Former Al-Shabab no. 2 quits militant group

The former number-two leader of al-Shabab says he has quit the Somalia-based militant group. Mukhtar Robow, also known as Abu Mansour, made the announcement to journalists at a Mogadishu hotel on Tuesday. “I would like to state to the Somali people and the international community that I quit al-Shabab five years and seven months ago […]

The former number-two leader of al-Shabab says he has quit the Somalia-based militant group.

Mukhtar Robow, also known as Abu Mansour, made the announcement to journalists at a Mogadishu hotel on Tuesday.

“I would like to state to the Somali people and the international community that I quit al-Shabab five years and seven months ago and that I’m not a member of the group,” he said, reading a prepared statement.

He said he left the group because of differences with other al-Shabab leaders.

“I quit because of misunderstanding and differences over the ideology, which is not in the interest of the religion [Islam], people and the country,” he said.

The former al-Shabab official indicated he is holding talks with the Somali government and said “I’m hopeful we can pave the way for a lasting peace.”

Robow surrendered to the Somali government on Sunday in the Bakool region after several days of heavy fighting between his militia and al-Shabab fighters. He said al-Shabab wanted to kill him.