Mukhtar Robow: I'll die in Somalia, I can't go to exile

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Al-Shabaab Deputy Leader Mukhtar Robow has insisted that he doesn't have plans to go to exile from Somalia, adding that he rather dies in the country than seek political asylum in a foreign nation.

Robow has been in detention since 2018 following ugly clashes between his supporters and government forces at Baidoa where he was planning to run for a regional presidency. He had declared intentions to run for regional presidency just after quitting Al-Shabaab.

In an interview with Voice of America Somali Service, Robow admitted that the government has never engaged him in detention or at least highlight the reasons behind his prolonged incarceration which has triggered heated debate in Somalia.

Robow said he received a message through his traditional elder who told him the government would send him to an unnamed country if he were willing to take the opportunity. Abu Mansour said he rejected the proposition.

“I will not go into exile; this is where I was born, and I will die here.”

Qatar is the only country that has agreed to accept high-profile al-Shabab defectors so far. In February 2016, Qatar agreed to give asylum to Mohamed Said Atom, a former commander of Al-Shabab in the Galgala Mountains of Puntland, following his defection.

In his interview with VOA, Abu Mansour condemned the militant group for targeting civilians and carrying out unlawful killings, including religious scholars.

“I left al-Shabab because of differences over credence,” he said.

Asked if he regrets becoming a member of al-Shabab, Abu Mansour said he did not become involved in "plots" while in the militant group.

“Whatever the mistakes I made I repent to Allah; no one is forcing me to say that, but I don’t regret whatever the good things I have done.”In June 2017, the United States withdrew its $5 million reward offer for the capture of Abu Mansour.

He insisted the government arrested him having realized that he was about to win the Southwest presidency. During the bloody clashes, at least 11 people were killed by Somali National Army and AMISOM troops from Ethiopia National Defense Forces [ENDF].

GAROWE ONLINE