Al-Shabaab operates as a parallel government across large parts of south-central Somalia. Forced recruitment constitutes persecution under the 1951 Refugee Convention for those who refuse or escape conscription. Claims based on refusal of recruitment, escape from Al-Shabaab, or fear of forced conscription deserve serious and careful consideration.
Al-Shabaab recruits both children and adults through coercion, clan pressure, and taxation-linked conscription demands. Those who have previously refused or escaped face ongoing risk of retribution. Expert witnesses assess whether the area of origin is under Al-Shabaab control or influence, recruitment practices in that area, and whether internal relocation provides viable protection from Al-Shabaab reach.
MOJ's general finding that there is no real risk of Al-Shabaab forced recruitment for ordinary Mogadishu civilians is disputed for areas outside Mogadishu and for profiles with prior refusal or escape history. Expert reports address the tension between MOJ and current field conditions in 2025-2026.
Forced recruitment risk
MOJ [2014] held no real risk of Al-Shabaab forced recruitment for ordinary Mogadishu civilians, but this is disputed for areas outside Mogadishu where recruitment pressure remains high. Expert evidence must address current territorial control and the appellant's age, clan profile, and area of origin.
Related Case Types
Frequently Asked Questions
Does forced recruitment by Al-Shabaab constitute persecution?
Al-Shabaab forced recruitment constitutes persecution under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Claims based on refusal of recruitment, escape from Al-Shabaab, or fear of forced conscription deserve serious and careful consideration. Al-Shabaab is not just an armed group but operates as a parallel government across large parts of south-central Somalia.
What is the expert's role in forced recruitment claims?
Somalia expert witnesses assess: whether the area of origin is under Al-Shabaab control or influence; Al-Shabaab's recruitment practices in that area; the risk to those who have previously refused or escaped; and whether internal relocation provides viable protection from Al-Shabaab reach.