Mogadishu: In a significant development, 107 members of the militant group al-Shabab have surrendered to the Somali government. Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, the director of the National Center for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, announced this on Thursday, revealing that these militants had turned themselves in across four states: Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Southwest, and Jubaland.
The group of surrendering individuals comprises a diverse range, including young children who were radicalized, young adults, women, and even group commanders. They will be granted amnesty and subsequently taken through a rehabilitation process, as stated by the director during a press briefing in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Nor encouraged other al-Shabab fighters who are contemplating defection from the group to take a similar path, assuring them of a warm reception from the government. This move reflects the government’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He pointed to two key factors contributing to the increasing number of al-Shabab members surrendering to the government. Firstly, the pressure of ongoing offensive operations within the country has compelled some to seek an exit from the militant group. Secondly, many are taking advantage of the president’s amnesty offer, seeing it as an opportunity to disengage from al-Shabab’s ranks and reintegrate into society.
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