The Islamist leader of Somalia’s insurgent group, Hizbul Islam has called on all the Somali insurgent groups to unite and work as one to wage war against the UN-backed transitional Somali government and its military backer Africa Union peacekeeping troops.

Speaking on Thursday at an Islamic seminar in Mogadishu, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys said it was on the goodwill of the population for the insurgents to unite and topple the puppet government.

Sh Aweys, Hizbul Islam rebel chief

“It is very important for the fighters to unite instead of staying as factions and turning on each other” said the 65-year old cleric.

“The seminar produced a 14-point communiqué and the most important part of it is the call for more fighting and unite amongst the groups,” he added.

He urged Mogadishu residents to brace for an all out war against the AU and Somali government.

However, Al-Shabaab, a powerful insurgent group has boycotted the workshop for unclear reasons. Aweys had an advice for the group. “Don’t look for more than you deserve.”

The two groups, who control large swathes of territories were in some point involved in deadly power struggle over the control of southern Somali towns.

GAROWE ONLINE