Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stated that the government is ready to engage with any member of Al-Shabaab who wishes to renounce the group and its ideology.
In an interview with Dawan TV, Prime Minister Hamza said the government does not oppose dialogue with Al-Shabaab members seeking to leave the group, noting that those who do so have the right to pursue their lives as they choose—and may even join the government.
The Prime Minister mentioned that former Al-Shabaab members are currently working for the government, with some holding high-ranking official positions.
Meanwhile, Hamza denied allegations that the Somali government pays Al-Shabaab to halt or reduce attacks in Mogadishu.
He stated that there have been no negotiations between the government and Al-Shabaab, noting that their relationship is defined by conflict.
The Prime Minister attributed the allegations regarding payments to Al-Shabaab to members of the previous administration, though he did not name the specific officials involved. Hamza also accused some former officials of having ties to Al-Shabaab.
