Somalia Says Door Remains Open to Talks with Al-Shabaab

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia has said it remains open to dialogue with Al-Shabaab if members of the armed group abandon its ideology, reject violence and accept a peaceful political process.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said there are currently no political contacts or negotiations between the government and Al-Shabaab, describing their relationship as one of armed conflict.

But he said the government would be prepared to consider dialogue if the group took a concrete step towards peace.

The prime minister pointed to former Al-Shabaab members and commanders who have since joined Somalia’s security forces and government institutions as evidence that those who leave the group can find a path back into society.

He said the government was also prepared to welcome others who renounce Al-Shabaab and abandon the armed struggle, with reintegration remaining an option for those willing to disengage from the conflict.

Any broader political dialogue, however, would depend on Al-Shabaab abandoning what the government describes as its extremist ideology and accepting Somalia’s state institutions and a peaceful political process, Mr Barre said.

The comments come as Somali forces continue military operations against Al-Shabaab, while the government is also maintaining programmes aimed at encouraging members of the group to defect and return to civilian life.

The remarks leave open the possibility of a political track alongside the military campaign, but the prime minister made clear that no such dialogue is currently taking place.