Is Al-Shabaab Ready for Dialogue?

Is Al-Shabaab Ready for Dialogue?

 Source: The International Crisis Group (ICG) published on 21 June 2022 a commentary titled “Considering Political Engagement with Al-Shabaab in Somalia.”

The International Crisis Group, acknowledging the failure of past efforts, argues that now is the time for Somalia’s new government to look into what room there might be for dialogue with al-Shabaab.

Comment:  While political dialogue is usually a positive step, especially when juxtaposed against long-standing and seemingly endless conflict, the evidence that al-Shabaab is ready for meaningful dialogue with the government of Somalia is exceedingly weak.  Al-Shabaab seems interested in dialogue only if it results in 100 percent control of Somalia (and perhaps surrounding regions) by al-Shabaab.   

Labels: al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab, AMISOM, AU, Ethiopia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Kenya, Somalia, US