Sunday 09, June 2024 {HMC} National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali disclosed that Al-Shabaab leaders, who were ready to surrender, managed to escape due to the government’s failure during the Cowswayne conflict.
In an interview, Ali revealed that a few days before the Cowswayne battle, Al-Shabaab leaders had contacted the government, expressing their willingness to surrender. He emphasized that the situation changed drastically when the battle ensued, leading to significant losses for government forces.
“In the weeks leading up to Cowswayne, we received information that senior Al-Shabaab leaders were reaching out to the government to discuss surrender. Unfortunately, military mistakes happened,” Ali said.
The national security adviser also highlighted that the opportunity for Al-Shabaab to surrender is still near, using the Somali term “Ibihiya.” However, he pointed out that some politicians are against the defeat of Al-Shabaab, fearing it might threaten their political interests.
“It is unfortunate that some Somali people believe that weakening Al-Shabaab would endanger their political interests,” Ali said.
