Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed, a member of the Somali parliament, said brainwashed Somali youths fighting alongside other militants have only seven days to abandon Al-Shabaab and surrender to the government.

Speaking to Sunatimes on the line from Hudur town, the MP promised that the government will not prosecute defectors who renounce violence and surrender to its side, saying that they will be welcomed.

He said the time has ripped for them to come back and re-integrate in to the society.

The MP who is among Somali officials leading the government push against Al-Shabaab militant group in the regions of Bay and Bakol said locals in these regions have voiced support for the government’s move to clear Al-Shabaab militants from the area.