Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Government of Somalia, has stated that the Al-Shabaab group is unwilling to engage in negotiations with the Somali Government.
Responding to questions posed to him, President Hassan Sheikh said that the government has made several attempts to initiate dialogue with Al-Shabaab, extending offers of negotiation, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.
“These people are not open to dialogue. As the President of the Somali Government, I have repeatedly offered amnesty, declaring that they are pardoned, and this offer of pardon remains open,” President Hassan Sheikh stated.
He further emphasized that there is no reason for the government to reject talks with Al-Shabaab. The aim of these talks would be to halt the violent acts committed by the group and any potential retaliatory actions by the government.
Hassan Sheikh clarified that his government welcomes anyone who chooses to disassociate themselves from Al-Shabaab’s principles. He pledged that the government will uphold the rights of these individuals in the same way it does for other citizens.
The President defended the decision to appoint individuals who have defected from Al-Shabaab to government positions. He explained that many among Al-Shabaab are victims of indoctrination and oppression they have endured.
