Somalia: Puntland grants renewed amnesty for Al Shabaab defectors

GAROWE, Somalia, August 2, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has renewed amnesty offer for Al Shabaab defectors, admitting that terrorism harmed the state’s security, Garowe Online reports.

In what appears to be ultimatum, Puntland leader has given youths fighting alongside Al Shabaab terror group the last chance, dubbed ’30 days’ later by which the government will revive the military campaign against militants.

“The indoctrinated Al Shabaab [fighters] have thirty days to hand themselves in and this is the last chance,” Ali said during a well-organized ceremony held for the commemoration of Puntland’s founding Day.

He called on Puntland security agencies to streamline the amnesty offer for those who are willing to take advantage of.

In January 2014, Puntland president has announced a 30-day amnesty period and advised fighters planning to desert to turn in within the days specified.

Puntland Defence Forces (PDFs) have been battling fighters from Al Qaeda-affiliated Al Shabaab group since mid-2010.

Militants intensified night raids, grenade attacks and guerrilla warfare in the terrorist hotbeds along Golis Mountain Ranges and in the rugged terrain, Galgala in early 2015.

As a result of intense military campaign by Somali government forces and African Union peacekeepers, militants are believed to have migrated northwards towards Puntland. 

GAROWE ONLINE