'It was either killed or be killed' - ongoing nightmares of an ex-child soldier in Somalia
Summary
Yusuf Ali, now 34, was forced to become a child soldier during the conflict in Somalia over 15 years ago. He fought as part of a militant group against Ethiopian forces in Mogadishu, and the psychological effects of that time still affect him. Many people in Somalia who experienced the war continue to suffer, but there are few resources to help them.Key Facts
- In 2006, a group called the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) took control of Mogadishu, offering some stability amid clan warfare.
- The UIC was linked to a young military wing named al-Shabab, which was accused by the US of ties to al-Qaeda.
- In late 2006, thousands of Ethiopian troops entered Somalia with US drone support to remove the UIC from power.
- The Ethiopian intervention was deeply unpopular and faced strong resistance from al-Shabab and allied groups called Muqawama ("Resistance").
- Yusuf Ali lost his father as a child during a major battle involving Somali and US forces in Mogadishu.
- At 14, Ali experienced intense urban fighting, including heavy shelling, which forced him and many others to flee to refugee areas.
- Influenced by calls to defend against foreign forces, Ali joined the Muqawama fighters at age 16, receiving weapons training but no salary.
- Despite the end of major fighting, survivors like Ali still struggle with trauma and lack sufficient psychological support.
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