Somali elder apologizes for sympathizing with Al-Shabaab
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Staff reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 01-12-2021, 09:10AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - A senior Somali elder has tendered an unconditional apology to the government and citizens of Somalia, hours after he was quoted sympathizing with Al-Shabaab militants, who have wreaked havoc in the struggling Horn of Africa nation.
Burmadow apologized on Tuesday following condemnation from across the world, after he seemed to stand with former Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Godane, who was killed in an airstrike launched by the US Africa Command team.
In his viral remarks, Burmadow was quoted arguing that “despite all this, May God rest Godane’s soul [Former Al-Shabaab leader]. He added in reference to the slain leader: "We may have different ideas, but we share the same tribe."
The traditional elder also poked holes into the current administration of Farmaajo, arguing that: "There are two governments in Somalia and one is run by Al-Shabaab and the Mogadishu-based administration.
But in a quick turnout of events, Burmadow said he regrets the comment, adding that it was a “joke”. Further, he sent his condolences to the victims of the Al-Shabaab attacks. The group killed thousands of people mainly senior government officials, security forces, and innocent civilians.
For decades, Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed Somalia administration. However, their attempts have been resisted by the resilient Somali National Army [SNA] and the allied forces led by the African Union Mission Forces [AMISOM].
Before tendering his apology, Burmadow was a wanted man since Ali Yare, Mogadishu Deputy Mayor had moved to court seeking a warrant of arrest against the elder. In Somalia, elders are quite respected and their negative utterances can cause discomfort.
The US killed Godan in Sep 2014 and since then, it has been pushing to capture the current leader Ahmed Omar Abu Ubaidah and his deputy Mahad Karate, who is still at large. The group can still conduct small to large-scale sporadic attacks in Somalia and across the border.
GAROWE ONLINE
