Somalia: Puntland President moves to mollify protesting clans

Image

GALKAYO, Somalia-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has adapted to demands lodged over the dissolution of Galkayo district council on Monday, Garowe Online reports. 

Ali and clan elders held a closed-doors meeting during which the President reportedly apologized to the most major sub-clan in Galkayo for “disbanding councilors in error”. 

Puntland President dissolved Galkayo city council by decree on July 4, drawing the ire of local clans whose traditional leaders expressed clear reservations.  

Sources said on anonymity condition that Ali also pledged to back elders’ prospective candidate in indirect mayoral vote expected to be conducted in July.  

Ali picked Mohamud Yasin Ahmed as an interim mayor, and ordered the formation of new city council in seven days.   

The 27-member city council is selected by traditional leaders on the basis of complex tribal structure in largely cosmopolitan Galkayo.

GAROWEONLINE

Related Articles

Somalia: Puntland, US confirm operation targeting Al-Shabaab weapons depot

Puntland authorities and the United States described the operation as part of an expanding campaign against Al-Shabaab in northern Somalia.

  • Puntland

    17-09-2026

  • 11:16AM

White Stork Travels 5,180 Kilometres From Hungary Before Dying in Somalia

The bird, known as a white stork and scientifically as Ciconia ciconia, was carrying a tracking ring marked UK43, according to the ministry.

  • Puntland

    08-09-2026

  • 01:26PM