Hiiraan Online
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Former al Shabaab leader Mukhtar Robow Abu Mansur arrives for a news conference in Mogadishu, Somalia August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Feisal Omar Reuters
Mogadishu (HOL) - The United States government has said it commends Somalia and supports its approach in facilitating the defection of high-level Al-Shabaab members.
In a Press Statement, released on Wednesday, the United States Mission in Somalia said that it backs Somalia in its efforts to reduce Al-Shabaab’s strength in the region.
"The United States supports a Somali-led process of degrading al-Shabaab’s influence using a comprehensive approach, including through high-level defections, reconciliation, and improved governance and service delivery. "
On Tuesday, Mukhtar Robow, a founding member of Al-Shabaab denounced the Islamist militant insurgency group for their beliefs at a crowded press conference in Mogadishu saying that it was contrary to Islamic principles and hurt the country and it’s people.
"I left al Shabaab because of misunderstanding, and I disagreed with their beliefs which do not serve Islamic religion, Somalia and its citizens"
Although he did not take any questions, Robow did thank the Somali government for welcoming him.
"I thank the Federal Government of Somalia and its people for warmly welcoming me in Mogadishu, I hope that we will pursue a path of peace."
The US also called on the Somali government to create avenues to defection for members who want to rejoin society.
"The United States encourages the Somali government to continue to create pathways for al-Shabaab members to reject terrorism and join efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous country for al Somalis. "
You can read the full press release here