BAIDOA, Somalia — Somali officials in Baidoa on Sunday presented 12 Al-Shabab fighters who surrendered to security forces in Southwest State, officials said.
The men, shown publicly by intelligence officials, reportedly held roles in Al-Shabaab’s military, intelligence, extortion, and ideological wings before choosing to defect.
Authorities said the individuals operated across multiple regions and took part in coordinated attacks and operations carried out by the al-Qaida-linked extremist group.
Some of the defectors told local media they were relieved to rejoin society and called for a general amnesty from the government.
They said Al-Shabab’s harsh treatment of Somali civilians and worsening internal conditions led them to abandon the group and surrender to authorities.
Southwest State remains one of the regions where Al-Shabab maintains influence and continues to launch attacks against government forces and local civilians.
Officials noted this is not the first group of defectors presented, as previous waves have also turned themselves in across the region.
Somalia’s government runs rehabilitation centers where surrendered fighters undergo de-radicalization programs before being reintegrated back into their home communities.
Security officials said the program aims to reduce Al-Shabaab’s manpower by offering escape routes for disillusioned members seeking a second chance.
Authorities continue urging active fighters to surrender peacefully, promising humane treatment and reintegration support under Somalia’s national counter-extremism framework and regional stabilization policies.