We have a collective responsibility to silence terrorism

To those who continue to mention and inadvertently promote Al-Shabab, I implore you to reconsider your actions. With every word spoken, every article written, and every social media post shared about this terror group, you breathe life into an entity that deserves nothing but our collective silence and contempt.

Let us be clear: Al-Shabab is the paramount enemy of the Somali people, both within our borders and in the diaspora. Their reign of terror has left no Somali untouched by their treachery and harm. The devastation they've wrought upon our nation is immeasurable.

Thousands of innocent children have been orphaned, countless mothers have been widowed, and robbed of their husbands and providers, families have been left destitute, their breadwinners and leaders mercilessly slaughtered. Our youth, the very future of Somalia, have been massacred in the thousands, educated individuals, the pillars of our society, have been systematically eliminated and the properties and livelihoods of thousands of Somali citizens lie in ruins.

Yet, some among us continue to speak of Al-Shabab as if they were a legitimate entity deserving of our attention. Why? This group comprises individuals who may look Somali but lack any semblance of religious, humane, or human compassion and do not deserve a moment of our consideration. They kill their own people without remorse and glorify suicide bombing actions that no true Muslim or Somali would ever condone.

What's more, Al-Shabab now cowers in fear. The government's offensive has left them paranoid and anxious, afraid even of their own shadows. They've banned modern technology in areas they control, a clear sign of their desperation and terror. These are not the actions of a strong, confident group, but of one on the brink of collapse.

Why do we persist in giving voice to the cowards? Why amplify the message of an enemy that wishes nothing but harm upon our loved ones? It's time to recognise that Al-Shabab's era is over. Their relevance wanes with each passing day, yet some of us inadvertently prop them up through continued discourse.

Those who still speak of Al-Shabab, whether out of habit, misguided curiosity, or a misplaced sense of journalistic duty, must be urged to stop. Their words, no matter how well-intentioned, serve only to inflate the perceived importance of a group that deserves to fade into obscurity.

Instead, let us rally behind our government and security forces in their mission to eradicate this menace once and for all. Our strength lies in unity, in our collective silence against terror, and in our shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous Somalia.

The time has come to turn the page on this dark chapter of our history. Let us deny Al-Shabab the oxygen of publicity they so desperately crave. By ceasing to speak of them, by refusing to engage in discourse about their actions, we strip them of their power to instil fear.

Let us speak instead of hope, of rebuilding, of the bright future that awaits us when we stand united against those who seek to divide us. The power to silence Al-Shabab lies not just in military might, but in our collective will to deny them a place in our national conversation.

Let us be the ones to write the final chapter by refusing to speak their name any longer. Our silence will be their ultimate defeat.