The African Union (AU) has urged Kenya and other African nations to step up their support for Somalia following a brutal Al-Shabaab attack near the presidential palace in Mogadishu. The assault, which targeted the high-security Godka Jilow prison complex, left several people dead and others wounded.
The prison, known to hold Al-Shabaab fighters, lies close to the Somali president’s residence — an area once believed to be among the most secure in the country.
The AU’s call followed growing fears that the attack exposed lingering weaknesses in Somalia’s security apparatus despite years of international and regional military efforts to stabilize the country.
AU Calls for United Front Against Al-Shabaab
African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf released a strong statement urging member states, including Kenya, to intensify support to Somalia and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
He emphasized the need for a collective effort to “effectively degrade and eliminate Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.”
The statement comes amid ongoing counterterrorism operations led by Somali forces and African Union troops, who have faced mounting resistance from Al-Shabaab insurgents determined to reclaim lost territories.
Youssouf reassured the Somali government of the AU’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa and across the continent. He noted that Al-Shabaab’s persistence shows that the fight against violent extremism remains far from over, calling on Kenya and other troop-contributing countries to strengthen their cooperation and intelligence-sharing networks.
President William Ruto has been a key supporter of Somalia’s stabilization efforts. Kenya currently contributes about 1,410 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel to AUSSOM, part of a total contingent of nearly 12,000 troops.
Inside the Al-Shabaab Attack
The attack began with a powerful car bomb explosion outside the Godka Jilow prison before armed militants stormed the facility. For nearly six hours, Mogadishu echoed with heavy gunfire and multiple blasts.
The militants disguised their vehicles to look like those used by the Somali intelligence agency and wore military-style uniforms, allowing them to pass through security checkpoints. According to Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security, this tactic helped the attackers infiltrate one of the city’s most fortified zones.
Al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility, saying the operation aimed to free Muslim prisoners detained at the site. However, Somali officials confirmed that no prisoners escaped and that all seven attackers were killed.
The audacious operation raised concerns about security lapses in Mogadishu and the ability of Al-Shabaab to penetrate key government installations despite intensified counterterrorism measures.
AU and Kenya’s Growing Role in Somali Stability
Kenya has long been a frontline state in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Since deploying troops into Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi, the country has faced retaliatory attacks on its soil, including the deadly Westgate and Garissa University assaults.
The AU’s latest statement puts pressure on Nairobi to remain steadfast in supporting Somalia’s fragile recovery, even amid growing domestic fatigue over the cost of prolonged military engagement.
Analysts believe Kenya’s continued involvement is crucial, given its geographical proximity and shared security concerns with Somalia. The AU hopes that coordinated regional action — involving Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Djibouti — can deliver the final blow to Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity.
Youssouf also called on the broader international community to renew its funding and logistical support for AUSSOM, warning that any gap in assistance could embolden extremist groups to regroup and expand their networks.
Somalia’s Struggle for Security
Despite ongoing efforts, Somalia’s government continues to face enormous challenges in maintaining stability. Al-Shabaab, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, still controls parts of southern and central Somalia, from where it launches deadly raids and suicide bombings.
The Godka Jilow prison attack has reignited concerns about the effectiveness of Somalia’s intelligence and counterterrorism units. It also underscores the need for stronger coordination between the federal government, regional forces, and international partners.
For the AU, the message is clear: Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab is not a battle it can win alone. Kenya and its neighbors must strengthen both their military and diplomatic commitments to ensure long-term peace in the region.
Conclusion
The Al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu is a stark reminder of the group’s resilience and the ongoing threat it poses to the Horn of Africa. The AU’s call for unity and intensified support reflects the urgency of the situation.
Kenya’s role remains critical — not only for Somalia’s security but also for regional stability. As the continent faces evolving threats from extremist networks, cooperation between African states will determine whether Somalia can finally emerge from decades of violence and insecurity.
