Al-Shabaab Exploits Somalia’s Displacement Crisis to Strengthen Its Ranks

By TUNÇ DEMIRTAŞ, & AFIFA A. WARSAME

Garowe, (Idil News) – Somalia’s prolonged conflict, exacerbated by climate change and mass displacement, has created fertile ground for extremist group al-Shabaab to exploit vulnerable populations. As internal displacement surges past 4 million, the militant group is increasingly leveraging displacement camps to recruit, extort, and radicalize individuals, according to new research.

A Crisis of Displacement and Radicalization

Years of civil war, terrorism and inter-clan conflicts have left Somalia with one of the world’s largest internally displaced populations. By the end of 2024, over 4 million Somalis resided in more than 3,800 camps, many lacking basic services such as food, water, and security. These dire conditions have made IDP (internally displaced persons) camps an ideal recruiting ground for al-Shabaab, which offers displaced individuals financial incentives, shelter, and false promises of employment.

According to a report by researchers Tunç Demirtaş and Afifa A. Warsame, militant group like al-Shabaab thrive in environments where economic deprivation and social exclusion are prevalent. “The displaced are inexpensive recruits, susceptible to radicalization and often coerced into al-Shabaab’s ranks under threat of violence,” the report states.

Al-Shabaab’s Recruitment Tactics

The extremist group reportedly employs a multi-pronged approach to recruiting from displacement camps:

• Coercion and Abduction – Displaced individuals, particularly young men and boys, are kidnapped en route to major cities or from within the camps. A 2024 UNODC report estimated that al-Shabaab abducted over 1,000 boys and more than 100 girls annually between 2021 and 2022.
• Economic Exploitation – Many IDPs, desperate for income, are drawn into the group’s ranks through job offers that later turn into forced conscription.
• Social Control and Extortion – Al-Shabaab also leverages IDPs for intelligence-gathering, forcing them to identify wealthy individuals and institutions for taxation and extortion.

“Al-Shabaab is not only using these camps for recruitment but also as a base for intelligence gathering and economic sustenance,” said Warsame.

Unregulated Migration and Cross-Border Recruitment

Somalia’s porous borders further complicate the situation. Many Ethiopian migrants, fleeing hardship, enter the country without formal registration, making them easy targets for exploitation. A case highlighted in the report details how an Oromo migrant was tricked into joining al-Shabaab under the guise of employment, only to undergo military training and ideological indoctrination.

According to researchers, the militant group’s recruitment networks extend beyond Somalia’s borders, raising concerns about broader regional security implications.

Fake Camps and Governance Failures

The proliferation of IDP camps, many of which operate without oversight, has provided al-Shabaab with cover. Some camps, known locally as “kaam bariis” (rice camps), exist solely to attract international aid, while others serve as safe havens for militants.

“Somalia’s displacement crisis is not just a humanitarian issue; it has become a security threat,” said Demirtaş. “Without proper camp management, vetting of displaced persons, and stronger border controls, al-Shabaab will continue to exploit this crisis to its advantage.”

A Growing Challenge for the Somali Government

Despite ongoing military operations against al-Shabaab, the militant group continues to adapt. Analysts warn that unless the government improves IDP camp oversight and strengthens anti-trafficking measures, the cycle of displacement and radicalization will persist.

“The Somali government’s failure to regulate displacement camps is inadvertently strengthening al-Shabaab,” said Warsame. “Reform is urgent, or Somalia risks an even deeper humanitarian and security crisis.”

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Report published by Afifa A. Warsame & Tunç Demirtaş; Editing by 𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆