Key statistics

1995
First Recorded Activity

First Attack
2025
Profile Last Updated

How to Cite

Crenshaw, M., & Robinson, K. (2025). Mapping Militants Project. Rice University. https://doi.org/10.25613/G0K4-WF70
Mapping Militants Project. “Rahanwein Resistance Army .” Last modified July 31, 2025. https://mappingmilitants.org/node/3012/

Profile Contents

Narrative

Narrative of the Organization's History

Organization

Leadership, Name Changes, Size Estimates, Resources, Geographic Locations

Strategy

Ideology, Aims, Political Activities, Targets, and Tactics

Interactions

Foreign Designations and Listings, Community Relations, Relations with Other Groups, State Sponsors and External Influences

Maps

Mapping relationships with other militant groups over time in regional maps

Main Tabs Group

Overview
Formed: 
January 1, 1995

The Rahanwein Resistance Army was formed in 1995 and the group’s initial aim was to resist General Muhammad Farah Aidid during the period of civil war following the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime. After the fall of Aidid and the USC, the group aimed to establish its own autonomous state in southwestern Somalia. In 2002, the group controlled the Bay and Bakol regions and established an administration in the regions. However, it later joined the Transitional Federal Government, a move that granted the Somali government control over territory that the RRA used to manage.  The RRA is now part of the resistance against Al Shabaab. 

Organization

Vertical Tabs

Strategy

Vertical Tabs

Interactions

Vertical Tabs