MOGADISHU — Somalia’s presidential envoy for countering extremist ideology on Thursday rejected reports that the federal government is holding secret negotiations with al-Shabab, calling the claims false and meant to mislead the public.
Aweys Mohamed Omar said the government has not entered discussions with the militant group and has no plans to do so. The rumors, which circulated widely on social media and in several local outlets, suggested informal contacts were underway. Omar said the reports were designed to erode public trust in the state’s ongoing military and ideological campaign against the group.
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He said Somalia’s position remains unchanged: dismantle extremist ideology, confront terrorist threats, and continue security and prevention operations nationwide. Omar warned that spreading unverified information risks sowing confusion and undermining the gains Somali forces and community partners have made in recent operations.
According to the envoy, those amplifying the rumors aim to disrupt security and distort progress in rebuilding national institutions and strengthening defense capabilities. He said the government and Somali citizens remain aligned in their objective to defeat al-Shabab and prevent the spread of violent extremism.
Omar added that security agencies and government ministries are working jointly to safeguard the country and counter ideologies that threaten state-building efforts. The government has long insisted that al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate responsible for attacks across Somalia for more than 15 years, must be confronted through sustained military pressure, ideological resistance, and financial disruption rather than negotiation.
The denial comes amid heightened sensitivity to disinformation around security operations. Officials say inaccurate claims can embolden militant propaganda, complicate coordination with local communities, and distract from the focus of ongoing offensives. Omar urged the public to rely on verified information and support efforts that reinforce security and social resilience.
Thursday’s statement underscores the administration’s attempt to keep a unified public message as it presses a multi-pronged campaign against al-Shabab. Authorities have emphasized that military actions are paired with efforts to disrupt financing and recruitment networks, as well as community-based programs aimed at countering extremist narratives and strengthening local governance.
While rumors of back-channel contacts periodically surface in conflict environments, Somali officials reiterated that any suggestion of talks with al-Shabab contradicts stated policy. The envoy’s remarks sought to close off speculation and reaffirm the government’s strategy: apply pressure on the battlefield, degrade the group’s economic lifelines, and counter its ideology through coordinated national institutions and community partners.
Authorities did not identify the origin of the reports but said their spread highlights the need for caution in sharing unverified claims online. Omar said the government would continue to communicate developments in the security arena and urged citizens to remain engaged in efforts to protect communities and consolidate recent gains.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
