The Shabab, an offshoot of Al Qaeda, regularly challenges the central government’s rule with acts of terrorism. Political figures close to the president deny that any such agreement was reached. That vote, taken without consulting Mr. Mohamed, prompted the conflict between the president and the speaker, and soured relations with the Emiratis. Officials in the Emirates and in Somaliland have said they will ignore the vote and proceed with the deal, exacerbating the power struggle. Experts said that the Shabab, which has strongholds just outside the capital, benefited from — and contributed to — that power struggle.

Source: New York Times April 09, 2018 12:11 UTC