The federal government of Somalia and Alshabab have denied in separate statements that two sides are planning to have peace talks. Their denial follows after Somalia’s deputy defense minister and member of the parliament claimed on Saturday that Alshabab had requested talks with the government.
The National security advisor of Somalia who talked to the media said the government did not receive any request from Alshabab regarding peace talks and reaffirmed the government’s position on al-Shabab has not changed.
A website affiliated with al-Shabab said the deputy defense minister’s claim that the group requested talks is “baseless.” The al-Shabab official further ruled out the possibility of talks with Villa Somalia, the seat of Somalia’s government.
In the past, the group has expressed distrust in opening dialogue with the Somali government.
