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Somalia welcomes Al-Shabaab fighters surrendering under amnesty

Somali security forces listen to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his tour of military training bases in Mogadishu on April 15, 2024, ahead of their deployment to the frontlines in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. (Photo: Villa Somalia)

By Hanifa Adan | 27 Apr 2024

In recent weeks, more than 100 militants have laid down their arms and surrendered to authorities across regions including Galmudug, Hirshabeelle, South West State, Jubaland, and Mogadishu.

Somalia has announced its support and welcome to former militants and their leaders who have left the Al-Shabaab group and surrendered.

This follows a public amnesty offer by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, targeting individuals misled by the terrorist organisation.

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In recent weeks, more than 100 militants have laid down their arms and surrendered to authorities across regions including Galmudug, Hirshabeelle, South West State, Jubaland, and Mogadishu. They are now engaging in government-led rehabilitation programmes designed to reintegrate them into society.

"The Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the militants and leaders who are defecting from the ranks of the Khawarij and surrendering to the government following the pardon extended by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to anyone misled by the enemy and wishing to return peacefully to their people," read the statement

The Somali government encouraged the youth to take advantage of the opportunity and praised parents for the role they play in keeping their children from joining the terror group.

It says that they have received a warm welcome and care from their government and have also been saved from the dangers planned for them by the militant group.

It also warns those who refuse to take advantage of the opportunity.

"The Somali government is committed to the eradication of the Al-Shabaab, and those who resist taking advantage of this opportunity will face justice and will follow the path taken by those before them, who ended up in the hands of security and justice agencies."

Some 107 Al Shabab fighters surrendered to government forces in Somalia between July and August last year in the Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Southwest and Jubaland states.

President Hassan had called on young, "brainwashed" Al-Shabaab fighters to surrender to the government amid military offensives against the group.

A report by the European Union Agency for Asylum says the process of disengaging and leaving the Al-Shabaab group can be formal or informal, depending on what is available.

The formal pathway entails contact with Somali authorities at one stage or another and implies going through government-held processes, while the informal one takes place without the involvement of the Somali government authorities and their knowledge.