Monday August 22, 2022
Mogadishu (HOL) - Former Al Shabaab leader and current federal Minister of Religion Affairs, Mukhtar Robow Ali Abu Mansoor, urged the Somali people to assist their government and army in the fight against Al-Shabaab, which he said will prevent the group from carrying out assaults inside the country.
Minister Robow went on to say that everyone should defend themselves and their property and work together to defeat Al-Shabaab.
He praised residents of the Hiiraan and Galmudug regions for their successes in recent battles against the militants.
The Minister, speaking on a Somali National TV programme with other religious leaders on Sunday night, condemned the attack on Hayat, which killed at least 21 people and injured 117 others.
Al Shabaab militants stormed Mogadishu's Hayat Hotel on Friday evening in an assault that started with twin blasts from suicide bombers.
It took Somali special forces more than 30 hours to break the siege as Al Shabaab fighters took up positions on the hotel's upper level.
Robow, a founding member of the Al Qaeda-linked militant insurgent group, said its leaders exploit vulnerable and impressionable youth while securing a good life for their families.
"Al-Shabaab youth, you are being duped by your leaders. Their children are enrolled in schools and universities in Hamar (Mogadishu), or they are living a comfortable life abroad. Don't let them deceive you, "Muqtar Robow stated.