(08-06-23) MOGADISHU — A former Al-Shabaab combatant, who allegedly took part in the recent assault on a Ugandan military base resulting in the deaths of more than 50 soldiers, has defected to the government, according to Somali authorities.
Said Mogaw Madey, presented to the press in Hudur town in the South West state region of Bakool on Thursday, marks another major defection from the Al-Shabaab militant group. Somali state news agency SONNA reported that Maday joined the militant group four years ago and participated in the attack on the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) base in the Bulo Marer area of the Lower Shabelle region.
The Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, verified that 54 soldiers were killed in the attack, disputing Al-Shabaab’s exaggerated claims of 137 soldier casualties.
Maday’s defection occurs less than a week after authorities in Baidoa announced a significant number of defectors from the militant group. On Tuesday, security officials in the Bay region confirmed a record-breaking voluntary surrender by Al-Shabaab fighters, demonstrating rising disillusionment within the group’s ranks and an escalating defection rate.
Authorities paraded 10 former members of Al-Shabaab, confirming the arrest and acceptance of these defectors following dissatisfaction and a presidential pardon.
The increased defection rate among Al-Shabaab fighters indicates the weakening internal structure and morale of the militant group, providing a glimmer of hope in the relentless fight against terrorism in the region.
