Mogadishu (Sominaonline)—Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam known as Madobe, a prominent Islamist leader from Hizbul Islam group has joined Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a religious group, an official said on Tuesday.

Sheikh Ahmed Madobe is the leader of Raskamboni brigades which was allied to Hizbul Islam group led by Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys.

Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a is currently fighting in Beledweyne town in Hiraan region with Hizbul Islam.

Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman Abu Yusuf, the spokesman of Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a said Sheikh Ahmed Madobe joined his group.

“Ahmed Madobe could not be satisfied with what our rival groups are doing in Jubba regions and decided to join the clerics of Ahlu Sunna Walajma’a,” said Abu Yusuf.

Sheikh Ahmed Madobe is fighting against al Shabaab in Lower Jubba region in southern Somalia.

Al Shabaab drove Ahmed Madobe and his fighters out of Kismayo in October last year after a bitter fighting that killed 40 people in the town.

Since then Ahmed Madobe and his fighters have been fighting against al Shabaab in guerrilla wars in towns near the border between Somalia and Kenya.

There is no word from Ahmed Madobe about the statement from Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a yet.

If confirmed, the move will be a big blow against al Shabaab and will also consolidate Ahlu Waljama’a in their fighting with al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam.