Hiiraan Online
Wednesday July 18, 2018
Somali Federal Government for the first time has held discussions with religious groups and urged them to take part in the fight against Al-Shabaab, who lately have increased the attacks against the government.
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire held a special meeting with some religious scholars to discuss their role in preventing radicalization and terrorism.
Sheikh Ali Wajis, who is one of the Somali religious scholars at the meeting, told the media that the meeting also shared information relating to the security situation in the country besides discussing the role of religious groups in the war against Al-Shabaab. "We had an important meeting with the Prime Minister, who explained the work the government was undertaking. We gave him some suggestions and agreed to work with the government” said Sheikh Wajis.
This is the first such step by the government to bring on board religious groups in the fight against the Al-Shabaab group.
Al-Shabab, a militatan group which wants to depose the internationally recognised Somali government has been fighting Somali forces backed by continental forces for a decade.
The terrorist group lost many towns in south and central Somalia after its fighters were defeated in many battles.