​Somalia: Mukhtar Robow renounces violence, quits Al shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Al shabaab deputy leader and spokesman, Sheikh Mukhtar Ronow Ali known as "Abu Mansur" has announced on Tuesday he has quit the Al Qaeda-linked group, and renounced violence, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking to the media in Mogadishu, Robow said he left Al shabab nearly 6 years ago after falling out with the group over ideological differences that does not serve Islamic religion, people and the country.

“I would like to tell the people of Somalia and the International community at large, that I deserted Al shabaab five years and seven months ago after ideological diversity and creed-based disagreement," said Robow during the press conference.

Lastly, Robow, who co-founded Al shabaab leader has thanked the Federal government of Somalia, the people and international community for their warm welcome as he arrived in Mogadishu.

The leader has surrendered to Somali forces in Hudur town, the regional capital of Bakol last Sunday in a surprise move that could weaken the militant group fighting to topple UN-backed Federal government.

He arrived in Mogadishu by special plane on Sunday afternoon from Hudur, along with Somalia's Minister of defence Abdirashin Abdullahi Mohamed, and other high-ranking government officials. 

For the past four years, Robow  who once had a $ 5 million U.S. bounty on his head had been on the run from his former fellow militants, and set up a base in his hometown Abal area, in southwest Somalia.

After his defection, Al shabaab has launched multiple attacks trying execute or capture Robow.

The U.S. has in June canceled a $5 million reward offered Robow's capture that is believed to have helped convince the leader to give himself up smoothly to the Somali government, following months of indirect negotiations.

GAROWEONLINE