Aid workers are terrified of either being kidnapped or killed in the conflict, or prosecuted for aiding and abetting terrorism if they cooperate with al-Shabaab in order to operate in areas they control - something that will cost innocent Somali lives. It's time that the world starts talking to al-Shabab and makes clear that humanitarian and charity workers won't be prosecuted for working with the militants who have widespread grassroots support in parts of Somalia.
Al-Shabbab are a ruthless terrorist organisation dedicated to destroying Somalia, its people, and religion. It's time to declare an "all-out war" against them which will be sustained until every single region they control is liberated. Somalia only has one legitimate and internationally recognized government - these authorities cannot rest until al-Shabaab is destroyed.