The Somali government has taken over the management of a rehabilitation center for former al Shabaab fighters in Dhusa-Mareb town in central Somalia. The center that was under the control of Galmudug State has now been formally handed over to Somali Ministry for Security.
Dozens of ex-combatants of Al-Shabab who deserted the group have been rehabilitated in the center since 2014. The move has been lauded by State leaders as they believe that the center that holds dozens of former terrorists is important to ensure that the reintegrated members are appropriately treated and vetted.
The Somali government is expected to offers logistics, funding and other facilities that will facilitate the efficiency of the center and its purpose. In the past months, dozens of al Shabaab have defected from al Shabaab caused mainly by lack of funds, a shift in agenda and infighting that has increased suspicion and unwarranted execution of members.
