Somalia: Farmajo calls for an end to Tukaraq fighting

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has on Tuesday called for an immediate and unconditional end to the renewed fighting around Tukaraq district in Sool region, Garowe Online reports.

President Farmajo urged officials, traditional elders, religious leaders, civil society groups, women, and youths to stand for the solution of the ongoing battle between Puntland and the breakaway Somaliland.

“It is unfortunate to shed blood especially in a time for the preparation of the holy month of Ramadan,” said Farmajo in a statement released by the office of the President.

“The conflict in Tukaraq should be stopped immediately and unconditionally and the solve the differences through peaceful dialogue,” read the statement in part.

 The president also called for the halt of the inter-clan skirmish that has been taking place in the past few days in El-Afweyn location in Sanaag region, located in northern Somalia.

Lastly, Farmajo has sent condolences to the bereaving families who lost their loved ones in warfare and prayed a speedy recovery for the wounded.

The latest reports from the battle-zone indicate that fighting between the two opposing regional forces subsided late Tuesday. At least 50 people from both sides were killed, dozens more injured.

Farmajo's call came as each side is accusing the other of starting Tuesday's deadly clashes and claimed the upper hand of the combat.

Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has declared victory in the fighting and blamed the Somali government for launching what he called a "naked invasion" against his administration.

GAROWE ONLINE