Al-Shabaab Defections Weakening Terror Outfit

Event:

• In December 2014 military intelligence boss of the Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen, Zakaria Ismael Hersi defects.
• In March 2015 Abdullahi Mohumed, an explosives expert surrendered to the authorities in Somalia
• Recently Kenyan Government offered amnesty to Al Shabaab members who want to leave the outfit, hundreds turn themselves in
• Massive Al-Shabaab Defections is slowly weakening the militant group as members opt to leave the outfit terror course

Case Analysis

The defectors have openly described the Somali-based terror outfit as cowards who in their quest to remain relevant conduct inhumane atrocities against innocent people. They have further described the al-Shabaab organization as a group of cold-blooded murderers who have no value for life. The above is evidenced by their accounts of the killings within the outfit owing to power struggles.

The Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen has continued with its string of actions that misrepresent the Islam religion by killing the innocent people, and tarnishing the name of the peace loving Islamic religion.

The location of Somalia at the horn of Africa, had previously given the Al Shabaab access to trade route which they used to traffic drugs and other contraband. The money from these illegal activities was used to fund their organization as revealed by the top officials that defected.

Summary

The militants are accused by the defectors of deviating from the initial goal of liberating Somali to selectively quoting portions of the Quran to further their controversial agenda of violence and hatred. Consequently, the defectors have encouraged numerous militants who have heeded the call in joining them and thus weakening the militants.

The amnesty given by the Kenya Government has hurt the militant group as it saw hundreds of Al Shabaab returnees surrendered to the authority especially in Mombasa.