Somalia
Mediation talks between Somali militants failed
By
Dec 26, 2009 - 4:59:53 AM

The mediation talks between Somalia’s militant groups of Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam have reportedly stalled.

Sheikh Mohammed M. Ali, Hizbul Islam’s Press Secretary told reporters in Mogadishu that the talks failed after Al-Shabaab refused to agree to a power sharing deal with his group and solve the conflict over the control of Kismayo, a lucrative southern port city that is source for insurgence activities across the war-torn.

“Lower Juba is under the Al-Shabab and most of our commanders and fighters entered Kenya, which is regrettable,” he said.

The official said the two groups discussed in lengthy the disagreement but Al-Shabaab officials refused some agendas and walked out of the talks, causing the stalemate.

“Our forces are in some parts of Juba regions in particular Lower parts where they fighting occurred and we have ordered them to ceasefire because we are still in talks to end the conflict,” he added.

The two groups, which are jointly involved in arm struggle against the embattled UN-backed Somali government, have broke ranks in recent past after they disputed over the control southern Juba regions.

Al-Shabaab ousted Hizbul Islam from major town s in the region in fierce fighting that claimed the lives of several people, mostly combatants from both sides.

GAROWE ONLINE


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