Somalia: Islamist rebels refuse new President’s generous offer

Somali President, Cheikh Charif Ahmed, Saturday, urged Islamist insurgents to cease fire in exchange for the application of Sharia laws (Islamic laws), RFI reports. The proposal was made during a meeting with the religious heads of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuweit and Sudan. Last week the new president announced that he had positions reserved in his government for the rebels, if they chose to make peace. These proposals have been rejected by certain radical elements, especially, the Shebab rebel group. Their demands include: the enforcement of Sharia laws and the departure of AU peace forces. 30 people have been killed since the instalment of the new president in Mogadishu, February 23.