Sheikh Mukhtar Robow

Robow was a founding member and deputy leader of Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group in Somalia. He helped organize its military campaigns against the Transitional Federal Government and Ethiopian forces.

Robow surrendered to Somali government forces in the Bakool region. He renounced violence and called on other Al-Shabaab members to do the same, leading to his detention by Somali authorities.

Robow was appointed Somalia's Minister of Religious Affairs by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His appointment was controversial due to his past with Al-Shabaab.