Somalia has appointed a former terrorist as minister of religious affairs in a new government. Mukhtar Robow Ali, also known as Abu Mansur, has been the deputy leader of al-Shabaab, a group that has been fomenting violence in the Horn of Africa for decades.
He was a high-ranking fighter of the Islamist-militant group affiliated with the Al Qaeda terrorist group. The 52-year-old left al-Shabaab, which he co-founded, in 2013 after a long-running conflict with the leader and distanced himself from it. The United States had put a $5 million bounty on his head until he said goodbye to al-Shabaab.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, elected in May, has pledged to fight al-Shabaab insurgents. Some analysts say the 52-year-old new minister could help bolster government forces in his native Bakool, where rebels control large areas.
WATCH ALSO. Al-Qaeda leader killed in US drone strike
WATCH ALSO. Is Al-Qaeda Finally Defeated?
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss out on any of the stars.