Somalia’s caretaker President rejects allegation that government took part in Galkayo fighting

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Caretaker President Hasan Shaikh Mahmoud has slammed claims against Federal government, for fuelling unrest in Mudug region over contested areas between Galmudug and Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

Mahmoud said the tensions have existed over decades in Mudug region, however, efforts to achieve reconciliation and peace between the two sides was mediated previously and witnessed by the international community.

During a Universal TV Interview, Mahmoud has attributed the lack of commitment from both sides for the cause of the collapse of previous peace deals brokered by Somalia’s international partners.

“Somali Federal government didn’t fuel unrest in anywhere, instead we have pushed efforts to end fighting,” added Mahmoud.

He also added that the fighting in Galkayo has occurred before the establishment of Puntland and Galmudug administrations, during the times of militias fighting between Colonel Abdulahi Yusuf and General Aydid.

“It needs commitment and refrain from actions that could reignite the unrest, we scheduled a meeting in Galkayo to come up with resolution to end the fighting,” added Mahmoud.

Last week, Leaders of regional administrations held meetings in Abu Dhabi, UAE and announced peace agreement to end the recurrent clashes in Mudug region.

GAROWEONLINE