Ethiopian National who joined Al-Shabaab surrenders in Bakool.

A foreign fighter affiliated with Al-Shabaab has surrendered to local defence forces in Quraaciome, Bakool region, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence.

The ministry identified the man as an Ethiopian national from the Oromo community who said his name was Mufti before entering Somalia. He was subsequently given the name Omar after joining Al-Shabaab.

According to the ministry, the man had spent “four years and one month as a member of the militant group before surrendering to local defence forces” .

The Ministry of Defence said “Al-Shabaab recruits and brings foreign nationals into Somalia by misleading them and distorting Islamic teachings” . It added that some foreign fighters have eventually attempted to leave the group after encountering practices they regarded as contrary to Islamic teachings and basic human values.

The ministry further claimed that some foreign members who attempt to defect have been killed by Al-Shabaab after being suspected of seeking to leave the group.

The surrender comes as Somali government forces and local defence forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia.

The Ministry of Defence said the Somali National Armed Forces and local defence forces remain committed to intensifying operations against armed groups threatening the country’s peace and stability.

The surrendered fighter is expected to provide authorities with information about his activities and experience within Al-Shabaab as security agencies continue efforts to counter the group and encourage defections.

Mustaqbal