Somali political leaders issue a communique after two-day talks

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DHUSAMAREB, Somalia – A joint communique was issued at the end of a two-day national consultative meeting between the Somali government and the regional states.

The consultative council agreed on the full support of the ongoing operations in Somalia to fight against al-Shabaab and accelerate national reconciliation in the newly liberated areas.

The leaders of the country’s central government and the member states – Jubaland, HirShabelle, Galmudug, and Southwest agreed to give an amnesty to Al-Shabaab fighters who wished to surrender.

According to the statement, they have expressed concern about the current situation in the Sool region and called on both sides to protect the rights of the prisoners of the war [PoWs].