The administration of Southwest state has started talks with Al-Shabab officials, making the state the first to open negotiation with the group.
Mr. Nuradiin Yussuf Abukar, the state’s spokesperson said Southwest State is engaging in talks with Al-Shabab officials following the extension of amnesty to the fighters by President Farmajo.
“There are ongoing negotiations between Southwest state and high rank Al-Shabab officials who want to denounce the violence,” said Abukar.
The spokesman confirmed the defection of several Al-shabab commanders following fruitful negotiations adding that there are a number of fighters who were convinced to put down arms.
“Indeed you always hear that there is militia, who always defect to the Southwest administration, therefore that comes as a result of Southwest state’s efforts to entice the fighters,” said Mr Abukar.
“Among the defectors who benefited from the talks, is Adow Moalim Issack and his fighters who surrendered to the administration recently,” he added.
Issack who was senior Al-Shabab explosives expert had surrendered to the authorities in Bakool region on Sunday.
Issack told military interrogators that last year’s truck bomb in Mogadishu was the key factor that influenced his decision to defect to the government, according to the state owned media.
Discussion about this post