A section of traditional elders from Somali border town of Buhodle have denounced the presence of some elders and politicians in the region, accusing them of instigating violence, Radio Garowe reports.

Led by Garaad Abdulahi Soofe and Garaad Suleymaan Burale, the elders also called on the separatist region of Somaliland to withdraw its forces from the area.

The elders accused the section led by Garaad Jama Garaad Ali of trying to use Buhodle town, the capital of Disputed Somalia’s Ceyn region as their base to establish army and instigate violence.

Flag of Puntland State, Somalia

In an interview with the BBC Somali Service, Cheif Aqil Mohamud Umar Amey, the spokesman of the traditional elders said the meeting, which was attended by town’s elites produced a four-point stand that include peace for Ceyn region, immediate withdrawal of Somaliland forces and peaceful co-existence with Ethiopian neighbourhoods.

He also stated that ‘foreign elders’ from far away regions, who recently pitched tent in the area, have vowed to set off anarchy in the area should the residents refuse to cooperate.

Aqil Amey said the elders have threatened those people who are against their stand with jail terms, castigating them of wanting to take the town to the same destructive path of Lasnod, a disputed town currently forcible occupied by Somaliland,” 

The meeting comes at the wake of visit by delegation from Puntland led by deputy parliament speaker Mr. Haji.

The town was recently rocked by deadly clashes between residents and Ethiopian military, which claimed dozens of lives.

GAROWE ONLINE