Somali President Extends Amnesty to al-Shabab Fighters

The President of Somalia says his country will again offer amnesty to al-Shabab fighters who denounce the terrorist organization and its ideology.

Speaking earlier this week in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the new amnesty would run from November 1 through December 31.

He said he is extending the amnesty for an extra 60 days, "for the young, brainwashed men".

Sheikh Mohamud has asked parents to call on their boys to take advantage of the pardon.

The latest offer of amnesty comes as allied forces launch a nationwide offensive to eliminate al-Shabab from Africa’s longest coastline.

The effort is named "Operation Indian Ocean".

VOA