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Table of contents

1.1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................1

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM...............................................................2

1.3 THE GOAL AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY............................................................3

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF PROPOSED RESEARCH................................................................4

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH..........................................................5

1.6 DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS..............................................................................................5

1.7 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE........................................................................................6

1.7.1 The Global Situation of the Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements...........................7

1.7.2 Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in the Horn of Africa.....................................9

1.7.3 Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in Somalia.....................................................12

1.8 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK....................16

1.9 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS.............................................................................................19

1.10 METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................19

1.10.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................19

1.10.2 Study site and population...............................................................................................................19

1.10.3 Study design.....................................................................................................................................20

1.10.4 Methods of Data Collection............................................................................................................21

1.11 CHAPTER OUTLINE.........................................................................................................23

1.12 REFERENCES....................................................................................................................24

1.13 ANNEX: RESEARCH GUIDES........................................................................................27

1.1 Introduction Revolutionary movements around the world have grown and spread with one of the most

popular being the Salafi Jihadism. This is a Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movement with

the goal of reestablishing past Muslim glory in a great Islamist state and is based on the Salafi

ideology which stems from an extremist interpretation of Sunni Islam called Salafism . The

origin can be traced in the two groups existing among the Muslim faithful; the Sunnis and the

Shi`a . In these two groups of Muslims, there are a range of extremists and fundamentalists who

advocate for the Islamic law to be the primary source of law and cultural identity in a state.

Sunni Muslims wish to establish and govern Islamic states based solely on the Qur’an and the

example of the Prophet as understood by the first generations of Muslims close to Muhammad .

Belief of both groups is guided by the principles of the Qur’an as directed by Muhammad .

Those participating in Salafi movements believe they are doing Allah’s will while Islamic

Wahhabi scholars who are considered to be mentors of these movements attribute great

importance to "suicide attacks in the path of Allah," describing them as the highest level of jihad

resource against the "enemies of Islam".

Because of their growth and associated impacts on peace and security, various studies

have been advanced to try and understand the structure, profile and support of the Salafist

Jihadist revolutionary movements around the world . More focus has been placed on the

persistence of these movements and the threats that they cause on stability and peace at the

global level . However, very little is known about the structure, profile and support to such

groups, particularly in the Horn of Africa (HOA). Of particular interest is the structure, profile

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and support of the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM) whose emergence, growth, strategies

and tactics and impact remain unprecedented .

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem In recent years, Africa has come to be regarded as an increasingly important region

regarding international peace and security due to violent activities, which have had an effect on

the rest of the world. Researchers have found that the HOA is particularly a risky region because

of al-Qaeda activities and increasing levels of the Transnational Salafist Revolutionary

Movements. Some studies indicate that the region has been a base for Islamist activities since the

early 1990s and that it remains to be a key area of focus if the fight against HSM is to be won .

Further, the region is said to be offering a favorable environment to these movements . In fact,

these studies indicate that the region is a priority area in al-Qaeda’s global strategy because there

have been radical and terrorist activities reported in the HOA. The HOA, an area comprising

Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania (sometimes Uganda), Eritrea and Djibouti, is also

strategically placed. It overlaps the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, creating a favorable

environment for the growth of the HSM (Ali, 2008a). East Africa’s geographic proximity and

social, cultural and religious affinities with the Arabian Peninsula makes it susceptible to

infiltration of Salafist ideas from the Middle East. Consequently, Militant Islamist groups or

activities have been widely reported in the HOA .

However, little is known about the recruitment into these groups, transformation and

support available for them to thrive. This study therefore seeks to understand the growth of

Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in the HOA, specifically the Harakat al-

Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM) in Somalia and its implications to the national, regional and

international security.

2

The thesis guiding this study is that a combination of individual, ideological, historical,

cultural, geographical, political and religious factors impact the growth of the HSM is Somalia.

The research questions that this study seeks to answer are:

1. What are the individual, religious, cultural and economic factors in support of the HSM

2. In what ways does the HSM threaten the peace and stability of Somalia

In what ways can the growth and impacts of the HSM be mitigated?

1.3 The Goal and Objectives of the Study The overall objective of the study is to understand the growth of Transnational Salafist

Revolutionary Movements in the HOA, specifically the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM)

in Somalia and its implications to the national, regional and international security. However, the

specific objectives of the study include:

1. To examine the individual, religious, cultural and economic factors in support of the HSM

2. To explore ways in which the HSM activities impact national, regional and regional

security as well as the stability of Somalia

3. To explore ways of mitigating the evolution and the growth of the HSM in the country,

regionally and internationally

1.4 Justification of Proposed ResearchEfforts to curb the growth of Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in the

Horn of Africa have borne little fruit. This is because those involved in this process and who

refer to themselves as terrorism experts, in trying to understand such a movement label it a

terrorism or radical organization, thereby negatively clouding the sober understanding and

approach needed to tackle these movements. Further, in trying to understand financing of these

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movements, the focus has most often been on external, high tech and organized financing. In

most cases however, and especially in East Africa and the Horn of Africa, the HSM enjoys

community based grass-roots support structure that helps these elements to prevail . The local

mosques, local religious leaders, and local community networks do provide the bulk of long term

financial support for their logistical and operational needs. In return, the HSM is reported to

receive food, water, shelter, clothing and unappreciable amount of empathy from local

community who perceive it to offer them some form of justice, as well as not ‘abusing’ them, in

ways that the warlords and corrupt politicians are perceived .

Based on the prevailing arguments and descriptions that define the growth of

revolutionary movements, specifically the HSM, studying this phenomenon offers hope in trying

to understand why HSM persists in Somalia despite the concerted efforts, both nationally and

internationally to eradicate it. It will be important to understand the kind of support that the HSM

receives. The study is likely to help fill the gaps identified through literature review and offer

help in identifying and designing initiatives to prevent the growth of this and other such

movements. It will also inform public policy and planners and also help meet the informational

needs of the academic community and experts on studying Salafi revolutionary movements.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the ResearchVarious factors can be said to contribute to the growth of HSM in Somalia. These include

geographic location, the political and economic weaknesses of the Somalia government and

grassroots support to these groups. These factors create a conducive environment for these

groups to move, recruit, plan, and organize themselves without being noticed . This study

focuses on the support of grass root individuals or groups to the HSM. Additionally, despite the

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Horn of Africa and the East African region comprising various other countries and other

Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements, this study will confine itself to one country,

that is, Somalia. It will also just focus on the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM) despite

various researchers reporting a presence of other revolutionary movements in the country . The

study will gather data from opinion leaders in areas where HSM is believed to operate.

1.6 Definition of conceptsThese are the definitions of some of the concepts used in the study:

Revolutionary Movements: Defined by Charles Tilly as specific types of social movements

dedicated to carrying out a revolution for instance advancing exclusive competing claims to

control of the state, or some segment of it .

Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen: Commonly known as al-Shabaab (an Arabic word meaning

‘youth’). This is an Islamist insurgency/revolutionary group in Somalia that is an off-shoot of

the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), which splintered into several smaller groups after its removal

from power by Ethiopian forces in 2006.

Salafi Jihadism: A school of thought of Salafi Muslims who support violent jihad (an Arabic

word meaning ‘struggle’) .

Sunni Islam: Sunni is a broad term derived from Sunnah (an Arabic word meaning ‘habit’ or

‘usual practice’) and the term refers to the sayings and living habits of Muhammad. Sunni Islam

is the largest branch of Islam and up to 90% of the total Muslim population of the world.

5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salafi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Courts_Union

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurgency

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamist

Shia Islam: Shi’a is the short form of a phrase meaning "the followers of Ali’ and is the second

largest denomination of Islam, after Sunni Islam. It holds that Muhammad's family, and certain

individuals among his descendants, who are known as Imams, have special spiritual and political

authority over the community. Shi’a Muslims further believe that Ali, Muhammad's cousin and

son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the rightful successor to Muhammad.

1.7 Review of the LiteratureThe literature reviewed in this section will be categorized as follows: the global situation

of the threat to peace and security arising from the Transnational Salafist Revolutionary

Movements; the threats to peace and security that Transnational Salafist Revolutionary

Movements have at the regional level (the Horn of Africa) and the HSM’s threat to peace and

security in Somalia and the structure and support that help it to thrive.

1.7.1 The Global Situation of the Transnational Salafist Revolutionary MovementsThis section critically reviews literature on Transnational Salafist Revolutionary

Movements at the global level; it also gives a profile of some of these movements and the

reasons for their establishment and the threat that these movements cause on security and peace

in the world. This literature is important for this study because its review enables the researcher

to profile the pathways that Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements go through.

The various studies regarding Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements have

enabled the realization that it is no longer possible to ignore their impacts . Extensive studies

have been carried out to try and find ways of reducing the threat of these movements to peace

and security. One important ideological factor that aids the growth of Transnational Salafist

Revolutionary movements around the world is radical Islam. In his study on defeating the Global

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_to_Muhammad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi'a_Imams

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunni_Islam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali

Salafi Jihadist insurgency, Wrenn (2007) found the Global Salafi Jihadist insurgency as being the

greatest threat to the United States of America . Although this study examines Salafi Jihadists to

determine who they are, why they fight, and how they fight, it too, only focuses on the threat that

this movement has on US and might not be able to answer questions of the structure, profile and

support of HSM. Le Sage for instance, in his thesis work focuses on field research in Somalia’s

capital, Mogadishu where he conducted a wide range of interviews with leaders of Somali

Islamist movements, ‘warlords’ who command Somalia’s competing militia-factions, traditional

clan elders and religious scholars, as well as ‘civil society’ activists . Although his work is

relatively new, it however lacks in the quality of information from the youth getting

indoctrinated into these groups and also from community members believed to be supporting the

growth of HSM. Interviewing these two groups has the potential to answer questions regarding

the factors supporting HSM.

Other studies geared towards understanding the Transnational Salafist Revolutionary

Movements are also outdated. Kombargi (1998) carried out a survey of the major and minor

modern Islamic political movements that erupted in the 70s, 80s and 90s in Egypt, Algeria and

Sudan and these studies do not directly focus on Somalia or on the newer movements in Somalia

whose growth seems to be fueled by Somalia’s statelessness .

Further, attempts have been made to understand the pathways that these movements go

through. Allen (2007), studying the dynamics of this process in particular areas in the US found

that this dynamic transformation varies across ideological and ethno-religious spectrums,

different geographic regions, and socio-economic conditions . The study also found that these

transformations in the US have many diverse “pathways” and that it is not a “one-way street” .

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Although found to exist around the world, the transformations, structure, profiles and

support available to revolutionary movements vary in different contexts . Indonesia for instance,

started experiencing the expansion of the Salafi Da’wa movement where members generally

engaged in activities that make them stand apart from the crowd . The Salafi Da’wa movement in

Indonesia is reported to have spread rapidly during the 1990s changing political environment and

although not initially engaged in politics, the changing political environment saw the movement

being transformed into a political one . This study is however conducted in Indonesia which

although sharing the same religion with Somalia, the two countries experience a different culture

and this study may not be representative of the HSM situation in Somalia. Another study has

found the existence of political Islam to result from confrontations existing in other countries. De

Waal (2004) notes that political Islam in the North-East Africa, particularly in Sudan and

Somalia, has been as a result of confrontations in Egypt, Afghanistan, Iran, Palestine and other

parts of Asia . Results of yet another study conducted in Indonesian to understand the

intellectual and political history of Laskar Jihad, the most spectacular Muslim paramilitary group

that emerged in Indonesia in the aftermath of the collapse of the New Order regime in May 1998

may not be applied to the HSM situation in Somalia because of the difference on the two

contexts .

1.7.2 Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in the Horn of Africa Countries in the HOA have been found to have favorable conditions aiding the growth of

revolutionary movements . These include the institutional weaknesses of the states in the region

and the corruption and infighting among leaders of these countries, factors which enable Salafi

Jihadists to move, recruit, plan and organize their activities without being noticed . Of high

importance, the weak governments, absence of proper checks done by normal functioning

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governments, coupled with political and social disorder, creates a lethal recipe for the

revolutionary activities carried out by HSM.

Various reasons have been advanced for the growth of these movements in Somalia

including the absence of a functioning government since the overthrow of the president

Mohamed Siyad Barre in 1991 . Ali (2008a, 2008b) and Rabasa (2009b) report that the internal

conflicts in the country have destroyed much of the infrastructure and this, coupled with clan

rivalries, are among the major contributing factors to insecurity which offers fertile breeding

ground to Salafist Revolutionary Movements . The physical environment in the country, has also

been cited as a contributing factor to the retardation of economic growth, leaving the inhabitants

with little choices of livelihoods and therefore easily exploited by those in revolutionary

movements . De Waal (2004), on the other hand, cites the confrontations in neighboring states

like Sudan, Egypt, Palestine, and other Asian countries as a contributing factor to the rise in

incidences of political Islam . These studies however do not give an in depth analysis of these

revolutionary movements.

Even though revolutionary movements and terrorist activities have been reported in

Kenya , Salafi Jihadists in the country are believed to be few . The country has variously been

referred to as being used as a base for these activities and that the relative stability, effectiveness

and democracy of the Kenyan government make it impossible for the Salafis to evolve into

revolutionary groups . There are some factors in the country however which enable those

engaging in revolutionary activities to use the country as a base. The country’s advanced

economy, a functioning sovereign government which limits freedom of Western intelligence and

counter-terrorism units are some of the reasons advanced for the presence of revolutionary

activities . In addition, its weak governance on security and criminal justice system is

9

discouraging those who might have relevant information on revolutionary activities from

providing it to the authorities as well as a dissatisfied Muslim community are among the reasons

given for possible use of the Kenya as a base for revolutionary groups . Further, studies indicate

that although most of these revolutionary activities go on in Somalia, some of these youths are

recruited from Kenya . Those recruiting concentrate on the Kenya-Somali border and in

Eastleigh estate in Nairobi which is predominantly inhabited by people of ethnic Somalis .

The kind of environment in Tanzania that provides support to revolutionary activities is

interestingly similar to Kenya’s because the two countries have large urban areas and are also

characterized with somewhat functional infrastructures and reasonably ordered societies,

characteristics which offer outsiders the anonymity and resources they need to build their

networks . In Tanzania however, revolutionary activities are not strong but there are fears that

the few existing in the country seek to recruit followers by taking advantage of the existing

suspicions between Christian and Muslim communities . The details of these groups and their

activities are however not well explored.

Pirio (2005) indicates that there was presence of revolutionary movements in Sudan in

early 1990s where the National Islamic Front (NIF) government of Sudan was accused of

harboring and abetting Islamic Salafis who backed Sudan’s strategy of Islamic expansionism .

The NIF was further accused of associating with al-Qaeda to undermine the governments of its

neighbors with the sole aim of bringing about an Islamist state ; . These studies, although

conducted in the HOA, do not give any links to the HSM.

Aside from the weakness of the states and the rampant corruption, it has been reported

that there exist numerous indigenous revolutionary Islamist groups in the region and some are

10

affiliated to al-Qaeda . Details of the grassroots’ support that these groups receive are not well

explored.

1.7.3 Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in Somalia The evolution and growth of Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements in Somalia

have been linked to Islam . Ali (2008a) reports a majority of Somalis to be moderate Sunni

Muslims with almost all of those involved in the Salafist Revolutionary movements professing

the Salafi - Wahhabi ideology that has been described as being very conservative and strict . The

introduction of the ideology to the country has been traced to migrants who went to the Gulf

states as well as students who graduated from Saudi Arabian universities . Ali (2008a) and

Rabasa (2009b) report that the ideology has evolved into revolutionary Islam with devastating

impacts . Some of the factors influencing the spread of this ideology in the country include the

recent Islamic revival, Islamic charitable institutions that provide relief and humanitarian

assistance and funding from the Islamic states such as Saudi Arabia that are influenced by these

ideologies . Rabasa’s study of Radical Islam in East Africa found that most missionary groups

funded by Saudi charities have been engaged in active propagation of a fundamentalist, Salafi

interpretation of Islam that, while not necessarily violent, function as a gateway to terrorism .

Religious institutions including madrassas as well as mosques in the Muslim world have also

been cited as receiving Saudi support that ranges from monetary assistance to provision of books

and scholarships . In addition, teachers and journalists have been reported to have also been

beneficiaries of Saudi funding as rewards for adhering to the Salafi – Wahhabi ideology . None

of these studies has however studied the extent of these factors in influencing the growth of the

HSM, particularly the contribution by religious institutions and the teachers and journalists.

11

In addition, although various studies have examined the recruitment of Salafist Islamists

in general, a lot of emphasis has been put on the socio-economic factors . And yet it must be

understood, that these socio-economic factors are not the only ones that come into play to

influence the growth of these movements in the region. Apart from the more than available

unemployed youth in Somalia, Kenya and other countries in the HOA, poverty, state collapse,

Islamist groups are said to also recruit through mosques and madrassas where the youth attend to

learn and master the Qur’an . It is said that young men are recruited to fight for Islamic militants

in Mogadishu and they are recruited from as far as Isiolo in Eastern Kenya, Eastleigh estate in

Nairobi, refugee camps as well from along the Kenya – Somalia border . It would therefore be

important to examine the other individual and religious factors supporting the growth of HSM in

Somalia. Salafist revolutionary movements pose an imminent threat to the achievement of social

and economic development, integration as well as to the social fabric, peace, stability and

security in Somalia and to the HOA countries, especially since they are said to be largely

influenced by jihadi movements . These jihadi movements are characterized by the fact that they

take opportunity of conflict or insurgent prone areas of the Islamic world to set base for their

operations and largely shape the existing situations to their advantage. Indeed a glimpse into the

history of these movements in Somalia indicates that they have thrived in times of conflict.

Menkhaus (2004) points out that the threat of terrorism in Somalia has largely arisen from the

absence of law and order . He further states that the lawlessness and the crises continue because

of a weak Transitional Federal Government that is unable to contain the revolutionary

movements . This statement is echoed by other scholars, who advocate for concerted effort if the

Transnational Salafist Revolutionary Movements operating in the country are to be contained

Focusing on these movements, specifically the HSM is therefore timely.

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Although the emergence of Salafist Revolutionary Movements in the country has been

reported from early 1960s, little is known about their evolution into other groups and the factors

aiding this evolution. The Al Itihaad Al Islami (AIAI), for instance, has been reported to have

emerged and rose to prominence in the 1980s but its influence peaked in 1992 . It is said to have

evolved from Somalia’s religious organization, the Al-Ahli in the early 1970’s and came to be

known as the most militant Islamist group and a major military force, following the collapse of

the Somali government in 1991 .

The movement is believed to have been established in the early 1980s through the merger

of Salafi groups that enjoyed popularity in Somalia in the 1970s, largely as a result of their

attempts to regain Somali land (Ogaden land of Ethiopia) believed to have been lost during

colonialism . Their attempts were also directed towards resistance against Siyad Barre’s

scientific socialism . However, its efforts were thwarted by the former Somali President

Mohamed Siyad Barre in the late 1970’s, thereby getting suppressed, only to resurface after the

overthrow of the president in 1991 . It is reported to be one of the widely discussed Islamist

groups from the Horn of Africa although its link and ties to the global jihadi movement, that is

al-Qaeda remain obscured, largely because of fluidity of organizational alliances in Somalia

making it difficult to formally confirm these ties . Scholars however establish the availability of

these ties . AIAI members are believed to have received weapons and training from al-Qaeda in

Afghanistan during the 1990s, in turn providing al-Qaeda with expanded influence

in Somalia and East Africa . Currently, although the group is defunct, its leadership remains

active in Somalia and does present a threat for further al-Qaeda influence in the country .

Various researchers also indicate that the AIAI is the foundation for other revolutionary

movements, including the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM) . 13

Another revolutionary movement in the country believed to have roots in the AIAI and

links with al-Qaeda is the Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations, an

offshoot of the radical wing of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) of Somalia, and the al-Qaeda

Organization in Sudan and Africa, responsible for the beheadings of prominent Sudanese

personalities . The Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations which later

evolved into the present day Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM) is believed to still have

links with al-Qaeda . However the information available about how this movement specifically

evolved and how it transformed from one movement to another and the causes for this evolution,

as well as the definite relationship with al-Qaeda remains limited. Further, little is known about

the support these and other organizations receive and whether they pose any threat to peace and

stability.

Given the foregoing background, it is important for a starting point that includes trying to

understand the structure and profile of the HSM and the support that it receives, helping it to

thrive.

1.8 Theoretical framework and Conceptual Framework1.8.1 Theory of Cultural Violence

This study will employ the use of theory of Cultural Violence. Cultural Violence as

proposed by Galtung (1990) is defined as any aspect of a culture that can be used to legitimize

violence in its direct or structural form . To Galtung, Cultural violence comprises aspects of

culture, the symbolic sphere of our existence, exemplified by religion and ideology, language

and art, empirical science and formal science that can be used to justify or legitimize direct or

structural violence. He further defines it as symbolic violence which is built into a culture and

14

does not kill or maim like direct violence or the violence built into the structure. He however

further notes that this violence is often used to legitimize either or both direct or indirect violence

. The various aspects of cultural violence are listed as including religion, ideology, language, art,

empirical science, formal science and cosmology.

Galtung argues that violence can start at any corner in the direct-structural-cultural

violence triangle and be easily transmitted to the other corners. With the violent structure

institutionalized and the violent culture internalized, direct violence also tends to become

institutionalized, repetitive and ritualistic, like a vendetta. The pattern of Transnationalist Salafist

Revolutionary Movements can be said to adhere to the theory of Cultural Violence and use

religion and ideology as the aspects of this violence. By using Islam and the Salafist ideology,

those engaging in this kind of violence justify their use of violence which, for HSM, includes

killing, bombing and forcing their subjects to adhere to some rules, for instance the insistence

that Somali people adhere to the Sharia law.

1.8.2 Conceptual model

The study will use a conceptual framework, alongside the theory because the theory will

not be able to explain all the factors contributing to the growth and sustenance of the HSM. This

conceptual framework has been derived from the foregoing literature review which indicates that

the growth and sustenance of Salafist Revolutionary Movements around the world is aided by

factors such as; Religious, Cultural and Ideological factors (Islamic Salafi ideology which

advocates terrorism or Jihad against perceived ‘enemies of Islam’) ; geographical factors, that is

the proximity to the Middle East countries supporting Salafism; Political factors-the inability of

15

governments to control revolutionary movements; Historical factors-some of these revolutionary

movements evolve from older revolutionary movements; and Individual factors where a person

may find it difficult to resist joining revolutionary movements because of religious, cultural and

economic factors. To understand the factors supporting the growth of the HSM in Somalia, the

study will employ this conceptual framework.

The Conceptual Model

16

Religion

Growth of Harakat al-

Shabaab Mujahideen

(HSM)

Threats on peace and stability

Individual factors

Political factors

Geographical factors

Historical factors

Ideological factors

Cultural factors

Source: Self

These factors do not work in isolation and are interrelated; combining to impact growth

and sustenance of the HSM in Somalia. This movement may also cause threats on peace and

stability in the country, the region and around the world

1.9 Research AssumptionsIn light of the literature reviewed and the conceptual framework outlined, the following

assumptions are advanced for the proposed research:

1. A combination of individual, ideological, historical, cultural, geographical, political and

religious factors impact the growth of the HSM in Somalia.

2. HSM activities impact security and peace nationally, regionally and internationally.

17

1.10 Methodology

1.10.1 Introduction This will present the study site, physical location, the political, geographic and economic

characteristics of Somalia and the total number of people to be interviewed. The section will

also describe the design that will guide the study, emphasizing on the methods of data collection

to be used, sampling design, and the methods to be used to analyze the findings. The expected

problems as well as the ethical considerations are also outlined.

1.10.2 Study site and populationThe study will be conducted in Somalia, and the focus will be on the Harakat al-Shabaab

Mujahideen revolutionary group (HSM) (see Appendix I: Map of Somalia). To understand the

factors supporting the growth of this group, the researcher will interview opinion leaders,

including Madrassa teachers, Imams, Sheikhs, former al-Shabaab members, imprisoned

members, and traders who are believed to be in a position to provide rich information regarding

the kind of support that this group receives its structure and its involvement in activities

threatening peace and stability nationally, regionally and internationally. In addition, some key

informant interviews from amongst community members will be conducted.

Those to be interviewed in this study will be drawn from among the opinion leaders

believed to have links with and supporting the HSM activities in Somalia or have a good

understanding of HSM’s activities. In addition, religious leaders to be recruited in the study will

have Academic Religious qualification from the Gulf region and other countries including as

Sudan and Pakistan. These people will be selected from Djibouti, Somalia (Somaliland-Hargeisa,

18

Puntland-Bosaaso and Mogadishu), Kenya (Nairobi and Garissa) and in Dubai. These are places

where those either supporting HSM’s activities or knowledgeable about these activities reside.

The researcher will use non-probability sampling, specifically snow ball sampling techniques to

select those to participate in the study. This will entail the researcher identifying a few

individuals who meet the criteria for inclusion in the study then asking them to identify other

individuals that also meet the criteria. Those to be interviewed will include: five Sheikhs; five

Madrassa teachers; two focus group discussions with youth recruited from the Madrassas; five

business leaders (those who have been trading or being in business in the past 10 years or beyond

in/around Somalia) will also be interviewed.

1.10.3 Study design Data to be used in this study will be gathered using non-survey methods of data

collection. The data will employ both primary and secondary methods. In the course of writing

this proposal, review of available literature has been undertaken. The sources of this data include

books, periodicals and journals focusing on revolutionary movements and HSM. The study will

continue to employ secondary reviews of literature. Primary data will be collected at the

qualitative level using primary informants and case studies. The case studies to be conducted will

focus on the profile, organization, structure and operation of the HSM. A list of Sheikhs,

Madrassa teachers, community members and business leaders believed to support and or

knowledgeable about HSM’s activities will be obtained from the researchers sources on the

ground. Their consent to participate in the study will be sought and also the researcher will use

non-probability sampling, specifically the snow ball technique of sampling in order to get

additional contacts to interview. Snow ball is a sampling technique for developing a research

sample where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances .

19

Thus the sample group appears to grow like a rolling snowball and as the sample builds up,

enough data is gathered to be useful for research. The study will employ the use of snow ball

technique of sampling because revealing one’s involvement in HSM activities may expose these

individuals and put them at risk of attacks from both fellow community members of security

forces.

1.10.4 Methods of Data CollectionInterviews

These consist of interviewing a number of purposively sampled and strategically selected,

knowledgeable individuals, representing different perspectives and categories (groups, positions,

functions with respect to project activities) which may provide the needed information on a given

issue or subject . Sheikhs, madrassa teachers, business leaders and opinion leaders will respond

to the interview. We will use interview schedules and focus group discussion guides (see

appendix II for interview guide and discussion guide).

Case study

This study will base its analysis on data compiled from the case study of the HSM. This

data will entail involve the structure, profile and growth of the HSM from available literature.

Focus group discussions

Four focus group discussions will also be employed from two youth groups consisting of

between 8 and 12 participants. These will be recruited through the Madrassas and community by

using snow ball sampling techniques to only identify those involved with HSM. (See appendix 2

for guide).

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Secondary sources

At the formulation stage, documentary materials such as journals, books and articles are

being used. Relevant literature on Revolutionary Movements, the HSM and the Salafist ideology

has been reviewed to provide background information for the study. The researcher will

continue to use relevant journals, books and articles in the course of the study.

Data Processing and Analysis

Data will be transcribed, by typing the notes into word files and translated from Somali

language into English and then imported into NUD*ST 6 software (QSR International Pty Ltd,

Australia) for coding. Analysis will be done using the grounded theory approach because the

researcher will first start by collecting data and then by coding the data and then grouping into

concepts and then categories or patterns that begin to emerge are then presented . The analysis

will involve the continual reading of the transcripts and investigation of the themes emerging

from the data for categories, linkages, and properties.

1.11 Chapter OutlineThe study will have the following chapters:

1. Chapter 1: Introduction, problem statement, definition of terms, objectives of the study and the scope and limitations of the study

2. Chapter 2: Literature review

3. Chapter 3: Methodology

4. Chapter 4: Study Findings

5. Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and recommendations

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1.12 References

1.13 Annex: Research guides

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i. Interview form for Community elders, business men and religious elders

Bio-data

Name: _________________________

Age: ____

Profession: ____

Age: ___

Locality/Current Address: ____________

Clan/Sub clan: ______________

Education: _________________

Introduction

1. When did you first come across/hear of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Please describe the precise manner/method of this contact?a. Tape cassetteb. Videoc. Internetd. Printed materiale. Sermon in the Mosquef. Member of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen

3. Please describe your first impressions of the HASMa. Positiveb. Negative

4. If your answer to question number 3, is a, please explain why?

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. If your answer to question number 3, is b, please explain why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Do the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen currently control the area you reside in?a. Yesb. No

7. Have the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen ever occupied/controlled the area you reside in?a. Yesb. No

8. What do you think are the objectives that the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen is fighting for?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Structure

1. Please outline what you know of the organizational structure of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2. Please describe what you know of the military organizational structure of Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Does the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen run social projects (education, relief, develop-ment etc projects)?a. Yesb. No

4. If your answer to question number 3, is Yes, please describe these projects and how and by whom they are managed.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Have you noticed changes in the organizational (political or military) structure of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?a. Yesb. No

6. If your answer to question number 5, is Yes, please describe these changes.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Profile

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1. In your opinion, what kinds of people are recruited into/join the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What in your opinion are the factors that push people to join the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. In your opinion, is there a difference in social background (family background, wealth, education, clan/sub clan origin) between the leadership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen and the lower ranking members of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?a. Yesb. No

4. If your answer to the earlier question is Yes, please describe to the interviewer the differ-ences in social background, you have perceived. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. In your opinion, are the membership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen, dedicated to their cause?a. Yesb. No

6. In your opinion, is the membership and leadership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen, disciplined?

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a. Yesb. No

7. If your answer to both or either questions 5 and 6, is Yes, please elaborate on what ex-plains this in your opinion.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Support

1. Reports from areas that the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen control seem to suggest that they often possess a degree of local support and legitimacy. Which of the following factors in your opinion, may explain this.a. Their application of Sharia lawb. The discipline and good manners of the Harakat al-Shhabab Mujahideen fightersc. Disillusionment with the behaviour of warlords and their troopsd. The success of the Harakat al-Shhabab Mujahideen in establishing a degree of law

and ordere. Other________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. If your answer to questions 6 or 7 in the introduction section of the interview is Yes, could you explain if the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen enjoyed the support of the people in the area you reside in?a. Yesb. No

3. If your answer to the earlier question is Yes, please elaborate on the reasons why people supported the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. If your answer to the earlier question (question number 2) is No, please explain the reas-ons that people did not support the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank You

ii. Interview form for Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen prisoners/defectors

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Bio-data

Name: _________________________

Age: ____

Profession: ____

Age: ___


Clan/Sub clan: ______________

Education: _________________

Introduction

1. When did you join the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen?_______________________________________________________________

2. How did you first hear of the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen?a. Tape cassetteb. Videoc. Internetd. Printed materiale. Sermon in the Mosquef. Member of the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideeng. Other________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________Please describe this in detail

3. Please describe the reasons that led you to join the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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4. For how long did you serve with the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen?_______________________________________________________________

5. Please describe your duties and responsibilities, while you were part of the organization?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. In your opinion, what are the objectives that the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen is fight-ing for?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Why did you leave the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen (Question only applicable to de-fectors from the Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen)?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Structure

7. Please outline what you know of the organizational structure of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Please describe what you know of the military organizational structure of Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Does the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen run social projects (education, relief, develop-ment etc projects)?c. Yesd. No

10. If your answer to question number 3, is Yes, please describe these projects and how and by whom they are managed.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Have you noticed changes in the organizational (political or military) structure of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?c. Yesd. No


31

Profile

8. In your opinion, what kind of people are recruited into/join the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


10. In your opinion, is there a difference in social background (family background, wealth, education, clan/sub clan origin) between the leadership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen and the lower ranking members of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?c. Yesd. No


12. In your opinion, is the membership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen dedicated to their cause?c. Yesd. No

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13. In your opinion, are the membership and leadership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen, disciplined?c. Yesd. No


15. There are often reports in the media that foreign Jihadists (non-Somali) play an important role in the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen. Is this true in your opinion?a. Yesb. No

16. If your answer to the earlier question is a, Yes, please describe the role and functions of the foreign born Jihadists in the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Support

5. Reports from areas that the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen control seem to suggest that they often possess a degree of local support and legitimacy. Which of the following factors in your opinion, may explain this.f. Their application of Sharia lawg. The discipline and good manners of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen fightersh. Disillusionment with the behaviour of warlords and their troopsi. The success of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen in establishing a degree of law and

order

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j. Other___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Do local people in a region/locality under the control of the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen render material/moral support to the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?a. Yesb. No

7. If your answer to the earlier question is, a, Yes, then please describe the forms that this support may take.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Are you aware of instances where people in a region have become disillusioned with the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?a. Yesb. No

9. If your answer to the earlier question is, a, Yes, then please explain the reasons for this disillusionment with the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank You

34

iii. Interview Form for Members of the Security Forces engaged in the fight against the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen

Bio-data/Professional data

Name: _________________________

Age: ____

Profession: ____

Rank: ________

Age: ___


Clan/Sub clan: ______________

Education/Training: _________________

Introduction:

1. Please state which branch of the security forces you serve in?___________________________________________________________

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2. Please indicate your experience and length of service_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. In the course of your duties, have you (or the men under your command) ever engaged the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen in combat/interrogated members of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?a. Yesb. No

4. If your response to the earlier question is, a, Yes, then please indicate the locations and times.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. In your opinion, what is the nature of the threat posed by/how serious is the threat posed by the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. In your opinion, what are the strengths of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. In your opinion, what are the weaknesses of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?

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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Structure

13. If you are willing, please outline to the interviewer, what you know of the organizational structure of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. If you are willing and also informed, please describe to the interviewer what you know of the military organizational structure of Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. Does the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen run social projects (education, relief, develop-ment etc projects)?e. Yesf. No

16. If your answer to question number 3, is Yes, please describe these projects and how and by whom they are managed.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Have you noticed changes in the organizational (political or military) structure of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?e. Yesf. No


Profile

17. In your opinion, what kind of people are recruited into/join the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


19. In your opinion, is there a difference in social background (family background, wealth, education, clan/sub clan origin) between the leadership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mu-jahideen and the lower ranking members of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?e. Yes

38

f. No


21. In your opinion, is the membership of the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen, dedicated to their cause?e. Yesf. No

22. In your opinion, are the membership and leadership of the Harakat al-Shhabab Mu-jahideen, disciplined?e. Yesf. No


Support

10. Reports from areas that the Harakat al-Shhabab Mujahideen control seem to suggest that they often possess a degree of local support and legitimacy. Which of the following factors in your opinion, may explain this.k. Their application of Sharia lawl. The discipline and good manners of the Harakat al-Shhabab Mujahideen fighters

39

m. Disillusionment with the behaviour of warlords and their troopsn. The success of the Harakat al-Shhabab Mujahideen in establishing a degree of law

and ordero. Other________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. If your answer to questions 6 or 7 in the introduction section of the interview is Yes, could you explain if the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen enjoyed the support of the people in the area you reside in?c. Yesd. No

12. If your answer to the earlier question is Yes, please elaborate on the reasons why people supported the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. If your answer to the earlier question (question number 2) is No, please explain the reas-ons that people did not support the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tactics & Techniques Against the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen

1. Based on your experiences and analysis, what are the weaknesses and gaps on the part of the government, the security forces and larger society, that have allowed the Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen to flourish?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Again what would be your recommendations/suggestions regarding strategy, policies and tactics that if implemented would lead to success against Harakat al-Shabab Mujahideen?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you

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