Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s presidential envoy for countering extremist ideology has rejected reports claiming that the federal government is engaging in secret negotiations with al-Shabab, describing the allegations as false and deliberately misleading.
Aweys Mohamed Omar stated on Thursday that the government has never held discussions with the militant group and has no plans to do so.
The claims, which circulated widely on social media and appeared in several local media outlets, suggested informal contacts were taking place.
Omar said these reports are intended to erode public trust in the government’s ongoing military and ideological campaign against al-Shabab.
He emphasized that Somalia’s position remains firm: dismantling extremist ideology, confronting terrorist threats, and continuing security and prevention operations across the country.
Omar warned that spreading unverified information risks creating confusion and undermining the progress made by Somali forces and community partners in recent operations.
According to the envoy, those circulating the rumors aim to disrupt security and distort the achievements in rebuilding national institutions and strengthening defense capabilities.
He stressed that the government and Somali citizens share a common goal: defeating al-Shabab and preventing the spread of violent extremism.
Omar added that security agencies and government ministries are working together to protect the country and counter ideologies that threaten state-building efforts.
The government has repeatedly insisted that al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate responsible for attacks across Somalia for more than 15 years, must be confronted through military action, ideological resistance, and financial disruption—not negotiation.