Judging the threat of al-Shabab in Africa

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The latest attack in Somalia raises new questions about the government’s ability to maintain stability.

ALJAZEERA | 01 Nov 2015 | Al-Shabab fighters in Somalia have struck again – managing to evade security measures to stage an attack in downtown Mogadishu.

Their target, yet again, a hotel popular with government leaders and members of parliament.

Al-Shabab have waged a relentless war against the government since being forced from the capital.

The fighters have also attacked neighbouring countries who have sent peacekeeping troops to Somalia.

Somalis have not seen a stable government since 1991.

So, how big a threat is al-Shabab in Africa? And could a strong Somali government defeat them?

Presenter: Martine Dennis

Guests:

Abdirisak Omar – Minister of National Security for the Somali government

Yusuf Omar Al Azhari – Former political adviser to the President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia

Afyare Elmi – Professor of international affairs at Qatar University and author of ‘Understanding Somalia Conflagration: Identity, Islam, Peacebuilding’

Matt Bryden – Executive Chairman of think-tank and consultancy firm Sahan

Source: Al Jazeera

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