By Hafsa Mursal

King Aw Osman Aw Mohamud Burmadow, said his remarks about Al-Shabaab had been distorted and politicized, saying he was sorry for anyone who felt offended by his words.

“I am here to correct what I said at a community luncheon. I am really sorry that my speech was directed at a place where it was not prefaced, or that it has been politicized.

I came here for peace and to bring people together. I did not come to harm the people and I am sorry that my words were misinterpreted,” he said.

The king said the words he said at the luncheon were just a joke, “I do not believe in what Al-Shabaab believes the place I said those words was at a formal luncheon among the clan members and when clan chiefs meet they make jokes.”

The king said he was sorry for anyone who offended him by his remarks about al-Shabaab, saying his remarks were not intended to encourage extremism.

“The basis of my statement today is that all civilians who have been harmed in principle, religiously or otherwise, am deeply saddened and my statement is not encouraging any of that and I am sorry,” he said.

Burmadow’s speech a few days ago in which he wished mercy to former al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, sparked an uproar, and the Benadir regional administration said it was prosecuting the king.