Somalia: Protests over prominent elder’s arrest as leaders flock to Baidoa

GURI’EL, Somalia-Moderate Islamists in the central Somali town of Guri’el has briefly detained a prominent clan elder as traditional leaders prepare for vetting role in the parliamentary selection process ahead of presidential poll later this year, Garowe Online reports. 

The paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea has put Ugas Hassan Ugas Mohamed Nur--the titled Ayr sub-clan elder--behind bars for trying to pick new MPs for Somalia’s next parliament in Adado, the headquarters of rival Interim Galmudug Administration (IGA). 

Angry crowds took to streets shortly after his arrest, forcing local policemen to set their traditional leader free.  

The elder was reportedly heading to Mogadishu through Adado before being arrested.  

Ahlu Sunna and Galmudug forces previously clashed in central Somalia over regional influence. 

Parliamentary selection process is expected to take place in the capitals of Federal Member States and Interim Regional Administrations. 

--Leaders flocking to Baidoa 

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in southwestern Baidoa town for National Consultative Forum (NCF) that will be bringing federal leadership and regional presidents together on Wednesday.  

Southwest State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan has received Mohamud at Baidoa airport under tight security.  

Somali Special Forces, Southwest security forces and Ethiopian-AMISOM peacekeepers were seen disembarking their armored vehicles at key Baidoa junctions. 

Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Puntland’s Abdiweli Mohaned Ali and Galmudug’s Abdikarim Hussein Guled will join the President for the leadership forum.  

Amid uneasiness by international community, Somali political leaders are seeking a mutual position on the technical preparations before second indirect vote, Somalia to hold on its own in four years.

GAROWEONLINE