Al-Shabaab cautions parents over 'non-Islamic' education

Somali parents have been warned by militant group Al-Shabaab to desist taking their children to what they describe as ‘non-Islamic’ schools and institutions.

The group, which holds parts of Somalia, earlier this month introduced a new all-Arabic education curriculum. Subjects included Quran, Hadith – sayings of the Prophet Muhammed, Maths, Geography and History.

The latest directive was contained in a 26-minute recording, in which al-Shabab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Rage said children should strictly be sent to Islamic schools.

He is also heard describing all other forms of education as immoral and often encouraging young Somalis to adore Christianity and migrate to the West.

#AlShabaab‘s education office publishes a “complete curriculum” for primary schools, incl Quran, Hadith, Math, Geography & History. #Somalia pic.twitter.com/LirofXp3JE

— Live From Mogadishu (@Daudoo) April 15, 2017

The Somali government has vowed to crush the militants in two years. President Farmaajo recently offered them amnesty and asked them to come to the negotiation table.

The group has continually called the government’s bluff and has claimed a series of bomb attacks on civilian populations and some military installations. The group is currently fighting the Somali national army and an African Union force (AMISOM) which pushed them out of Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab controls parts of Somalia and has staged attacks in neighbouring countries especially in Kenya.