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Strategic Shift.. Somalia Becomes the Management Center for ISIS's Global Financial Network
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The rise of Abdulqadir Mumin in ISIS reveals a strategic shift in the organization's structure towards Africa as an operations center
Abdulqadir Mumin, the Somali leader distinguished by his orange henna-dyed beard, has emerged as the most powerful figure in ISIS, according to specialized analysts' assessments, despite not holding an official position in the organization's leadership.
While the organization claims its leader carries the name Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, observers doubt the existence of this personality, suggesting that Mumin is the actual manager of the organization from his position in Somalia.
Tor Hammings from the "International Centre for the Study of Extremism" explained that Mumin represents the most influential figure in ISIS's global network, indicating that his survival amid the elimination of leaders has given him a special status in the organization.
Experts reported that Somalia has transformed into an important financial center for the organization, where Mumin manages a funding network extending to Congo, Mozambique, South Africa, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
Mumin, born in Puntland, has a hardline background formed in Sweden and Britain, where he was known as an extremist preacher before joining Al-Shabaab, then defecting from it to join ISIS in 2015.
Analysts indicate that Mumin's increasing influence reflects a strategic shift in ISIS towards Africa, where the continent accounts for 90% of violent images reaching Europe, according to European intelligence sources.
The American magazine "CTC Sentinel" confirms that Mumin's position in the Horn of Africa has provided him protection from Middle Eastern turbulence and greater freedom of movement, comparing his leadership capabilities to Osama bin Laden's style in managing operation funding.
Levant-Agencies
