Addressing the defectors, Commander of the Somali national army Gen. Abdikarin Yussuf Dego-badan promised to provide them with the necessary security and offer them special care.

The leader of the militant defectors Shegow Ahmed Ali reportedly told the press that he decided to surrender with his juniors following a rift with the Middle Shabelle regional leader of the Al-Shabaab group Yussuf Kabo-ku-tukade.

Ali claimed that they defected with 89 guns from the militant group and promised to work with the Somali government.

Their defection is seen as a significant setback to the Al-Shabaab group whose military capability has been weakened in the recent months.

The latest defection comes almost five weeks after the former TFG set aside $19 million for the rehabilitation of defected Al-Shabaab militants who surrender to its side and that of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The proposed programme which will be facilitated by the AMISOM and other donors from the internationally community is aimed at shaping militant defectors in order to reintegrate them back into the society. The programme is also part of the government strategy to fight the militant group.

As part of the programmes, the government will establish an office that will oversee the effective implementation of this work plan and receive militant fighters willing to renounce violence and surrender to the government or AMISOM.

The programme is also meant to offer amnesty to defectors and safeguard them from the wrath of the society who may perceive them as criminals even after renouncing violence.