This edition of the infographic series examines Al-Shabaab (Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujaideen), a militant Islamist group founded in 2006 as an offshoot of Somalia’s Union of Islamic Courts. The group seeks to establish a strict Sharia-based Islamic state in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. Since pledging allegiance to Al-Qaeda in 2012, Al-Shabaab has become one of Africa’s deadliest militant organizations.
Al-Shabaab maintains influence across parts of southern and central Somalia through taxation systems and local governance structures, including Sharia-based courts. It also remains active beyond Somalia’s borders, carrying out attacks in neighboring countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. This infographic explores its leadership, territorial presence, financing networks, recruitment practices, notable attacks, and the broader security and humanitarian impact of its activities in the region.
This series will be updated monthly with new infographics on key militant groups and security developments.
The full PDF version of the infographic can be accessed here.
Find the complete list of references here.
Disclaimer: WAEN does not support, endorse, or promote any militant groups or violent actors. This content is strictly for informational, educational, and research purposes.
WAEN Research Team