Saturday June 24, 2023
Dhuusamareeb (HOL) - The Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) movement in Guriel town, Galmudug state, has vowed to support the second phase of the federal government's anti-al-Shabab operation.
Deputy Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Salah Sheikh Ali, visited the town on Friday. Speaking at the welcoming event, a prominent Sheikh stated that ASWJ, along with their militia and supporters, is prepared to assist the government in its fight against Al-Shabaab. He urged the government to recognize ASWJ's role in nation-building.
Deputy Minister Salah Sheikh Ali underscored that ASWJ's message would be conveyed to federal government leaders, highlighting that the second phase of the operation would begin soon.
ASWJ, a moderate Sufi sect, had previously aided Somali government troops in their battle against the extremist group Al-Shabaab. They had temporarily reached a power-sharing agreement with the Somali government. However, conflicts arose due to disputes over ASWJ's representation at the local, state, and national government levels.
In October 2021, a clash between a moderate Islamist group and Somali government troops over control of a town in central Somalia resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and left over 40 injured.