For the study, I carried out in-depth interviews with seven senior clan elders and 33 disengaged Al Shabaab members. The clan elders I spoke to had prior interactions with Al Shabaab, while the defectors were mid-ranking commanders and rank-and-file fighters. This legitimacy makes it possible for senior clan elders to initiate contact with Al Shabaab and help both sides understand each other’s needs, interests and expectations. Senior clan elders have helped achieve the release of local and foreign workers abducted by Al Shabaab. Since the Kenyan government refused to negotiate directly with Al Shabaab, it tasked clan elders with securing their eventual release.

Source: Standard Digital January 26, 2021 17:27 UTC