A prominent poet in Somaliland has created consternation by saying that Al-Shabaab and ISIS are not terrorist groups.
Speaking a day ago, Abwaan Shaacir, refused to label Al-Shabaab and ISIS as terrorist groups.
Instead, the poet said that he only recognises the United States and Israel as the main terrorist groups of the world.
His statement comes at a time when it’s emerging that Al-Shabaab has been recruiting more poets to propagate its message.
Specifically, reports indicate that Al-Shabaab has been guilty of this in Hargeisa and Burco.
Lately, the group has posted videos of military drills undertaken by its militia on social media.
Such videos often feature poets such as Nageeye, Gamadiid, and Jeesto among other prominent ones from the region.