Somalia: Govt withdraws support for ex-al-shabab leader running for office

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali government has announced Friday decision barring former Al-Shabaab deputy leader, Mukhtar Robow from running for the leadership of the Southwest state, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement dated 4th October, the country's ministry of security said Robow is not eligible to hold a public office as he still remains under sanctions from the International community, including the Interpol and the US.

The move comes after the state-owned television channel, SNTV aired a report on the Al-Shabab defector's announcement of his candidacy for the regional presidency in Baidoa city on Thursday.

The ministry stated that Robow is not eligible to contest in the presidential election of Southwest regional administration, citing that he has not yet fully met conditions for lifting sanctions against him by the world.

"The Ministry of Security, in regard to the agreements reached with the International Community in the fight against terrorism, and respecting the right of citizen to run for public office, asserts that Mukhtar Robow (Abu Mansur) did not complete the implementation of the requirements for the removal of the sanctions on him," read the statement in part.

As long as the sanctions remain unsettled, Robow will not have the eligibility for running the president of Southwest which is slated for November 17, according to a statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Security.

It's not yet clear what forced the government to quickly change its mind in Robow support as it has been previously in talks with former Al-Shabaab spokesman turned politician since his surrender in August last year through president's pardon.

Robow, one of the founding fathers of Al-Shabaab, is believed to have been encouraged to join the race for the regional presidency by senior Somali government officials who are reportedly funding his presidential campaign.

GAROWE ONLINE