UN experts highlight Al-Shabaab as a continuing threat to Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

United Nations experts have warned that the Al-Shabaab group continues to pose the greatest threat to peace and stability in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa, particularly in Kenya.

The experts emphasized that despite ongoing efforts by Somali security forces and international partners to combat the Al-Qaeda linked group, Al-Shabaab still has the capability to carry out complex and deadly attacks within Somalia.

They highlighted that the threat is not limited to direct assaults, such as attempted assassinations of senior government officials, but also extends to extensive networks involving extortion, forced recruitment, and well-organized propaganda campaigns to spread the group’s ideology.

In light of these security challenges, the UN Security Council voted to extend the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until December 31, 2026. The mission comprises over 11,000 troops, including 680 police officers.

The experts also warned that Al-Shabaab poses a serious threat to Kenya, carrying out attacks ranging from improvised explosive devices to kidnappings. On average, the group executes nearly six attacks per month in Kenya, primarily in the Mandera and Lamu regions.

Finally, the report noted that Al-Shabaab’s primary objective remains to overthrow the Federal Government of Somalia and expel foreign forces supporting the government.