Somali pro-government Moderate Islamist Sufi group (Al-Sunna Wal Jama'a) Vows New Offensive Against Al-Shabaab

After one week of meetings, the pro-government moderate militia group, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ), in Gedo region elected Sheikh Aydarus Sheikh Ahmed Siid Warsame to be the interim leader and vowed to launch a new offensive against hardline al-Shabaab militants. ASWJ also elected Sheikh Yonis Mo’alim Mohamed Abdulaahi as deputy leader and Sheikh Mohamud Abdi Elmi Kaliful Kadiriyah as general secretary.In an interview with Somalia local radio, the spokesman of ASWJ in southern Somalia, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, said Moderate Islamist Sufi group (Al-Sunna Wal Jama'a) ASWJ fighters will begin a new offensive against al-Shabaab in southern Somalia.“I’m begging Allah to give his mercy for our dead leader Sheikh Hassan Qoryooley. We have chosen new effective leaders who will lead the religious Uluma until we complete the fighting against al-Shabaab,” said the spokesman.“We are preparing more fighters. Very soon we shall launch a fierce fight against the extremists in the country. The end of al-Shabaab has started. I’m calling on the Somali people to stand up and save their country from the enemy of Allah and the world. Our society has been beheaded by al-Shabaab. They killed our brothers, uncles, and daughters. In the next few days you will hear that Moderate Islamist Sufi group (Al-Sunna Wal Jama'a)ASWJ seized Bardhere, Yurkud, Baydoa, Bardale and Kismayo,” Shekh Mohamed Hussein vowed.Professor Abdikariin Jim’aale, a political analyst and former Transitional National Government Member of Parliament, believes that the election of the new leaders will give confidence to Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and ASWJ troops in Gedo.“ASWJ and TFG victories came to a halt after the killing of Qoryooley. With this new leader they will have new victories and it will boost the confidence of the ASWJ and TFG troops in Gedo,” said Jim’aale.Professor Jim'aale said now is the time to attack due to the low morale of the militants. "Al-Shabaab fighters are very disappointed due to lack of funds and the deaths of more leaders in the latest fighting. They can't defend themselves against Moderate Islamist Sufi group (Al-Sunna Wal Jama'a) ASWJ and TFG forces. This will be a good opportunity for ASWJ in Gedo," said the professor.The spokesman asked the TFG troops in the region to get along and for Somali traders and aid agencies to help drought affected people.“I’m requesting TFG troops in El-wak to stop the rift between themselves and to fight against the enemy. Why are you fighting between yourselves when the enemy is in front of you? Stop the fighting between you and liberate your country,” demanded Sheikh Mohamed. “I’m asking for the Somali traders and the aid agencies to immediately help the drought affected people. We have never seen anything like this and everyday more than 20 people are dying because of drought,” explained Sheikh Mohamed.ASWJ’s former leader, Sheikh Hassan Sheikh Abdi Qoryooley, was killed when al-Shabaab ambushed his convoy in Meykaareebey village near Garbaharrey district in May of this year.