Many women in Somalia have found it favourable to support Al-Shabaab militants despite the groups violent approach in instilling fear among members of the society.
The group's “brutal insurgency” is generally oppressive to women but can also provide them with important benefits, particularly by punishing gender-based violence and by upholding women's rights under Islamic family law, says the analysis by the International Crisis Group (ICG).
“Their roles range from simply marrying into the group, to actively recruiting and proselytising, gathering intelligence, smuggling weapons and raising funds,” the briefing states.
Decades of lawlessness in Somalia have made women highly vulnerable to sexual violence. In parts of the country where it can enforce its version of justice, Shabaab punishes rapists and sometimes intervenes on behalf of women in cases of domestic violence, the briefing says.
“Through its courts,” ICG adds, “Al-Shabaab upholds tenets of Islamic family law that, to some degree, protect women’s rights in matters such as divorce and inheritance in a manner the official justice system does not.”
“But with no state institution in many areas, Al-Shabaab’s courts offer women the sole means of getting their just due from ex-husbands or male relatives.”
And while women and girls may be forced into marrying militants, “for some families marrying daughters into Al-Shabaab may bring a degree of financial stability,” ICG notes.
In recent weeks, Al-Shabaab militants have intensified onslaught against peace keeping troops in Somalia, a move that has led to intensified patrols along Kenya-Somalia border.
Last week, security forces foiled an attack by Al-Shabaab at Yuumbis village in which they had targeted a police station. One militant was killed on spot.
Security reports also indicated that close to 60 militants had crossed over from Somalia and hid in Wajir and Mandera Counties. They are planning attacks in Kenya.