Kenyan-born Al Shabaab commander, Ahmed Iman Ali has indicated the desire to live the terrorist outfit after what has been termed as an ideological fallout and marginalization of his fellow Kenyan fighters. According to an intelligence report, the commander has been contemplating a departure from al Shabaab after the leadership in Somalia failed to acknowledge his contribution and as well as the continuous profiling and killing of Kenyan al Shabaab fighters on mere speculation of espionage.
The intelligence report further notes that the spate of elimination and execution of Kenyans and other foreign fighters has brought a sharp division within Al Shabaab leading to hatred towards native Somalis. Ahmed has since opened a channel to negotiate his return to Kenya as he feels that his contribution to the militant group is no longer valuable as well as the fact that he has had a change of heart.
Ahmed who is a charismatic fellow and Al Shabaab video and online propagandist has expressed fear for his life especially as divisions within the terror organization widen. Al Shabaab leaders have expressed dismay over losing him as he has been an excellent tool for recruitment and taunting the AMISOM forces, as well as coordinating attacks in Kenya and the neighboring countries.
On the other hand, his defection will furnish security forces both in Kenya and Somali with a lot of information that will aid in the fight against al Shabaab which is on the brink of collapse and volatile allegiance-based split. The report mentions that the negotiations for the defection of Ahmed are at very crucial stages and are appearing promising as most al Shabaab commanders are running for their lives to avoid being caught by the major planned onslaught against them by SNA, AMISOM, and other allied forces.
