: Rise and Fall of an Islamist Regime Robert Spencer

ate in 2003, a Somali journalist named Bashir Goth wrote in the Addis Tribune about a group of Islamic clerics known as the “Author- Lity for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.” This group, Goth complained, was “trying to impose draconian moral codes on Somaliland citizens.” He concluded: “It is time we have to speak out. If we don’t do it today, we won’t be able to do it tomorrow. Because there will be no tomorrow as our country descends into 7th century Arabia.”1

That descent, when it came, was swift. Criticizing the warlords on Islamic grounds, and declaring Somalia’s traditional Islamic culture to be not sufficiently Islamic, a jihadist group affiliated with al-Qaeda, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), began to make major advances in late 2005 and early 2006, particularly in southern Somalia and the area. “The existing government is not an Islamic one,” explained Islamic Courts Union leader Sheikh in October 2005, “and we will be having our own Islamic faith and we will be very strong in influencing our people.”2 Later, while the ICU was in power in Mogadishu, the group’s first vice chairperson, Ar-Rahman Mohomood Jinikow, declared: “We will only approve a constitution based on theology, because an Islamic constitution is the only one that serves all of us justly…. Secular consti- tution, whether it is democratic or any other, is never fair and right, and Mus- lims have only one constitution which is entirely based on Allah’s Qur’an that will avail all Muslims in the world now and the Hereafter.”3

Robert Spencer is the director of Jihad Watch, a project of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, and the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Politi- cally Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The Truth About Muham- mad, both published by Regnery. Robert Spencer

In April 2006, the Islamic Courts tember, firing on demonstrators declared jihad against the country’s who turned out to rally against their warlords. At a Mogadishu rally, Sheikh regime.5 In late November, the Presi- Nur Ollow of the Courts declared that dent of the northern region of Punt- the warlords were “unholy elements” land announced that he too would who were “serving the interests of henceforth rule according to Islamic non-Somalis who could not care less law.6 Aweys, who became the group’s about our well-being, culture and reli- leader around the same time it began gion”—a clear reference to the United to gain significant power in Somalia, States, which had noted the group’s struck an explicitly anti-American connections with al-Qaeda early on. posture and spoke of the Islamic “It is time to help those who want Courts’ effort to take control of Soma- peace and harmony among Somalis lia as part of the global jihad, vowing and the teachings of the commands of to fight America and its allies “every- Allah and the words of the Prophet,” where, in Iraq, , Somalia continued Ollow. “We will not be gov- and .”7 erned by a few warlords financed by This was the Islamic Courts’ the enemy of Islam.” consistent stance; in August 2006, at Another Islamic Courts Union the height of the Israeli incursion into leader, Sheikh Mohamed Ibrahim Lebanon, the Islamists organized a Sulley, maintained at the same rally pro-Hezbollah rally in Mogadishu, that fighting the warlords was a holy which was attended by over two thou- duty for Muslims: “As it says in the sand people who chanted “Down with Qur’an, the fight against those who the enemies of Islam, wherever they are promoting hostility and fighting are!”8 More ominously, shortly there- against Islam is a holy war. Any war after the ICU opened a training camp against the warlords is a holy war and north of Mogadishu for jihadists, a sacrifice in the name of Allah.”4 featuring trainers from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aweys told the train- By mid-2006, the Islamists had ees: “You will study military tactics, taken full control of Mogadishu. because you will defend your country with Islamic morality.”9 In subsequent months, they For its troubles, the regime conquered most of the remaining received an endorsement from none pockets of organized resistance other than . In a to their rule in the southern message circulated on the Internet in late June, bin Laden exhorted portion of the country. Somalis: “You have no other means for salvation unless you commit to The descent Islam, put your hands in the hands In early 2006, the battle was of the Islamic Courts to build an joined in earnest, and by mid-2006, Islamic state in Somalia.”10 Mean- the Islamists had taken full control of while, foreign Islamists were hasten- Mogadishu. In subsequent months, ing to aid the new regime in Somalia. they conquered most of the remain- The United Nations Security Council ing pockets of organized resistance reported in November 2006 that the to their rule in the southern portion Islamic Republic of Iran was supply- of the country. ICU forces seized ing weapons to the ICU in an attempt the port city of in late Sep- to obtain uranium in return.11

32 The Journal of International Security Affairs Somalia: Rise and Fall of an Islamist Regime

Meanwhile, the ICU appeared use to refer to Muslims such as ‘ter- to bear out Bashir Goth’s fears. The rorists,’ ‘extremists,’ etc.”17 Courts forbade music (which is pro- hibited according to strict Islamic The hostile takeover law), dancing and soccer within days of taking power.12 Women began to transformed Somalia’s foreign don Saudi dress, which covered their policy, and the ICU became faces, rather than traditional Somali a voice in the international garb, which did not. And ICU militia- jihadist movement. men proved ready to enforce Islamic law with an iron fist: after banning all Conflict is joined movies and television viewing, jihad- The hostile takeover transformed ists shot and killed two people who Somalia’s foreign policy. The ICU were watching a World Cup soccer 13 became a voice in the international match in early July. jihadist movement, joining those who That September, Mogadishu called for the murder of Pope Bene- youth gave a hint that the new Islamic dict XVI after his remarks in Regens- regime was not popular with all Soma- burg, Germany, in August 2006 were lis. They responded to an ICU attempt widely interpreted as an insult to the to break up their viewing of another Islamic prophet Muhammad. soccer match by burning tires and 14 Tensions with Ethiopia, mean- throwing stones at ICU militiamen. while, increased almost immediately But the implementation of the strictest after the ICU took power. The group’s sharia provisions remained high on leader declared the ICU’s list of priorities both before on July 2nd that “Ethiopians have and after this show of resistance. Raids been illegally crossing our border in Mogadishu led to 60 arrests for the 15 since earlier last month and now they crime of movie-watching. Women are in some parts of our territory but, were forbidden to swim at Mogadi- 16 God willing, they will regret it.” Call- shu’s Leedo beach. ing Ethiopia “the enemy number one The ICU also moved to muzzle of the Somali people,” he urged Soma- the press, imposing 13 “rules of con- lis to fight back.18 Ethiopia initially duct” on journalists. These included denied sending troops, but Ethiopia’s a prohibition on the publication or Prime Minister stressed dissemination of “information con- the new Somali government’s ties to trary to the Muslim religion, the the al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group Al- public interest or the interest of Ittihad.19 And by the end of July, Ethio- the nation,” as well as “information pian troops were entering Somalia in likely to create conflicts between significant numbers, with the Islamic the population and the Council of Courts Union regime renewing calls Islamic Courts.” Journalists were for jihad in response. required to reveal their sources, The ICU responded with more “must not serve foreign interests,” threats. “We call on Ethiopia to with- and “must not publish or dissemi- draw its forces from Somalia, oth- nate elements of a foreign culture erwise be ready for full-scale war,” contrary to Islamic culture or pro- Aweys said in late August. “We say moting bad behavior, such as nudity again that Ethiopian intervention in on film.” Finally, “the media must Somalia will never be accepted; no not employ the terms which infidels

The Journal of International Security Affairs 33 Robert Spencer

one can dare divert us onto a path shu, stated: “We have trained them other than Sharia law.”20 The ICU also to fight and that is a religious obli- threatened the Intergovernmental gation. Ethiopia has made clear its Authority on Development (IGAD), intention: that is a war against us. So which in late 2006 endorsed a plan to we are calling an open war against send Sudanese and Ugandan peace- Ethiopia and every young fighter is keeping forces to the Somali border. welcome to join the jihad against the The ICU’s education minister, Fuad Ethiopian invaders.”25 Mohammed Kalaf, stated that “our As peace talks broke down policy is to fight against countries between the ICU and the remnants in IGAD who are our foes,” as he of the UN-recognized government announced the opening of jihad war- in the northern part of the country, fare training camps.21 the ICU staged a rally in the south- ern Somali town of Jilib. While thou- For its troubles, the regime sands demonstrated, ICU leader Sheikh Mohamed Omar Mursal received an endorsement from reiterated that the ICU’s struggle none other than Osama bin was a religious one: “We saw peace Laden. In a message circulated talks in Khartoum derailed by Ethio- on the Internet in late June, bin pia and its puppets. Our people are ready to protect their religion from Laden exhorted Somalis: “You the enemies of Allah. We are ready have no other means for salvation to fight you, Ethiopia.”26 Meanwhile, unless you commit to Islam, put one of Yusuf’s predecessors, Abdiqa- ssim Salat Hassan, who had been your hands in the hands of the the officially recognized President Islamic Courts to build an Islamic of Somalia from 2000 to 2004, lined state in Somalia.” up with the Islamic Courts regime, saying that defensive jihad against Finally, on October 9, 2006, Ethiopian troops was “compulsory” the ICU regime formally declared for Somalis.27 jihad against Ethiopia.22 In doing so, On November 27th, as the jihad- Sheikh Ahmed asked for help from ist regime deployed large numbers of Somali expatriates: “I am appealing troops on the border with Ethiopia, to all Somali communities… abroad an ICU military commander, Sheikh to take part in the Jihad operation Mohamed Ibrahim Bilal, declared: against the Ethiopian troops who “War is imminent. There is no other want to occupy our land.”23 This call alternative. Ethiopia declared war, so did not go unheeded: Somalis from as we will defend ourselves and protect far away as Canada returned home, our country and people.”28 Two weeks and after the ICU regime collapsed later the ICU delivered an ultima- American, British, and Australian tum. The ICU’s security chief, Yusuf passports were found on the bodies Mohamed Siad, announced: “We of slain warriors.24 are giving a deadline to the invad- Just three weeks later, the ICU ing forces. If Ethiopian forces inside announced that it had accumulated our territory do not withdraw after a 3,000 recruits. Sheikh Abdinur week, we will not hesitate to launch Farah, an ICU commander at a jihad- full-scale attacks on them. From today ist recruitment post south of Mogadi- on, all Ethiopians must start leaving

34 The Journal of International Security Affairs Somalia: Rise and Fall of an Islamist Regime

Somalia; if they do not they will be Ethiopians launched a three-pronged responsible for the bloodshed that offensive, putting the ICU to a full will follow.”29 On Friday, December tactical retreat. 15, ICU officials distributed sermons By December 27th, Mogadishu on jihad to mosques in Mogadishu was within reach of the Ethiopian preaching “holy war” against Ethio- and Transitional Government troops: pian troops inside Somalia.30 “Islamic Courts militias are already on the run,” said a spokesman for the Reversal of fortune anti-jihad forces, “and we hope that As war between Somalia and Mogadishu will fall into our hands Ethiopia appeared inevitable, the without firing a shot.”36 ICU troops U.S. State Department weighed in, fled Mogadishu the next day; Ethio- emphasizing the ICU’s links with pian and anti-ICU Somali forces were al-Qaeda. “The Council of Islamic greeted in the capital with cheers Courts,” explained Assistant Secre- and celebrations.37 Kismayo, the last tary of State , “is now significant ICU stronghold, fell sev- controlled by al Qaeda cell individu- eral days later. On January 8th, the als, al Qaeda cell indi- U.S. intervened directly, targeting al- viduals. The top layer of the court Qaeda members in airstrikes against are [sic] extremists. They are terror- Afmadow and Ras Kamboni in south- ists. They are killing nuns, they have ern Somalia, two of the ICU’s last killed children and they are calling redoubts.38 Ras Kamboni fell several for a jihad.”31 Former President Yusuf days later, and the Islamic Courts agreed, and saw wider implications in regime came to a definitive end— the ICU’s activity: “Al-Qaeda is open- although ICU partisans continue spo- ing up shop in Somalia. This is a new radic guerrilla attacks to this day. chapter and part of the terror group’s plan to wage war against the West.”32 Lessons left unlearned The fighting broke out on The rapid collapse of the regime December 21st, with the ICU almost took many Western observers by sur- immediately declaring victory. “Our prise. The Western press had been mujahedeen have killed 70 soldiers remarkably hospitable to the ICU today... the Islamic courts are win- regime, praising it as the best hope ning the war against Ethiopian inva- for a recovery of peace and order in sion,” declared Sheikh Sulley on the that anarchic land, and generally first day of fighting.33 When Ethio- expressing the expectation that it pia launched large-scale airstrikes would solidify its hold on power and against several Somali towns three bring long-lasting stability to Soma- days later, Sulley was contemptuous: lia. In June 2006, the BBC opined that “They are cowards. They are afraid the ICU’s coming to power in Moga- of the face-to-face war and resorted dishu “may prove… to be a turning to airstrikes. I hope God will help us point in the peace process.” It warned shoot down their planes.”34 The next that the real danger to peace was not day Sulley was proven wrong about the jihadist extremism of the ICU, but the Ethiopians’ fear of “face-to-face the Western characterization of that war,” as Ethiopian troops, along with extremism: if the ICU were “treated Somalis loyal to the Transitional Gov- with respect—as partners—they ernment, captured the border town of could turn into the group which deliv- Belet Weyne.35 Only a day later, the ers the capital to the government and

The Journal of International Security Affairs 35 Robert Spencer

so end years of conflict.” If, however, year ago. I’m feeling more safe here ICU strongholds were “viewed as a than in London.”41 hotbed of Islamic extremism, that In light of the stories of ICU too, could become a self-fulfilling troops firing into crowds, imposing prophecy.”39 Subsequently, in late draconian punishments for offenses February 2007, the BBC lamented such as watching soccer games, and the end of the ICU regime: “Since energetically working toward the Tal- the overthrow of the Union of Islamic ibanization of Somalia, and in light Courts at the turn of the year, Soma- also of the cheering crowds in Moga- lia has been descending back into the dishu that greeted the troops who top- violence and chaos seen in the previ- pled the ICU regime, such accounts ous 16 years….”40 have an ironic piquancy. The ICU’s rigidity and harshness, and its rapid Western analysts who saw in fall, makes it extremely unlikely that it could ever have enjoyed significant the ICU regime a new hope popular support. This is even more for the restoration of political unlikely given the fact that the vision order in Somalia were falling of Islam it was determined to impose into the same mistake as did upon Somalia was so at variance with the syncretistic cultural Islam that the 1930s journalists and had hitherto prevailed in Somalia. analysts who praised the Hitler, Western analysts who saw in the ICU Stalin, and Mussolini regimes regime a new hope for the restoration of political order in Somalia were fall- for the order they brought to ing into the same mistake as did the their respective countries. 1930s journalists and analysts who praised the Hitler, Stalin, and Musso- The Times of London went lini regimes for the order they brought even farther. In his coverage, Times to their respective countries. By reporter Martin Fletcher waxed lyri- entering into Somalia so rapidly after cal about the new, ICU-controlled the ICU’s seizure of power, the Ethio- Mogadishu: “For the first time in a pian troops may have spared Somalis generation Somalis can walk around years of suffering under an extrem- safely, even at night. Children play ist, totalitarian, brutal regime. football in the streets. Squads of Somalia still desperately needs Somalis in fluorescent yellow jackets a strong government that will finally emblazoned ‘Employment for Peace’ restore stability to this troubled are removing mountains of garbage. nation. But the Islamic Courts Union Shops are painting brightly coloured regime only offered Somalis a new pictures of their wares—mobiles, hell in place of an old one. satellite dishes, radios—on their walls. The derelict port has been reopened, though every vessel must be unloaded by hand as there are no cranes, and children point excitedly 1. Bashir Goth, “Against the Saudization of Somaliland,” Addis Tribune, November 21, at the sight of aircraft overhead.” 2003, as cited in “Somali Muslim Journalist Fletcher quoted a local doctor who on the Detrimental Effects of Wahhabism on had worked in a London hospital: “It’s His Country,” Middle East Media Research like paradise compared to even one Institute Special Dispatch No. 625, Decem- ber 9, 2003.

36 The Journal of International Security Affairs Somalia: Rise and Fall of an Islamist Regime

2. “Militia Leader, Alleged Terrorist, Calls for 24. “Somali Holy Warriors Coming From Islamic Rule in Somalia, End To Interfer- Canada: Experts,” National Post, October ence,” Associated Press, October 13, 2005. 15, 2006; Alexis Debat, “American Pass- 3. “Somalia: We Accept No Constitution Other ports Found on Bodies of Al Qaeda Fighters Than Islamic—Islamic Courts,” Shabelle in Somalia,” ABCNews, January 5, 2007. Media Network, September 8, 2006. 25. Mustafa Haji Abdinur, “Somali Islamists 4. “Somali Islamists Declare Jihad on Warlords,” Recruit for Jihad Against Ethiopia,” Agence Agence France-Presse, April 22, 2006. France-Presse, October 26, 2006. 5. “Demonstrations Turn Violent in Somalia,” 26. “Somali Muslims Fan Anti-Ethiopian Senti- Associated Press, September 26, 2006. ment,” Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg), 6. Mohamed Olad Hassan, “Somalia Region November 3, 2006. Leader to Use Islamic Law,” Associated 27. “Former Somalia Pres Declares Jihad on Press, November 21, 2006. Ethiopia,” Garowe Online, November 7, 7. “Bin Laden Message: Somalia Is Front in War 2006. on U.S.,” Associated Press, June 30, 2006. 28. “Islamists Mass Troops on Ethiopian 8. “Thousands in Somalia Rally for Holy War,” Border,” Business Day (Rosebank), Novem- Associated Press, August 11, 2006. ber 27, 2006. 9. “Somali Jihadists Open Militia Camp,” 29. Mustafa Haji Abdinur, “Somali Islamists Reuters, August 24, 2006. Give Ethiopia One-Week Deadline to With- 10. “New Message From Bin Laden Addresses draw Troops,” Agence France-Presse, Mujahedin in Iraq, Somalia,” Associated December 12, 2006. Press, July 1, 2006. 30. Anthony Mitchell, “Somali Leader: Door 11. David Blair, “Iran ‘Tried to Get Uranium to Peace Talks Shut,” Associated Press, by Arming Somalia,’” Telegraph (London), December 15, 2006. November 17, 2006. 31. Andrew Cawthorne, “U.S. Says Al Qaeda 12. Rob Crilly, “No Music, No Dancing, No Foot- Behind Somali Islamists,” Reuters, Decem- ball as Muslim Law Takes Over From Reign ber 15, 2006. of the Warlords,” Times of London, June 13, 32. Mitchell, “Somali Leader: Door to Peace 2006. Talks Shut.” 13. “Somali Islamists Kill 2 at World Cup Broad- 33. Mustafa Haji Abdinur, “Fierce Fighting cast,” CNN, July 5, 2006. Convulses Southern Somalia Despite Truce 14. “Somali Islamists Shoot to Stop English Pledge,” Agence France-Presse, December Soccer Viewing,” Reuters, September 18, 21, 2006. 2006. 34. Mohamed Olad Hassan, “Ethiopia Attacks 15. Mohamed Olad Hassan, “Somali Islamic Somalia Islamic Council,” Associated Press, Crackdown: 60 Arrested for Watching December 24, 2006. Movies,” Associated Press, July 19, 2006. 35. “Ethiopian Forces Capture Somali Border 16. Mohamed Sheikh Nor, “Somalia Bans Town After Bombing Islamic Positions,” Swimming for Women at Beach,” Associ- Associated Press, December 25, 2006. ated Press, October 21, 2006. 36. Mohamed Olad Hassan, “Ethiopian, Somali 17. “Somalia: Islamic Courts Try to Impose Dra- Troops Near Mogadishu,” Associated Press, conian Rules on Mogadishu Media,” Report- December 27, 2006. ers sans Frontières, October 13, 2006. 37. Mohamed Olad Hassan, “Somali Troops 18. “Cleric Calls on Somalis to Fight Ethiopia,” Enter Mogadishu to Cheers,” Associated Associated Press, July 2, 2006. Press, December 29, 2006. 19. Mohamed Sheikh Nor, “Islamic Militia 38. “U.S. Strikes in Somalia Reportedly Kill 31,” Tightens Grip on Mogadishu,” Mail & CBS News, January 9, 2007. Guardian (Johannesburg), July 12, 2006; 39. “Mogadishu Battle—Turning Point for Les Neuhaus, “Ethiopia: Terrorists Rule Peace?,” BBC (London), June 7, 2006. Mogadishu,” Mail & Guardian (Johannes- 40. “US Warship Monitors Pirates,” BBC burg), June 18, 2006. (London), February 26, 2007. 20. “Somalia: ‘Withdraw or Be Ready for Full- 41. Martin Fletcher, “Battle-Scarred Nation is Scale War’—Aweys to Ethiopia,” The Ethio- at Peace With Itself... but Still Facing War,” pian Reporter, August 28, 2006. Times of London, December 16, 2006. 21. “More Jihad Camps in Somalia,” Associated Press, September 21, 2006. 22. “Somali Islamists Declare ‘Jihad’ on Ethio- pia,” Reuters, October 9, 2006. 23. Mohamed Abdi Farah, “Somalia: Abroad Somali Communities Urged to Return Home for Jihad,” SomaliNet, October 11, 2006.

The Journal of International Security Affairs 37