Al-Shabaab celebrates Eid al-Fitr in Central and Southern Somalia

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Several regions under the control of Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia have started Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, where Muslim faithful fast for a whole month.

A check by Garowe Online has established that regions within central and southern Somalia where the militants have a firm grip have started Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, differing from the rest of the world, which projects the big day on Thursday and Friday this month.

The Al-Shabaab militants announced Shawwal moon was sighted in some regions under its control. In respect to that, the group, which had given gifts to several locals, ordered celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan.

On the other hand, the Federal Government of Somalia announced that May 12, 2021, will be the last day of Ramadan as the moon has not been sighted, following Saudi Arabia which said that Wednesday [today] is a day of fasting.

Al-Shabaab's Maktab Qadha reported 8 people in Hiran, Gedo, Bay, and Bakool regions saw the moon. The militant group seeks to topple the fragile UN-backed Somalia administration.

The Al-Shabaab militants had earlier claimed control of a strategic town within central Somalia, in a dramatic move that could question the capacity of the country's security forces, in restoring peace and stability ahead of the exit of peacekeeping forces.

Photos posted by the militants last week show that it's in charge of Ba'adweyne town in the Mudug region, Galmadug, a town that had been under the control of the Somali National Army [SNA]. The town fell to the militants last month according to reports.

Through proxy media houses, the Jihadists released photos where it distributed Idd-ul-Fitr gifts to over 300 residents as it strives to stamp authority in the country. Al-Shabaab is keen to topple the fragile UN-backed Somalia administration.

Some of the gifts that were distributed included goods, clothes, and the Holy Quran, with the group now aiming to expand authority across the country. In what could further wreck peace, clan elders, who are influential in the country's peace process, were seen participating in the event.

Somalia has been without a strong government for almost three decades with Al-Shabaab militants holding parts of the country, where they plot terror attacks against the government and AU troops.

GAROWE ONLINE

Related Articles

Domestic revenue collection increases in Somalia

The minister further said Somalia will record 3.7% growth in 2024 from 2.8% in 2023. This will be the greatest development record in as many months.

  • Somalia

    27-03-2024

  • 02:35PM

Al-Shabaab strikes key town in central Somalia

Tuesday's attack was at least the third time al-Shabaab fighters attacked the village since last year.

  • Somalia

    27-03-2024

  • 11:31AM