Somalia: Puntland VP blames Mogadishu for freeing al-Shabaab prisoners

GAROWE, Puntland- The Vice President of semi-autonomous region of Puntland, Abdihakihm Abdulahi Omar “Aamy” has accused a local organization called Elman Peace based in the capital Mogadishu for releasing al-Shabaab prisoners transferred from Puntland last year, Garowe Online reports.

The freed al-Shabaab prisoners are minor boys who were captured in Suuj and Garaad counteroffensives in Puntland region in last year.

VP aamy said the prisoners were transferred to Elman Peace center in Mogadishu for rehabilitation programs but were unlawfully released and were captured again in battle fields.

“We will hold the Human Rights organization in Mogadishu accountable in this matter. We are going to place the captured minors in the battle fields in rehabilitation centers in Puntland,” said Aamy.

This comes following a meeting with the head of Human Rights organization, Bahame Tom in the Presidential Palace in Garowe city on Monday.

Vice President announced that rehabilitation centers are operational in Puntland and can implement de-radicalization programs for minors linked to al-Shabaab group.

Recently, a rehabilitation center was opened in Garowe city, and was set up by Puntland President’s close allies, according to close sources. However, residents in the city have expressed concerns to the location of the complex in the neighborhood, saying it poses a security risks to the people living in the area.

Last year, UN monitoring group on Somalia and Eretria has slammed Puntland administration for implementing “catch-and-release” policy, where detained suspects are set free, despite credible evidence of ties to al-Shabaab militant group.

GAROWEONLINE