DOLOW (SD) – Over 400 fighters loyal to Abdirashid Janan and about 30 vehicle technicals have been handed over Somali government following a deal with Jubbaland ex-minister, Abdirashid Janan.

Days long talks between officials from the federal government and Janan by brokered clan elders have culminated in defection of the minister and his fighters who had fought with Somali military twice in Gedo region.

“I know very well that you have sacfriced your time and lives just to make sure that we get our rights in this region, but now I would like to tell you that we reached agreement with the government in order to fight our common enemy, al-Shabaab,” Janan told the soldiers.

Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala, the deputy information minister said the government welcomed the fighters, who had previously been at loggerheads with the government.

“Henceforth, you will work hand in hand with these fellow soldiers, both of you have a goal to achieve, that is liberating villages and town from the terror group,” Al-Adala said.

Janan who had been at loggerheads with federal government since early last year surrendered on Wednesday to the government in the border town of Beled-Hawo, Gedo region.

Janan was arrested in Mogadishu in August 2019, but he escaped in January 2020 and had been on the run for over a year.

His fighters had attacked Beled-Hawa town last January, prompting fierce gunfire that claimed lives of over 20 people.

During the fighting, the government forces claimed to have captured over 100 of Janan soldiers.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International urged authorities to ensure justice and accountability over the alleged human rights violations Janan committed in Gedo, saying “victims and impacted families deserve justice.”