Community security systems in countering extremism: The case of Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a and Macawisley in Somalia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Due to decades of conflict and the emergence of the al-Shabaab-led violent extremism in the early 2000s, subsequent governments in Somalia have been unable to guarantee basic needs such as security and social services. As a result, communities have been forced to develop alternative means to protect themselves. This led to the establishment of the community security systems (CSSs) which coincided with the escalation of the conflict in the country since the 1990s. In south-central Somalia, human rights violations including forced recruitment of children into militant groups and forced illegal taxation has largely forced communities to rebel and devise protective mechanisms including leading offensives against al-Shabaab. Two groups, namely Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ) and Macawisley formed the CSSs that are the subject of this article. The paper draws from the empirical evidence from primary data and literature reviews to examine the role of CSSs in countering violent extremism. More specifically, the article examines the ASWJ and Macawisley CSSs in south-central Somalia. It responds to the following questions: What is the context that aided the emergence of CSSs in Somalia? What are its achievements and what are the challenges of the CSSs and implications for peace and security in the country?