MOGADISHU — The defection of former al-Shabaab intelligence chief Zakariya Ismail Ahmed Hersi has sparked debate on the Somali government’s amnesty offer and the benefits of pardoning al-Shabaab officials who seek to leave the group. Hersi, who surrendered to Somali troops stationed in Gedo region on December 27th, was wanted by the US government for … Continue reading Defection of senior al-Shabaab official rekindles debate over amnesty programme