Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali government has categorically rejected media reports suggesting it is conducting secret negotiations with the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.
Aweys Mohamed Omar, the presidential envoy for countering extremist ideology, dismissed the allegations as false and claimed they were intended to undermine national security, military operations, and public confidence in the government.
“These fabrications are being disseminated by elements seeking to weaken the counterterrorism effort and damage the state’s reputation,” Omar stated.
He emphasized that the government is not engaged in any dialogue with Al-Shabaab and has no intention of pursuing such discussions.
“There are no negotiations, direct or indirect,” he clarified, rejecting suggestions that Qatar was facilitating any talks.
Omar highlighted that the government’s approach remains centered on militarily defeating the group and eliminating its ideological underpinnings, rather than pursuing political accommodations or power-sharing arrangements.
“Our focus is on combating extremist ideology and its sources, not on endorsing or legitimizing it,” he cautioned, warning those spreading disinformation to cease activities that disrupt governmental functions.
Recent reports had suggested Mogadishu was engaged in dialogue with Al-Shabaab amid the continuing conflict, though analysts consider such negotiations improbable given the current circumstances.
According to a Somali Guardian analysis, significant obstacles would prevent any peace talks, including opposition from the United States and neighboring nations, the Somali government’s limited battlefield influence, and Al-Shabaab’s fundamental demands.
The militant group’s conditions include the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Somalia and the implementation of strict Islamic law – terms unacceptable to Somalia’s political leaders and international partners.
Al-Shabaab, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has been battling the Somali government for more than ten years and continues deadly attacks despite persistent military operations by Somali forces supported by international allies.
