While many believe that a strong Somali military alone can defeat Al‑Shabaab, history shows most insurgencies end through negotiated settlements rather than outright military victory. Somalia’s conflict with Al‑Shabaab has reached a protracted stalemate, with neither side able to decisively win. The Somali government’s progress largely relies on international support from AMISOM and partners such as the US, UK, and Turkey, while Al‑Shabaab maintains the initiative in many areas. Al‑Shabaab’s resilience stems from three pillars: popular support (coerced or voluntary), significant financial resources, and access to weapons and explosives. Weakening the group requires disrupting these pillars. Strategies include supporting dissident clans, encouraging defections, denying access to population centres, freezing bank accounts, targeting revenue streams, and dismantling IED supply chains. Military measures such as high‑value target operations, reinforcing liberated areas, and forcing Al‑Shabaab to fight on multiple fronts could also degrade its capabilities.