MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a dual message, extending an offer of amnesty to young Al-Shabaab fighters while simultaneously warning civilians to evacuate areas controlled by the militant group ahead of anticipated military offensives.

Speaking after Friday prayers at the presidential mosque in Mogadishu, Mohamud appealed directly to Al-Shabaab members, promising a path to reintegration and a “better life” if they surrender. He also cautioned against disseminating the group’s propaganda.

“On this blessed Friday of Ramadan, I want to offer amnesty to those young men misled by the Khawarij [a term used by the Somali government to refer to Al-Shabaab]. You will not be humiliated; come out,” he declared.

Amnesty and reintegration efforts

The president’s amnesty offer underscores the government’s strategy of combining military pressure with opportunities for defection. He pledged that those who surrender would be treated with respect and given resources to rebuild their lives.

“We promise them a good life if they peacefully leave the terrorists,” he stated.

This call comes as Somali forces, bolstered by local militias, intensify operations in key regions like Middle Shabelle, aiming to dismantle Al-Shabaab strongholds.

In a stark warning to civilians, Mohamud urged them to distance themselves from Al-Shabaab positions, citing imminent aerial and ground bombardments.

“I tell the Somali people, stay away from any place where the Khawarij are. There will be aerial and ground bombardments, so move away to avoid harm,” he cautioned.

Warning against propaganda 

He also addressed the dissemination of Al-Shabaab propaganda, condemning those who amplify the group’s messages, including both Somali citizens and foreign actors.

“The propaganda currently circulating belongs to the Khawarij. Unfortunately, they have found those who carry their message everywhere, Somalis and foreigners,” he said.

“There are many Somali people who fear peace, development, and the light we are heading towards. We say, may Allah guide them.”

Highlighting recent gains by the Somali National Army, Mohamud emphasized the sacrifices of soldiers engaged in frontline combat.

“Today, on Friday, Somali sons are shedding blood in the hot sun and drought, standing against the enemy,” he said. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue its operations, dismissing Al-Shabaab’s propaganda as futile.

He also strongly appealed for national unity in the fight against the militant group.

“Honorable Somali citizen, I tell you, do not engage with Al-Shabaab, do not live with them, do not rent their houses, stay away from them. The enemy can only be defeated through unity, so let us unite and support the national heroes in uniform or Macawis, who are standing to eliminate Al-Shabaab,” he stated.

Macawis refers to the traditional Somali sarong worn by some local militia.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, has been waging a protracted insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, aiming to establish a strict Islamic state.

The government’s renewed offensive, supported by international partners, reflects a concerted effort to weaken the group’s grip on remaining territories.