 MOGADISHU, Somalia -- The Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu is planning to free wanted Al Shabaab official Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, who has been in custody for the past two months according to independent sources, Garowe Online reports.
The source, which is close to Villa Somalia, noted that Sheikh Aweys was temporarily released from an intelligence base in Mogadishu on Saturday night, a first move to be reported since late June when Aweys was detained by the Federal Government.
| As always, we prefer that terror chiefs be released at a high altitude... |
The source added that a meeting held at a building near Villa Somalia brought together self-proclaimed Hawiye clan elders, Aweys's close allies, ex-warlords, and government officials including Somali Interior and National Security Minister Abdikarin Hussein Guled, who together discussed the fate of Sheikh Aweys and the methods needed to release him from custody.
In addition, the source confirmed that key points -- including retiring from Somali politics -- was prepared in print and presented to Aweys, but he reportedly refused to sign the printout.
Speaking on VOA Somali Service, Ahmed Dirie Ali, Hawiye clan elders' spokesman said, the meeting "did not produce agreeable points".
Continuing, Dirie added: "Hassan Dahir is a prominent politician and an elder, also the Federal administration is a legitimate government".
Political analysts said the reported plan would be considered as a failed step and a weak anti-terrorism policy as the public is keen on to hear indictment by courts.
Following bitter feud and violent dispute within Al Shabaab ranks, Sheikh Aweys escaped from Barawe coastal town of Lower Shabelle region, in southern Somalia, after Al Shabaab chief Ahmed Godane dispatched Al Shabaab death squads to Aweys and other officials including his deputy Ibrahim Haji Jama Micad (Ibrahim Afghani), who had made allegations against Godane.
Sheikh Aweys was transported by plane from Adado district in Galgadud region of central Somalia, where he reportedly "surrendered" to Himan and Heeb local administration, which later transferred to Federal Government in Mogadishu. 
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