Somali security agencies are investigating reports suggesting that Nageye Ali Khalif, a poet, media trainer, and lecturer at the Somali National University, may have defected to the al-Shabab militant group.
An anonymous security official revealed that Khalif has been absent from his home for five days, during which time his phones have been switched off. The official further stated that an official report regarding his status would be issued in due course.
The Somali National University, where Khalif served as a lecturer, declined to comment on the situation regarding Nageye. The militant group has also refrained from addressing the matter.
Security analysts have pointed out that Khalif had admired al-Shabab ideology in his recently published book, “Dibadwareeg.” In this book, Khalif mentioned visiting areas controlled by al-Shabab, where he claimed to have been warmly received.
