Somalia: Puntland President heading to Galkayo ahead of Mogadishu talks

GALKAYO, Somalia-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is expected to return from visits to Ethiopia and Turkey on Friday, Garowe Online reports.

Ali will land in central Galkayo city where Al Shabaab suicide bombers killed scores of people in an inferno on August 21.

The deadliest suicide attacks tore through women traders inside busy Dayaha market and municipality complex where government ministers were to attend a meeting.

Puntland leader will fly to Mogadishu for talks to be joined by federal leadership and regional Presidents on September 4.

High level IGAD summit in Mogadishu was also delayed for unknown reasons.

Ali alongside other political leaders is then scheduled to accompany President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on a trip to the holy city of Mecca for annual pilgrimage.

President Mohamud is seeking re-election in decisive October vote.

GAROWE ONLINE