the Sanca junction into a residential neighborhood, where Sharmarke Hersi was waiting. 

The slim young man with a baby face looked harmless. He sat in a plastic chair puffing cigarettes back to back as though he had been smoking for decades, staring at me as I walked his way. I knew he was expecting me.