Mogadishu (AX) – The Somali government refuted claims circulating on social media about ongoing negotiations with the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab. This follows the cessation of military actions against the group a few months back.
National Security Adviser Hussein Moallim Mohamud clarified on X (previously Twitter) that talks with al-Shabab are not happening. He emphasized that President Mohamud has laid down specific conditions for any future discussions.
“They must break ties with international terror networks and acknowledge Somalia’s sovereignty. They should be prepared to pursue their political goals peacefully,” the adviser stated.
Two years prior, the Somali government pronounced an all-out war on al-Shabab. This campaign ignited when citizens in the Hiiraan region banded together against the group, with the government eventually leading the charge.
Though joint forces face obstacles, some key figures and security specialists have advocated for dialogue with al-Shabab. Recently, President Mohamud highlighted, at the Oslo Forum, that eventual negotiations with al-Shabab are inevitable. His comments triggered varied responses from politicians and security analysts.
Since 2007, al-Shabab has opposed the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a complex mission sanctioned by the African Union and mandated by the United Nations Security Council.
