File Photo/Somali Times
Somalia’s corrupt President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has said for the first time that Somalia is not in a position to negotiate with al-Shabab, but is opening its doors to Al-Shabab members. He also said that the government will eventually negotiate with extremist groups, especially Al-Shabaab, which is strong in Somalia, in order to end the conflict peacefully.
“The government is opening the door for al-Shabab members who want to stay away from violence and extremist ideology,” he said.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
The corrupt president also said that the government wants to confront Al-Shabab in three ways: military, ideological and economic. He said security was a top priority, noting that the government wanted to implement social and political reconciliation, including a unified constitution and institution building.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud Al-Shabab is believed to have become heavily integrated into government institutions, particularly security forces, Sources say Somali spy chief Mahad Salad is a member of Al-Shabab terror network and he is behind the idea of Hassan Sheikh to hold talks with Al-Shabab.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud said that Al-Shabab today collects more taxes than the government, which has established a system of government within the federal government, which he described as unfortunate.