Somalia’s Cabinet has endorsed new of policy on Al-Shabaab defectors, barely three days after thirty former Al-Shabaab combatants completed an intensive rehabilitation programme in the Baidoa Rehabilitation Centre in South West State of Somalia.
The policy was submitted by the Ministry for Internal Security Affairs in a bid to attract more Al-Shabaab defectors and discourage recruitment of new members for the Al-Shabaab group.
The move comes a day after Somali Commandos Division conducted special operation in GalKayo town in Mudug region where five Al-Shabaab members, including a foreign commander captured.On Wednesday, thirty former Al-Shabaab combatants graduated from the Baidoa Rehabilitation Centre.
The ex-combatants, who received vocational training and psychological support, expressed confidence, saying they were ready to contribute positively to the development of Somalia.
Ibrahim, a former Al-Shabaab combatant, said he was ready to turn a new chapter in life, thanks to the Baidoa Rehabilitation Centre.“We received full education.
I was taught carpentry and tailoring. I can sew my clothes and those of my family. I can do carpentry work with ease, and make a chair, a bed and other household furniture. I am perfectly suited for such work.
I can say I am ready to face the world,” said Ibrahim, one of the 30 graduates. Al-Shabaab was pushed out of Mogadishu by the African Union peacekeeping force (AMISOM) in 2011. But it has remained a potent threat in Somalia, launching frequent attacks aimed at overthrowing the government.