IGAD denies being involved in Somalia talks, troops cheered

GAROWE, Somalia-Top diplomats have denied claims that they have been involved in ongoing political talks between Somalia Federal Government and Puntland in Garowe as hundreds have staged hero’s welcome for army brigade, Garowe Online reports.

A delegation led by the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ambassador Mahboub Maalim, arrived in the capital Garowe, for meeting focused on economic infrastructure development on Sunday.

Maalim held talks with President Abdweli Mohamed Ali on the second phase of Bossaso airport project. IGAD pledged to help Puntland complete the construction project whose first phase ended in January on inauguration day.

IGAD has received financial assistance from International Global Fund for Bossaso airport upgrade project.

The one-day working trip to Puntland has coincided with deliberations on new electoral proposal introduced by UN-backed national government, and endorsed by International Community for 2016 election.

Prime Minister Sharmarke’s delegation is seeking to overcome differences regarding which model Somalia should adopt for national poll later this year.

In Garowe, on the other hand, hundreds of people have come out to stage welcoming rally for Puntland Defence Force (PDF)’s second brigade. Flag-waving crowds accorded the hero’s welcome to the troops who concluded week-long counter-terror operations in coastal villages along the Indian Ocean.

Maalim yesterday commended Puntland forces for the valour they demonstrated over the course of counteroffensives.

Puntland has launched a state-wide probe to track down assailants believed to have called Al Shabaab militias to the region.

GAROWEONLINE