Galmudug Leader in Jijiga for talks over Somalia-Ethiopia border clashes

JIJIGA, Ethiopia-Interim Galmudug Administration (IGA) President Abdikarin Hussein Guledon Saturday arrived in the capital of Somali regional State of Ethiopia, Jijiga for key talks regarding a joint solution to recent hostility in border areas, Garowe Online reports. 

Somali Regional State President Abdi Mohamud Omar and visiting Jubaland Leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) welcomed Guled to Jigjiga. 

At least ten people were killed after Liyuu Police paramilitary units clashed with armed pastoralists in Daadheer vicinity last month.  

Ethiopian Somali Regional State blamed militiamen with links to Al Shabaab for the responsibility, allegations rejected by Galmudug Information Minister Tar Dhuled.  

Jubaland President Madobe is said to be mediating in the dispute between Galmudug and Ethiopian authorities in Jijiga.  

Omar overnight hosted dinner for Somalia delegation that also included Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) Minister for Information Mohamed Jama Mursal, who praised the region for the massive progress it registered over years in various fronts.  

Speaking in Jijiga, Galmudug leader said, he hopes to reach a deal with Ethiopian Somali officials over the deadly incident during the visit.  On his side, Ethiopian Somali Regional State President reiterated that they are ready to battle Al Shabaab militants whom he called “thugs” fighting for power in the name of the religion. 

Ethiopian troops were officially integrated into African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in January, 2014 as part of ongoing stabilization operations in central and southern Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE