A well-known pro-government traditional elder in Somalia capital of Mogadishu Ahmed Dirie Ali has on Monday called for the Islamist fighters of Al-Shabab to surrender to the government troops.
“I suggest for Al-Shabab leaders and their Somali fighters to surrender to the transitional government of Somalia in order to save their lives.” Ahmed Dirie who is also the spokesman of Hawiye clan elders.
Mr. Dirie who was addressing at a meeting in Mogadishu hotel said that the elders will host if the Somali native fighters of Al-Shabab members allow surrender as he called for the foreign fighters inside Somalia to move from the country.
“Al-Shabab officials must recognize that they were defeated and put down the weapons.” the elder proceeded.
Local elders mostly against Al-Shabab behavior on civilians were simultaneously urging the Islamist groups who are battling against the Somali government and the African Union Peacekeeping troops to stop their fights and come to the negotiation table but this time the elders suggest the Islamist should take their defeat and discontinue fighting.