Somalia is experiencing a rare moment of momentum in its fight against Al Shabaab. In just months the Somali National Army working alongside community based Maawiisley fighters has liberated nearly 40 villages and towns across Hirshabelle Galmudug and Jubaland. The recent gains have encouraged other clans to join the fight and even prompted Jubaland’s leadership to declare an offensive stance. The uprising has been fuelled by deep rural hardship after four failed rainy seasons destroyed livelihoods displaced over a million people and killed millions of livestock. Al Shabaab’s harsh taxation forced recruitment and blocking of aid have driven communities to take up arms. Yet history warns that military gains will fade without strong governance. Past recaptured areas often fell back to Al Shabaab due to clan rivalries and poor administration. The Hassan Sheikh administration now faces the challenge of securing liberated zones through lasting hold and build measures such as local policing functional courts road repair and health services.