No Talks Yet With Al-Shabaab, Somali Government Says
GOOBJOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: National Security Advisor Hussein sheikh Ali has dismissed claims that the Federal Government is on course to opening talks with the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Reacting to widespread reports in social media that the two sides would soon be meeting in Qatar for talks, Ali said there was no such thing and insisted that the government had already set conditions for the militant group if it is interested in dialogue.
“FGS is not in talks with al-Shabab (Al-Khawarij). The President has put forward clear conditions on this eventuality,” Ali said. He added that the Al-Shabaab, ‘must sever any link with global terror groups and accept Somalia’s territorial integrity. They must be willing to pursue their political agenda peacefully.’
Speaking at a public forum early this month in Oslo, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his government was ready for talks with Al-Shabaab but on condition that it ends its militant activities.
The Somali government is currently involved in a military campaign against Al-Shabaab particularly in the central regions. The campaign which began in mid-2022 has resulted in the recovery of several towns and villages.
However, Al-Shabaab still maintains a strong grip on territories in the central and southern parts of the country.