Saturday June 24, 2023
Dhuusamareeb (HOL) - The Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) movement
in Guriel town, Galmudug state, has vowed to support the second phase of the
federal government's anti-al-Shabab operation.
Deputy Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Salah
Sheikh Ali, visited the town on Friday. Speaking at the welcoming event, a
prominent Sheikh stated that ASWJ, along with their militia and supporters, is
prepared to assist the government in its fight against Al-Shabaab. He urged the
government to recognize ASWJ's role in nation-building.
Another religious scholar expressed confidence in the Somali
government-led operations, emphasizing ASWJ's readiness to contribute.
Deputy Minister Salah Sheikh Ali underscored that ASWJ's
message would be conveyed to federal government leaders, highlighting that the
second phase of the operation would begin soon.
ASWJ, a moderate Sufi sect, had previously aided Somali
government troops in their battle against the extremist group Al-Shabaab. They
had temporarily reached a power-sharing agreement with the Somali government.
However, conflicts arose due to disputes over ASWJ's representation at the
local, state, and national government levels.
In October 2021, a clash between a moderate Islamist group
and Somali government troops over control of a town in central Somalia resulted
in the deaths of at least 20 people and left over 40 injured.