Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Template:Infobox Somali faction
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Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of Sufis and moderates opposed to the radical wahabi rebel groups al-Shabab and Hizbul Islam. They are fighting to prevent wahabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions.[1]
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a became prominent in 2008, when it took up arms against al-Shabab after the radical group began destroying the tombs of the country's Sufi saints.[2]
They have won large victories in central Somalia and control the majority of southern Mudug and Galgaduud[1] and parts of Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Bakool and Gedo.
On March 15, 2010, the Somali government and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a signed an agreement giving the militia control of five ministries, in addition to diplomatic posts and senior positions within the national security apparatus.[2] In exchange, the militia would lend military support against al-Shabab.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b Mohamed Mohamed (2009-06-08). "Somali rage at grave desecration" (HTML). BBC News. BBC Somali Service. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ^ a b c "Militants join Somali government" (HTML). The Boston Globe. NY Times Co. Associated Press. 2010-03-16. ISSN 0743-1791. Retrieved 2010-07-23.