SUMMARY

Ma'awisley was an armed group active in Somalia. Ma'awisley was formed by a group of nomadic herders to defend themselves, their land, and livestock against Al-Shabaab, as well as to fight against Al-Shabaab's rule in their region in 2018. The group operated in Middle Shabelle, Hiran, and Lower Shabelle regions.

Under the leadership of Hibad Ali Dasar, local communities around the Adan Yabal district in Middle Shabelle region mobilized themsleves and declared war against Al-Shabaab. At this time, Al-Shabaab was imposing zakat to the locals and forcefully recruiting the youth. Hibad Ali Dasar died during the clashes against Al-Shabaab on 29 September 2018.

In October 2018, the government of Somalia announced that the Somali National Army (SNA) will provide military support to Ma'awisley group in their war against Al-Shabaab. There have been few instances that Ma'awisley fought against the government of Somalia, but the reasons of these clashes remain unclear.